Responsible Dog Ownership Committee

The Committee met by conference call on December 6, 2007.  Present were Cathy Prothro, John Hodgkinson, Margaret Jones, Lee Steeves and Sonny Allinson. 

Updates were provided of areas across Canada that have been facing BSL challenges and/or new Municipal dog by-laws that could adversely impact the dog fancy.  Included were Halifax where a new by-law has been effected.  The local CKC Director spoke to Council at first reading and was asked for input to the by-law.  As a result of that input, moderation of several areas occurred.  BSL was not included in Halifax. 

In Ontario, two municipalities have been considering mandatory spay/neuter by laws.  These changes are cropping up across the country and now, more than ever, it is critical that members maintain a vigilant watch on their councils, bringing information and pressure to bear as necessary to ensure that legislation is effected knowledgeably and with an understanding of the impact on the Fancy.  In the West, spay/neuter is being proposed to some municipalities by local citizens.  The basic concerns began with roaming cats but broadened to all domestic pets.  Mr. Allinson has continued to write letters to councils supporting the CKC’s position that mandatory spay neuter is not in the best interest of responsible dog ownership and that BSL does not work.  The CKC Director for BC South west has been actively involved in pushing back against the by laws in areas including Saanich.  If members are facing restrictions such as these, the CKC has had significant success in dealing with municipalities and will support members who approach us for help.  Members should contact their local Director. 

Banned Aide Coalition legal challenge to DOLA – Cathy Prothro reports that the appeal will be filed by Mr. Ruby’s office during the winter of 2008.  It is unlikely that there will be a ruling from the Court of Appeal before the end of 2008.  The Coalition is currently almost out of funds and is in need of support from the dog fancy.  Costs are mounting as the factum is developed and the appeal goes forward. 

Of note internationally is the fact that Sweden has brought in excellent legislation in the area of dog ownership.  The legislation targets dog owners rather than dogs. 

Responsible Dog Ownership Project – Presentation packages are in the final stages of preparation for all three 2007 modules.  A communication plan will be developed by the consultant and a full presentation will be available to the Board at the March meeting.  2008 will bring the second of the three groupings of topics. 

Agreement was reached that there would be a web based “hot spot” listing that will highlight pressures on dog ownership anywhere in the country.  This would be the area where members bring to our attention local or regional by law issues.  

Committee Mandate – as this Committee has grown from strictly BSL to Responsible Dog Ownership, there was a sense that a mandate needed to be developed to ensure the Board and the Committee have the same understanding of its’ functions.  Mr. Hodgkinson offered to undertake this task and a copy of the proposed mandate is attached.

Mrs. Jones offered a public note of appreciation to Mr. Allinson for his excellent support in managing and providing the CKC position to the Saanich proposal for mandatory spay/neuter.

Mr. Allinson will develop and circulate a letter that is targeted to Clubs requesting support for the DOLA legal challenge by Banned Aide. 

Mr. Allinson will order the Ipsos-Reid poll recently conducted and targeting Canadian municipalities and that relates to BSL.