Belinda Brosseau, a Houston resident, presented to the District of Houston council on May. 2 her concern regarding unattended dogs that are roaming around in town.
“Having the pleasure to walk around the neighbourhood with my two young children, without being chased by dogs, and alsogoing out in my backyard without having to clean up other people’s dog poo, before I take my children out there so theydon’t step and play in it, is my concern.” said Borsseau.
Borsseau said that there were a couple of incidents where she and her children were chased by a dogs and had reported it totown and to the RCMP.
“I called the town. They said there is nothing they can do, but said I could put it in writing. Which I did, but I did not getanything back. I called the police but they said there is nothing they can do unless they rip one of my children’s faces off,then they can help me out then, when it is kind of too late in my opinion,” said Borsseau.
At the District of Houston council meeting on Apr. 18 two complaints of dogs running free, and two complaints of a dog bitewere summarized in the monthly report of March for bylaw enforcement. In total there were six complaints regarding dogs,the remaining two because of barking or nuisance. According to the report letters were sent to the owners.
Borsseau said she read the bylaws regarding unleashed dogs, but was unsure if she understood them correctly.
According to animal control page found on the District of Houston website states under dog licensing that “Dogs are notpermitted to run off leash, except in designated off leash areas. When in public areas, dogs must be on a leash at all times.Dog handlers must also clean up after their pets and must be in possession of bags or a scoop for this purpose wheneverwalking a dog off the owner’s property.”
Under Municipal Ticket Information System Implementation Bylaw No. 1060, 2014, found on the District of Houston website itstates in Schedule B10 Animal Control Bylaw No. 918, 2004 it states a fine of $100 for “Running at large.”
“This means that a dog is unleashed,” said Michael Glavin, Chief Administrative Officer for the District of Houston.
“Is there something going to be done if I report something like this, is there something that can get done? My daughter she isonly three, and I can not walk around the block from Gillespie Road to Jewel Road anymore without her screaming, becauseshe is so petrified of dogs,” said Borsseau. “I just want to go for a walk with my kids to the duck pond, and I can’t do thatbecause there are so many people that don’t look after their dogs around here.”
Houston council thanked Borsseau for her public input, and recorded her contact information.