Mayor Larry Campbell
Vancouver City Council

Research published by reputable sources, such as the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Journal of the US Public Health Service, shows that dogs that are desocialized are responsible for the majority of attacks on humans*.

Leslie Sinclair, DVM, in a report by the Humane Society of the United States says:

"The problem of dangerous dogs is often a problem of irresponsible dog ownership ... Dog owners must take responsibility for their pets, and local laws should require that they do so. Dogs who receive proper socialization, exercise, and attention, who are given adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, who are sterilized, and who are trained humanely and confined safely present little risk to the community ... Dogs chained or caged can be so desperate for activity that they become uncontrollable should they escape ... often receive little veterinary care ... most importantly, dogs who don't get to experience normal opportunities for socialization and training will undoubtedly act in an unpredictable fashion when exposed to the real world.

The HSUS advocates laws that penalize the owners of dogs, not the dogs themselves, for dangerous behaviour."

For the sake of public safety, please ban the practice of keeping dogs in yards, sheds, or on tethers for prolonged periods.

Joann Bessler

*Further references on research into the effects of tethering and isolation in regards to public safety may be found at: