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Councillor proposes $100,000 vicious-dog fine

Kent Spencer
The Province

March 8, 2005

Langley needs to get "draconian" with vicious dog owners by fining them $100,000, council was told yesterday.

Township Coun. Muriel Arnason said the only thing that counts is "money."

"I would put people in jail and fine them $100,000," the elderly councillor told a debate into a new vicious dog bylaw.

"If you let the dog out [of your yard], you will take the responsibility. People need to know you will pay and pay and pay."

Langley and the Lower Mainland have been plagued by vicious dog attacks recently: Walkers were attacked in Fort Langley and Brookswood; a three-year-old boy in Maple Ridge was killed; a jogger was savaged in Vancouver; police shot a pit bull attacking a woman in Surrey; and a 10-year-old was bitten in North Vancouver.

Langley permits manager Glen Gordon told council that options include higher licensing fees for dangerous animals, hiring three animal control officers and preventive action such as seizing "dangerous" animals without a warrant before anything happens.

"The incidents are time-sensitive," said Gordon. "Obtaining a warrant may be lengthy and the dog may disappear."

But he told Arnason a $100,000 fine is out of the question. The maximum allowed under B.C.'s Community Charter is $1,000.

The main problem in wide-open Langley is dogs leaving unfenced property to chase unsuspecting passersby, said Sean Baker, manager of the Langley Animal Shelter.

"Eighty-five per cent of the problems happen when dogs come charging off property," he said. "Up to three strays a day are claimed."

Coun. Steve Ferguson said citizens are "concerned about their safety."

"People need to be safe and happy," he said.

The next step in drafting a new bylaw will be a public meeting later this month.