http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/williamslaketribune/news/12953896.html

City looking at new aggressive dog seizure bylaw in the new year
By Jeremy Deutsch - Williams Lake Tribune - January 01, 2008

The city is currently in the process of putting together a bylaw that will give city staff the ability to deal with aggressive dogs before they attack.

The intent of the bylaw is to strengthen the existing bylaw to deal with dogs that do not fall under the current legislation of dangerous dogs.

Geoff Goodall, general manager of development services says the current bylaw leaves an area that makes it difficult to deal with dogs that are showing aggression, but haven't done anything yet.

"What we're trying to with the bylaw is to deal with the situation before it becomes a problem, or someone is seriously hurt," he says.

The full content of the bylaw hasn't been determined so Goodall is researching similar bylaws and dangerous dog legislation in other municipalities as the basis for one in Williams Lake.

He says the bylaw won't likely ban breeds because he says bans don't tend to work.

Interest in the bylaw has come about after the city dealt with a number of aggressive dogs last year.

The fear from the city's perspective is if it doesn't have a bylaw that puts controls on those types of dogs, it's only a matter of time before one gets out and inflicts serious injury on someone.

"We just want some more tools in the box to be able to be proactive and deal with some of these aggressive dogs," Goodall says.

The BC SPCA recommends staying away from breed bans because they don't work.

The SPCA has a number of suggested strategies for municipalities dealing with dangerous dogs through legislation and education.

From bylaws that promote spaying and neutering and pet identification to the creation of resources for owners with aggressive dogs, Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations with the SPCA says some bylaws are effective and some aren't.

"Our approach is we recognize inappropriate aggression is a serious threat," Chortyk.

She adds the city is very forward looking if they don't go for a breed ban.

Goodall says the city might partner with the SPCA in looking after the city's dogs, but not dealing with the bylaw itself.

The new bylaw will go before council sometime in February, but Goodall says the city wants to take its time to make sure its right for Williams Lake.

"I don't want to jump into this and put something forward that isn't going to do what we want it to do," he says.

The bylaw isn't likely to require additional staff, but rather further training on dealing with aggressive dogs.