-----Original Message-----
From: Anne Pepper [mailto:anne@pepperwriting.com]
Sent: 30 December 2002 17:48
To: mayorcampbell@city.vancouver.bc.ca
Cc:
Subject: Dog mauling - new by-laws needed

December 30, 2002,

Mayor Larry Campbell, and Council,

A crisis is happening in Vancouver between people and irresponsible dog owners. Dog owners who encourage de-socialized behaviour by keeping their
dogs isolated in backyards are endangering the safety of our streets.

The attack on Shenica White was truly shocking and a complete tragedy. If we are to prevent this happening again, we have to put an end to the current "can't do anything until the dog attacks" attitude. This is what you get now if you call the pound or the SPCA. I know this because we live on the same street as an isolated, frustrated and unsocialized German shepherd who has already bitten once and been loose several times (the dog is at (removed) East 14th Ave, Vancouver). This dog barks continually out of isolation, and I have called the pound and SPCA repeatedly about this. The pound even told me
it was frustrating for them as their hands are tied by the by-laws.

Every dog will get out eventually - will COPE sit back and wait for another tragedy to happen? I hope that you and city council will act now to ban yard dogs and prolonged isolation of dogs in Vancouver.

The city should proactively remove dangerous dogs from owners BEFORE these animals get a chance to bite. If a person doesn't treat a dog like a pet,
then they don't have the right to own a dog.

Of course, dog owners will argue their 'right' to have a dog penned up in the backyard - not caring that their unsocialized dog may get out and
permanantly harm children or small adults. Many cities have banned certain breeds - it's now time for Vancouver to be even more progressive and ban
yard dogs.

Did you know that the police are encouraging people to get a dog to act as an alarm? That's what they told me after our last break-in attempt in East Van (another problem in itself). Encouraging people to look upon dogs as mechanical objects is all part of the problem.

Regards,

Anne Pepper

cc Animal Advocates Society