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Dog-walking companies get a little more leash

Kent Spencer
The Province

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Faced with a roomful of dog owners, North Vancouver District Council last night put off a tough new bylaw that would have regulated companies walking canines.

Mayor Janice Harris said the bylaw will be delayed until staff have time to meet with the companies.

They have complained that restricting walkers to four dogs apiece will put them out of business.

The bylaw was proposed to deal with numerous complaints from frightened citizens.

Bike rider Terry Gould told council as many as 10 dogs have surrounded him.

"They resort to a pack mentality," he said. "Council has a responsibility to protect people.

"It would take a pack less than 60 seconds to kill a child.

"Council is asking for a tragedy if it allows more than two dogs off-leash."

Amber Vernon-Jones, owner of North Shore Dog Walkers, said walkers will do everything they can to work with staff to improve the bylaw.

"The bylaw has a one-strike-and-you're-out rule," she said.

"If a dog has no ID, you lose your permit. No other businesses face that.

"It's fantastic that council has deferred it.

"We've got more time. There has been significant public input."