The National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC) was created in 1996 to promote responsible pet ownership. The group consists of several Canadian animal organizations: the Canadian Veterinary Association (CVMA), the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS -which the BCSPCA is a member of), and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC- a pet breeding and selling business association).

NCAC has created a model which is designed to guide Canadian municipalities in their animal control duties, and it astounds me that they don't take a stand against the chaining and isolation of yard dogs. In fact, they appear to promote it. Here is their official position on chaining taken from their web site:

ii Confinement

Dangerous dogs should be kept indoors or in a secure yard that prevents the dog from escaping over or under the fence or by any other means and that prevents access by the public. They should not be confined only by a chain or tether.
**Please note the use of the word "only".

Compare this to what the Calgary bylaw officer was quoted as saying in the news article:

"This dog was apparently in a fenced back yard - if you leave your dog unattended you don't know what's going to happen - if they're not tethered they have the potential to escape over the fence or under the fence, Murray said."

This Calgary bylaw officer is repeating verbatum what is being taught by NCAC, and since NCAC is made up of representatives from the CVMA,the CFHS which includes the BCSPCA, and PIJAC, is it any wonder the right message is not getting out to Canadians that dogs pose a danger to citizens when left outside 24/7? We have defective education coming at the public from all angles right from the get go: the pet stores and the SPCA's where they may get a dog, the veterinarians where they will seek medical care, and the municipalities where they live!

I think it is highly irresponsible for all of these Canadian animal groups to promote the chaining and keeping of yard dogs. If NCAC is where municipalities are taking their queue from with regards to what is best for dogs, then God help all Canadian dogs and children!