Hanover responds to dog attacks

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This article was published 08/07/2014 (3573 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The RM of Hanover has amended its animal control bylaw in an effort to encourage dog owners to be more responsible. The changes follow 18 complaints in the past year of dogs attacking people, said bylaw enforcement officer Brian Brunelle.

“We felt that safety is paramount and it’s in our best interest, for liability reasons, that the RM address this issue as quick as possible,” Brunelle told The Carillon. “Dog owners need to keep dogs from roaming at large; in urban and rural districts.”

A key change to the bylaw is the addition of dog licenses being required for every dog in the municipality. Dog owners will need to provide the municipal office with a current rabies vaccine document and the vaccine needs to be administered every two years. Updated documents should be brought to the municipal office. With the number of dog bites that have occurred in the past year in Hanover, Brunelle feels it is important for dog owners to understand the high risk of roaming dogs to be infected with rabies.

“Southeastern Manitoba has the highest reported ratio for rabies,” said Brunelle.

Along with ownership information, the dog’s license will include details of a dogs’ medical condition.

“If a dog has a medical condition, gets lost and (the dog catcher) finds it, they can take care of the dog with a vet.”

Council has also decided to waive the fee until Dec. 31, 2015 with hopes this will encourage dog owners to act quickly.