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Dogs require leashes only in parks

The law clearly states that dog owners must keep their animal(s) leashed at all times using a leash of not greater than four feet in length.

After reading the letter that appeared in the Arrow Lakes News Jan.16 edition I would like to clarify for the general public the image the writer portrayed of the deceased dog’s owner and her neighbour, Brian Graham. In Mr. Maxfield’s letter he contends that the letters published in the ALN Jan. 9 edition “are a not so subtle attempt to place the onus on the trapper” and “a lot of smoke and mirrors kind of stuff meant to deflect from, perhaps, who is really responsible.”

These statements are totally misleading since the sole purpose of publicizing Nikki’s death was to motivate the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to undertake legislative change. Change that would permit the general public to be notified by means of visible signage indicating that active trapping is being undertaken in the vicinity.

We certainly agree that the operator of the Baerg Road trap line is remorseful for what occurred on Boxing Day and we all agree that his activity adheres to the current legal trapping requirements. Our objective is not to outlaw or restrict trapping but to effect legislative change with respect to improved public notification and subsequent awareness.

Mr. Maxfield goes on to state that Ms. Hoyle-Szabo  “take ownership for not having her dog on a leash as is required by law.”  After speaking with Ministerial officials, I would like to clarify that there is no law requiring the general public to leash their dogs on Crown Land except within the defined boundaries of all BC Provincial Parks.

The law clearly states that dog owners must keep their animal(s) leashed at all times using a leash of not greater than four feet in length. It is unfortunate that Mr. Maxfield’s Jan. 16 letter contained erroneous information.

It is our hope that through thoughtful and positive discussions between the Ministry of FLNR and the BC Trappers Association Executive our personal goal of increased awareness and safety can be achieved without delay.

I trust that my comments will clarify our intent of publicizing Nikki’s avoidable Boxing Day death.

 

Brian Graham

Nakusp,B.C.