By Cheryl Jahn

Irresponsible Dog Owners Warned

Mar 19, 2018 | 3:30 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Spring is in the air, but with the melting snow comes the remnants of a winter’s worth of leftovers from irresponsible dog owners. There is a City bylaw, the Responsible Animal Owners bylaw, that sets out the rules. You have to be able to show you have some means on your person for cleaning up your dog’s leftovers and then, of course, actually follow through.

“Under the new Responsible Animal Ownership bylaw, there is a $300 fine for failing to clean up after your dog and a $100 fine for failing to have something with yo0u to help you do that,” explains Fred Crittendon, Manager of Bylaw Services. “Those fines, if not paid within 30 days, jump up to $375 and $125, respectively.”   

But, while it is unsightly for those walking through the city parks and greenspaces, it can be dangerous to dogs, with the Parvo virus.

“It’s so dangerous because it attacks puppies and it attacks puppies that haven’t had all the vaccines,” says Dr. Janelle Merritt with the Ospika Animal Hospital. “It attacks their intestinal tracts.” 

If left unchecked, it can actually kill the animal.

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While there is a bylaw, it is often it is a matter of self-policing, making people aware that their lack of diligence is not only an inconvenience to those trying to enjoy their time in the park, but it may also be the death of someone else’s pet.