Refereeing a dogfight

Sep 08 2006

The Comox Strathcona Regional District (CSRD) has landed between some people’s desire to have dogs and neighbours’ insistence on peace and quiet.

Profiled last week in the Record, Tamara Drummond of Fanny Bay said she lives in the country so she and her mother may have their 10 canines.

Regulations approved last week by regional district directors define any home with more than four adult dogs as a kennel, making them subject to CSRD noise bylaws.

Although you might quibble about the number of dogs in the new rules, this seems to be a sensible compromise that allows dog lovers to enjoy several hounds while safeguarding neighbours’ rights.

Since the kennel rules activate only when the CSRD receives a complaint, it’s possible for people to have more than four adult dogs if they don’t annoy nearby residents.

Even with the best regulations, the key is often enforcement.

Regional district staff will need tact and wisdom as they simultaneously weigh the possibilities of noise bylaw infractions and vexatious complaints.

We wish them well as they try to resolve disputes that weigh competing interests without resorting too quickly to ticketing or legal action.

reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com - opinions