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North Van's new rules to drive out dog walkers

Kent Spencer
The Province

Monday, April 04, 2005

North Vancouver District council is poised to enact a tough new bylaw aimed at companies that walk canines.

A bylaw to be voted on by council tonight is the result of residents being frightened by large packs of animals, Mayor Janice Harris said yesterday.

"There has been increasing complaints about encounters with off-leash dogs," said Harris. "We're responding to the public's concerns."

Susan McCarthy, owner of the Kitsilano-based Paws in Motion, said the bylaw would make it "impossible" to operate profitably in the district.

"The bylaw is extremely restrictive," said McCarthy. "This is a Band-Aid solution. The district is just shifting the problem to another district. We will end up going to West Vancouver.

"The problem is not going away because people are afraid of dogs. There are lots of ways to co-exist with animals.

McCarthy employs 10 walkers and has a client base of owners of between 200 and 300 animals.

Paws In Motion takes as many as eight dogs on four-hour mountain hikes at a time, at a cost of $35 each.

They try to go as far from the public as possible, along forested mountain trails in Lynn Canyon and Mount Seymour.

But Harris said the district's lack of off-leash regulations is not working, adding: "I know the district will be flooded with complaints from dog-walking businesses."

Under the bylaw, each commercial walker would have to pay a $50 fee. Each dog would have to wear identification containing the owner's name and telephone number.

In addition, each dog would require a written history and $2-million liability insurance. An infraction of the bylaw would bring a fine of up to $100.

Coun. Ernie Crist called the district the "dog latrine of the Lower Mainland."

"Even 'friendly' dogs can become intimidating for hikers trying to walk and enjoy the forest," he said.

Council will hear public input before the vote on the bylaw tonight.