Police chief Don Hussher said the town’s dog control officer was contacted after an incident on July 30 in which a Jack Russell Terrier being walked by its owner was injured by a larger dog.
As a result, the small dog’s rib cage was crushed and its lungs punctured, and it had to be euthanized, said Hussher. This past weekend, the bigger dog was euthanized because of unrelated health issues.
He said the incident prompted him to look closely at the current bylaw regarding canines, and he feels it should be strengthened.
“In looking at the bylaw, it doesn’t have the teeth the bylaw officer needs to do his job,” said Hussher.
“It would be my recommendation to take a serious look at the dog bylaw and controlling fierce and dangerous dogs and holding the owners responsible.”
He said a number of issues should be covered in the bylaw, including responsible ownership, which are not part of the current version.
Hussher created a new bylaw for the town of Westville several years ago, and he said it’s
a better means of enforcement for the dog control officer. He also mentioned Antigonish’s bylaw, which is also more strict.
“Over my career in policing in Pictou County I can cite dozens of cases, and more, of violence against persons that has resulted in extreme injuries in some cases they were close to death. We have to tighten up the bylaw.”
John Fillier is the dog control officer for Stellarton, Westville, Trenton and New Glasgow, and he said under the current regulations, there’s not a lot he can do unless he witnesses a dog attack.
He said Westville’s canine bylaw gives him the power to issue written orders for containment and muzzle use for fierce and dangerous dogs. “It just makes the job so much easier,” he said. “A lot of times it helps control these situations.”
“It would be nice to prevent a bite before it happens,” said Councillor Judith MacLellan.
Council instructed Hussher to submit a draft proposal based on Westville’s bylaw, which would be reviewed by council, the police commission and the town’s solicitor.