TNRD expands dangerous dog bylaw to include all 10 electoral areas

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s (TNRD) Dangerous Dog Control Bylaw is now in effect across all 10 electoral areas, thanks to the efforts of one local area director.

Area “E” Director Jim Smith was behind the push to expand the bylaw, saying he had to act after a postal worker was attacked by a dog while on the job.

“She received a very serious injury on her hand and was out of work for about a month as she had to have surgery,” Smith told CFJC Today. “Unfortunately, that also affected the RCMP as if there is no bylaw in place, they are powerless to act against the dog owner.”

“As a new director, I was not aware that we were not covered by the TNRD’s bylaw when we went to take some action, so I felt it was very important to make a statement as we need to protect our residents.”

Smith began his efforts to get the bylaw expanded when he put forward a notice-of-motion in mid-August. It was approved by the TNRD Board in early September.

“I guess in years past, each director had the option to opt in or out out of the program,” Smith said. “I assume the director that I replaced chose not to be in the service because there is a charge, though its not very much. It’s like a couple of cups of Starbucks coffee.”

According to the TNRD, electoral area residents would be taxed $0.37 per $100,000 in assessed property value (based on 2024 assessments) towards the Dangerous Dog Control Reserve to pay for the program.

The changes were officially adopted in March, and Smith said it means bylaw officers can now respond to complaints when a dog has killed or seriously injured a person or a domestic animal. They can also respond if there are reasonable grounds to believe that a dog is likely to kill or injure a person.

“Whatever the outcome may be, whether its the seizure of the animal or if it has to be euthanized or whatever, it gives us the power to conduct those issues,” Smith said. “I’m hoping it doesn’t go unattended like what happened to our postmistress, as that is not acceptable in this day and age.”

The TNRD says its dangerous dog program does not provide enforcement for dogs at large (which should be directed towards animal rescue societies like the SPCA), barking dogs (which is enforced by the TNRD Noise Regulation Bylaw), or dog attacking wildlife (which is handled by BC Conservation Officers).

It also does not apply to “assertive dogs” like ones that are growling, with people being told to take up those issues with the dog’s owner.

People can report a dangerous dog to the TNRD either online, by calling the Community Services department at 250-377-8673. or by email.

“All bylaws are complaint driven so if you go on the TNRD website there are forms for all sorts of issues,” Smith added, noting he’s also willing to help guide people through the process. “We act on every written complaint on every bylaw.”

“We have bylaw officer who is responsible for dangerous dogs, so if something happens, we would be contacted along with the RCMP because it could be a civil matter as well.”