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On August 30, 2000, new legislation came into force in British
Columbia that allows quick action to be taken to protect people
and animals from dangerous dogs. A dangerous dog is one that
has killed or seriously injured, or is likely to kill or seriously
injure, a person. A dog is also dangerous if it has killed
or seriously injured a domestic animal in a public place or
while on private property other than the dog owner's property.
The new law respects the rights of responsible dog owners
who make sure their pets are property cared for, well socialized,
trained and do not pose a threat. The law deals with situations
where irresponsible dog owners who, even when faced with evidence
that their dog is dangerous, refuse to take the necessary
measures to prevent a dog attack.
When an incident concerning a dog occurs, an animal control
officer will assess each case on an individual basis. If the
officer believes the dog is dangerous and the owner of the
dog refuses to give the dog up to the authorities, the officer
may obtain a warrant to seize the dog from private property.
Once a dog has been seized, it may be impounded pending a
provincial court order of destruction.
The animal control officer must be able to convince a justice
of the peace that there are reasonable grounds for the dangerous
dog assessment and that a warrant should be issued for the
seizure and impoundment of the dog. In an application for
a provincial court order, the judge must be convinced that
the destruction of the animal is in the public interest. The
dog owner would have the opportunity to be heard by the judge.
All dogs can bite. A dog may show aggression
when protecting its young, its owner, its owner's property,
its food or its toys. A dog may bite or growl if it is injured,
frightened or threatened. This does not mean that all dogs
are necessarily dangerous.
Steps to take if your dog shows signs of inappropriate aggression:
- First, talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can
help with advice and, if appropriate, medical intervention.
It is important to establish a relationship with your veterinarian
through regular veterinary examinations to check that your
dog is healthy and is pain-free.
- Make sure that your dog is kept in a secured environments
- a fenced yard or locked enclosure (your local animal
control office or SPCA branch can provide you with guidelines
on space, fencing and tethering). Make sure your property
is well marked, warning people that a potentially dangerous
dog is present. Never leave children unattended with any
dog.
- When you take the dog off your property, make sure the
dog is leashed and, if appropriate, muzzled. Some local
governments have bylaws requiring the muzzling and/or leashing
of dogs in public places. Keep your dog well away from
other pedestrians and pets.
- Consult with a reputable dog trainer or dog behaviour
specialist. The younger the dog is when training begins,
the more successful the outcome. All dog owners are encouraged
to socialize their young dogs by attending puppy-training
sessions before a problem with aggressiveness arises.
- Have your dog spayed or neutered. Sterilizing your dog
can significantly reduce aggressive behaviour.
- As the owner, if you feel that your dog's aggressive
behaviour cannot be controlled and the risk of injury to
a person or animal is too great, you should have your dog
euthanized.
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