Dangerous animal control services are coming to Jackpine Flats, Lakelse Lake, New Remo, Old Remo, North Terrace and other locations within Area C of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine on a trial basis.
Area C director Bruce Bidgood said the one year trial project is to assist people when they encounter dangerous animals threatening themselves, pets or livestock.
“I have received requests for dangerous animal control from the day I was elected,” Bidgood said.
“The request for service in Area C goes back for more than a decade.”
Expenses, for now, are being covered by reserve monies within regional district accounts at no cost to residents.
“It will require some additional resources but the level is unclear at the moment,” Bidgood said.
The regional district does have a full spectrum of animal control and related services such as licensing and public education but only animal control will be offered in Area C during the trial period.
“It is important to note that this project will not cost Area C folks one more tax dollar,” Bidgood said.
“Residents will have the opportunity to say whether they would like to continue the service with tax dollars at the conclusion of the project.”
The Area C dog control initiative followed a report from the regional district’s bylaw enforcement officer in January leading to a request by the board for its administrators to prepare a dangerous dog policy for consideration.
The policy is expected to be ready for the board later this year.
The regional district currently provides dog control and other services for Thornhill, which is Area E within the regional district, and neighbouring Copperside Estates. The service is financed by a taxation add on for residents within those areas.
The service range includes an animal shelter in Thornhill, dog licensing, checking that dogs are properly cared for and responding to complaints about barking dogs, dogs on the loose and aggressive dogs.
The regional district says people outside the current dog service area should contact the RCMP about any issues with loose or aggressive dogs.