Dog-attack fine to be reviewed

Published: September 13, 2011 11:48 p.m.

Last modified: September 13, 2011 11:50 p.m.

(1)

Print article

Text size

Coun. Gloria McCluskey barked her way into getting full support from Halifax regional council to review the animal bylaw Tuesday evening.

McCluskey wants the fine for a dog that attacks to be raised to a minimum of $1,000, or jail time if the owner doesn’t pay.

She also wants to restrict the length of dog leashes to two metres and ban retractable leashes.

At one point, council’s eyes were directed to the television screens to watch a slideshow of babies with dogs “to show how loving dogs are,” said McCluskey.

“In most instances, it’s the owner that is the problem, not the dog.

“It’s the way they train the dogs,” she added, clutching her fists. “We need to get tough, and this is the way to get there.”

Right now, the standard ticket is $340.21 — that covers everything from an unlicensed dog or a dog that attacks.

Coun. Lorelei Nicoll said this is an issue that hits close to home.

“Having been bitten by a dog myself, I know there’s not a whole lot there to protect people.”

Coun. Darren Fisher thanked the council’s “resident pit bull” for bringing the motion forward, adding it was long overdue.

more local stories

Mayor missing from council meeting

Mayor Peter Kelly is not in attendance at Halifax City Hall today.

Halifax police say body found on Sunday a victim of homicide

HALIFAX - Police in Halifax say a 55-year-old man found dead in the area of Montague Gold Mines was the victim of a homicide.

Nova Scotia pulls funding for OxyContin, OxyNeo

HALIFAX - Nova Scotia's health minister says her province has decided not to fund the prescription painkiller OxyContin and its successor drug, OxyNeo.

Add your comment

Comments are not reviewed before posting. If you believe a comment has violated the commenting guidelines, please alert a moderator using links provided.