Port Coquitlam plans to put more teeth into its bylaws governing aggressive and dangerous dogs.
A number of changes are being recommended by the city's bylaw services manager as a result of recent court decisions.
Last week, Dan Scoones told PoCo's community safety committee the municipal animal control officer has dealt with about half a dozen chronic offenders over the past couple of years.
In one case, the city applied to have an aggressive dog destroyed - as permitted under the Community Charter - but the application was rejected by a judge and the pooch was allowed to go home. In response, the city sent letters to the dog owner's neighbours to advise them of the ruling and the return of the canine. That court case cost the city "on the sunny side of $20,000," Scoones told the committee.
More than 40 dogs in PoCo are deemed aggressive and all need to be monitored to some extent by the city, he said.
Under the current bylaw, an aggressive dog is defined as one that has bitten or pursued - without provocation - or is owned or trained for dog fighting.
Scoones is recommending the city add a new definition: "A dog that an animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to attack without provocation, cause injury or otherwise threaten the safety of persons or domestic animals."
As well, Scoones is suggesting that owners of aggressive dogs be required to keep their animals enclosed when outdoors by a fence at least 1.8 m high and to post signs at all property entrances.
In addition, he's asking the city to hike its impound and board fees for aggressive and dangerous dogs, raise penalty infractions to $500 and impose higher licence fees (dangerous dogs are classified as animals that have killed or seriously injured a person or domestic animal, or have the potential to kill or harm).
The committee members, councillors Glenn Pollock and Laura Dupont, said they were shocked by the number of aggressive dogs in the city and look forward to putting more pressure on owners, should their animals pose a risk to the public.
Meanwhile, as part of the animal control bylaw revision, Scoones is also requesting new measures for kennel operators and authorization to issue free licences for dogs under the age of six months. Newcomers to PoCo would also be allowed to swap their dog tags from their last home municipality at no cost for a PoCo tag, which would be valid for the rest of the year.
Finally, at the city's two off-leash dog parks, Scoones is recommending tighter controls, including:
requiring dog owners carry a leash;
keeping pets in view at all times;
having dogs under control;
and restraining them if they show aggressive behaviour or disobey the owner's command.
Other PoCo news:
GRAFFITI FINES
Vandals in Port Coquitlam will face double the penalty under a bylaw change.
Last week, the city's community safety committee approved a proposal to hike the fine for graffiti from $150 to $300 (with a $100 discount if paid within 14 days). Scoones said the RCMP asked the city to raise the ticket rate and to bring it in line with other municipalities.
"This is something that offends the entire community," he said of graffiti.
Scoones said it's easier for police to issue tickets than lay criminal mischief charges.
The issue will come before city council for consideration at a later date.
@jwarrenTC
