After a year of trying to work with staff from the Districts of North and West
Vancouver to pass fair and workable bylaws regarding Commercial Dog Walking on
the North Shore, staff have come up with an outrageous proposal that will be
going before North Vancouver District Council this coming Monday, April 3rd.
If approved it will likely be on the agenda for next Monday in West Vancouver.
If passed, these bylaws will put most dog walkers completely out of business
and severely handicap those of us that manage to stay afloat.

PLEASE, take the time to look over the report, and if at all possible, attend
the meeting this Monday night (7pm at the Municipal Hall, 355 West Queens Rd.)
Unfortunately, we were only informed of the meeting on Thursday and I will be
out of town, but YOUR support is crucial. If enough people show up to voice
their opposition there is a good chance that Council will agree to some
changes before passing anything, or possibly even defer the issue. If you live
anywhere on the North Shore this affects you. This is our last chance to act.

I have attached a link to the staff report below (it requires Adobe Reader).

The report contains accusations and allegations that we have tried without
success to get proof of for almost a year. We have even gone as far as
applying to the Freedom of Information Act, but were told that staff now deny
they made any such statements (even though we have proof in the form of
e-mails and newspaper articles). The allegations have no foundation, are
tantamount to slander, and sully the reputation of our entire industry.

http://www.dnv.org/upload/documents/Council_Reports/641398.pdf

The main points of contention are:

1. 5 dogs max., with only 2 off leash
2. Max. of 4 walkers per company (many companies would have to dismiss staff)
3. Max. of 2 walks per day (even for Norma, who does our private walks)
4. Commercial dogwalking from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday (no
weekend walks or walks after 3pm).
5. a fee increase of over 900% (yes 9-0-0)

Dog walking companies are small businesses that provide an often necessary
service. By and large we do what we do because we love animals, it is no way
to "get rich quick". Yes, there are dog walkers out there that aren't licenced
or insured, ignore existing bylaws, take too many dogs, and are a public
nuisance. Legitimate dog walkers want to see these companies held accountable
too, but why punish those of us that are law abiding, professional and
conscientious?

I have loved animals as long as I can remember. I recall being seven and
missing the school bus because I was rescuing worms from drying up on the
sidewalk (still do)!

I am asking for your help to let Council know that these bylaws, if passed "as
is", will effectively put a muzzle on small businesses like "A Walk in the
Park".

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sincerely, Julie Davidson