To the owner of the big yellow dog that runs free

I'm with you John. Since when are we as a communtiy letting these animals run free and do as they want? Its like theses dogs are a race all there own and we let them run the streets like some type of superior beings that we don't apply rules to. Its nuts. 

 Why do we shoot bears for eating garbage and let these dogs do as they want. If a bear came in my backyard and did what it did to Johns pet, we'd shoot it. I think the same rules should apply.

The tolerance we give to negligent owners and their dogs is mind blowing. 

There has been far more dog attacks in Rossland than there has ever been bear attacks but its the bears everybody is worrying about. We can actually solve the dog problem yet were worried about these damn bears that come into town a couple months a year. This town is so twisted sometimes its mind boggling.

Shoot the dogs and leave the bears alone. 

So sorry to hear about your pet.  I agree fully, the dogs in this town and the attitude of their owners make this town unsafe.  Have experienced a couple incidents personally and have now heard of countless others, and I've only just moved here!    My advice to people with small children or pets looking to move to Rossland is, don't.   

Sorry to hear about your pet, and I hope your son is doing ok considering. I've lived here 20+ years and things are getting ridiculous. No one enforces s**t, just turn your head the other way seems to be the new politically correct way of doing things, too afraid to ruffle feathers I guess. As bad as your situation was/is, I hope it forces change. 

We've also just moved here. We were cautious about how to handle bear encounters and whether our (non-aggressive) dog would miss playing and runnng in dog parks. Now, we are less concerned about bears and more concerned about other dogs. We've passed so many dogs approaching ours with their heckles up, barking (with aggressive tones) from their yards as we pass, and people holding dogs back as though they are afraid of what they are going to do. Our dog has been attacked by a husky-type dog on the trail, and a dog tied to a pole outside Alpine Grind yesterday suddenly got up and snarled, making both of us and our dog jump. Now, whenever a dog, particularly one running free in the town, approaches, we are on edge. This isn't what we moved here for. We are wondering if maybe the lack of a dog park has led to dogs here not being socialised at a young age. We are considering a second dog just to keep ours company, since there is hardly any socialising going on (or allowed, by some owners) on the trails. What do the many dog owners here think about a dog park? The City must be able to find a suitable place. We walk past the bike skills park every day on the way to the trail, and so far we've never seen anyone using it. If not, there must be somewhere. If enough of us ask the City maybe they would do something. That could be a partial solution, although obviously some dogs here are now beyond that and need professional help (or their owners do).

I didn't want to post on this because I don't want to continue another rant on loose dogs.  It seems like it is a repetitive subject.  But, the thought that two people have mentioned killing them has upset me deeply.  

Threatening to kill a dog is absolutely disgusting and concerning character.  Dogs are companion animals and part of a family dynamic. 

Just so you know so I don't get attacked, we don't let our dogs run free because I don't trust them with cars, and predators in our rural town.

I am very sorry to hear that your son had to witness something traumatic as mentioned.  However I am inferring and could be wrong (forgive me if I am), that their pet was a rodent or small bird type? If this is the case, there are many predators that could have eaten it.  We have bears, coyotes, hawks, owls, skunks, and raccoons.  Having an animal so small being vulnerable was not a good choice on your behalf.  It also sounds like you are aware of this yellow dog being in your area.  What made you think that having prey outside was a good choice?  And if you think this is a good idea, why don't you have a fence? That would keep almost all of the above out of your yard.

I can sincerely say that a huge draw to Rossland was dogs.  I absolutely love that a dog can greet me while on a walk, or downtown and give them a pet.  Nothing warms my heart more then seeing a well-behaved dog waiting for their owner outside of a store.  Their tail wagging, and kind eyes greeting you as you pass.  It honestly makes me smile.

Learning how to approach a dog is perhaps important for those concerned.  If the dog looks protective or like they are on alert, don't walk directly by them.  It is quite easy to read their body language. 

In five years of being a Rossland resident the only place I have encountered an aggressive dog is in a condensed area of a path where they are simply being protective.  That and my dog has almost been killed in a dog park in Calgary because of the nature of dog parks.  We moved out of the city to avoid places like them.  The smell, congested area, thought of people standing around and gossiping while using a Chuck It to 'walk' their dog, coffee in hand.  Sure it was nice sometimes, but there is nothing more pleasurable for a dog then going on a nature hike on one of our amazing trails, able to run free, smell, and just be dogs.  Please don't propose a dog park.  If you're looking for that, perhaps the city was the place for you?

This is a lovely rural town.  I hope that you can learn to embrace its uniqueness. 

To the OP, I'm curious to know where the attack by this dog took place. I ask because while returning from a ride at 5:30pm yesterday I was chased by two dogs, one fitting the description you gave. This incident occured on the upper portion of Planer Cres, west of Spokane Street. A large/older, yellow/golden dog (a golden lab ?), and another dog (brown, curly/shaggy, possibly a labradoodle) bolted out of a yard on the south side of upper Planer Cres, barking and snarling, aggressively giving chase the length of the street. It was definitely not a bluff charge and my only option to escape being bitten was a high-speed blind turn down Spokane St. If a vehicle had been coming up or down Spokane Street I'd most likely not be writing this. I'd hate to think of the possible outcome if it had been a child riding past that yard. 

If the owner of the dog(s) described in this post reads this please take appropriate, and legally obligated, measures to gaurantee your pet is not allowed the opportunity to repeat it's behaviour.

thanks Jess but I  think those of us with small children would argue that just because creatures are small does not make them prey and fair game for your dog to use as a chew toy.  And you should be concerned if you have an aggressive dog you let wander the streets, a hard yes for treating them like any other wild and aggressive animal that threatens my family.

I do have two small children, and like I said I do not let my dogs roam, nor do I have aggresive dogs.  

My concern is someone threatening to kill a dog.  Get a fence if you want to protect your children, and rodent, that's what I did! Even with a fence I wouldn't think of letting a rodent loose in my yard.  Birds of prey frequent our skies.  

If you're letting small creatures roam in your yard without protection of a cage or gate you're taking a pretty big chance.  If you're considering a dog being a wild animal and you treating it that way... you should perhaps think of the dog treating your rodent the same way.  As they did. 

Jess, I'm sorry but your response sounds a bit like victim-blaming to me. Children and small pets, no matter what type they are, should feel safe and free from attack in their own yard. Yes, there are wild predators that one has to be concerned about but that is a completely different discussion. This discussion is about domestic pets being allowed to behave in whatever way their instincts lead them without guidance, interference or training by their owners. 

No one loves dogs more than I do but in my opinion, it is absolutely the dog owner's responsibility to ensure that their dog is (A) no threat to kids, bikers or other pets and (B) not being a pest (as in being allowed to get into other's people's garbage or defecate on their lawns. People with dogs are the ones who should get a fence (as you did).

I make a few more allowances for people walking their dogs way out on the trails. I don't expect everyone to keep every dog on a leash at all times. But people should know their dogs well enough to know if they have any kind of aggressive tendencies or a strong chase instinct. Those dogs DO have to be controlled. If you have a mild-mannered 15-year old who wants to go out for a stroll, it's not such a deal. 

AND if you have a dog with those tendencies, face up to it. Do some serious training with them and get help from a responsible dog trainer if necessary. I know people who have adopted dogs like that and have worked through the issues, ending up with a well-behaved canine citizen. If dogs are going to live in human communities, for their own sake as well as humans around them, they have to be taught what is acceptable and what isn't. 

There is simply no defense or excuse for a dog running into someone else's yard and attacking. 

I just wanted to say that I wasn't talking about a small, fenced-in dog park where people stand around drinking coffee. Just an open, grassy area, where they can run and socialize would be good.

Slightly off the topic, but, for example, our dog's best buddy (whom he met in a park) is coming to visit soon. They love to run together, chase and wrestle. At the moment, I am having a hard time thinking of an open, relatively safe, area where they will be allowed to run off leash. Trails and paths are not conducive to play, as nice as they are. 

Mondrgreen, I agree with you 100% in regards to everything you said. I am putting blame on the parents. I love all creatures big and small and believe that they put their son's small pet in a very vulnerable position and should be taking ownership over what happened; and not blaming a dog that is allowed to roam and threatening its life. Particularly if they were aware this dog frequented the area.. super unfortunate situation  

Harmony, we thought the same thing when we moved and now our friends can't wait to come visit so that our dogs can play freely on the trails. I promise you they'll really love it. Larry's land Eddie J have had brushing recently and allow for  great chasing. 

Jess, you are not listening. It is absolutely wrong to suggest the onus is on people to protect themselves. That is what civilization is about. You shouldn't need to go armed and in fear. The owner of the threat DOG is absolutely responsible and must restrain it at all times. No ifs, ands or buts. For the few who ignore this rule, they deserve to have their pets removed/controlled by others if they won't do it. That includes animal control by conservation officers for dogs that harass or molest wildlife. In this instance, the OP is merely indicating that he's prepared to take that step if the owner won't control his dog.

I am a long time dog owner. I carefully look after my dogs. They are valuable financially and emotionally. They are trained professionally to a very advanced level. I have asked people on trails to control their loose dogs and been met with hostility or absent looks. I will (reluctantly) pepper spray any non-controlled dog that is a threat. I would go further if necessary. I will protect my furry friends (and, of course, family) by any means necessary from hostile or aggressive animals.

Jess, as Mountain Mitch posted, you have misunderstood my point.

I am NOT putting responsibility on the parents of the child and whatever pet was killed in their own yard. I am putting that responsibility on whoever owns the yellow dog that killed the pet. It doesn't matter what kind of pet it is. It doesn't matter if the dog lives in the area. Whoever owns that dog is responsible for controlling it, especially as it is very obviously an aggressive dog.

No matter how much I love dogs, I understand with the strong reactions posted here. If a dog came into my yard and killed my cat, I don't know what I'd do. If people don't want their dogs harmed, they have to control them. 

Mountain Mitch and Mondegree. I didn't misunderstand it. Mondgreen I agree with your understanding of animals and philosophy. I agree that it sucks when animals are not under control.  Sorry I should not of said 100% as I do believe that the parents of the child should be taking responsibility for allowing an animal of prey loose in an uncontrolled environment.  We live in a habitat with many prey animals that could have eaten it.  Regardless if your yard is your yard or a trail.  That little animal was put in a vulnerable position.    

Who knows if that dog is aggressive or not?  Perhaps it got out of the house and usually doesn't?  Maybe it has irresponsible owners that let him free roam?  Regardless, he is a dog, and dogs have an instinct to chase small animals, and sometimes eat them too.  As do cats.  Should every cat that runs loose be shot because they kill rodents and birds?  

The situation is indeed unfortunate and traumatizing to the child.  That is a huge bummer.  But that dog does not deserve to die as mentioned.  

I'm being a voice for that dog, and others that are loose, because they may unfortunately have owners that are not being responsible for them. Yes they are parcially responsible for the situation, but so are those parents. 

Has anyone seen my pitchfork?

i seem to have misplaced it...

Apparently we have bylaw enforcement now, so if people take advantage of the few weeks that person is here before they likely quit... start calling on loose dogs. It hurts my heart that people are telling others not to move to Rossland over this very solvable problem. I don't understand how someone can leave their dog unattended in town... I am sick with worry if I don't know where my dogs are, and that they are safe. Letting your dog roam free is not giving it some kind of optimum life, it is setting up for neighbourhood discord, garbage strewn all over, poop in neighbour's yards, attacks on kids and pets and possibly being hit by cars. 

And please don't shoot any dogs - the owners are 100% to blame for the behavior of their animals. 

Most people today have a cell phone. Might be an idea to start taking and posting pictures of loose dogs here - especially the aggressive ones. If the same dogs keep getting photographed, then it may be time for the by-law officer to discuss fencing with the owners.

And Jess, if a dog comes into someone's yard and even *appears* to be a threat to a child, then not only is the householder legally entitled to take whatever action is required to protect that child, but the dog owner is responsible in law.  If the owner of the yellow dog that started this discussion is ever taken to court, I think you will find that it is no defence that it went into an unfenced yard.

Dear Jess and Ikoric , 

Loved hearing about your feelings. I agree with you both. I try to give my dog some off-leash time everyday. Usually on some trail. We have him stay when people or a biker approaches.  We do not want him to jump or run after folks. We all love this area for the nature and freedom. I hope it stays this way. The owners of dogs running free should be warned , then fined. Also, if a person has his f.a.c. , it scares me to think how quick you would shoot something. Agreed,  if something is threatening your child...do whatever you need to do but many dogs like running after small animals. Mine likes chasing birds and squirrels. It's in their nature. . 

Telling people NOT to move to our community??? Wow , is all I will say . 

Well, I couldn't help myself...

1.)City by-law states that dogs must be leashed and attended to, fines should be issued but again this comes back to lack of by-law enforcement.  The incoming bylaw officer position is going to be filled by Selkirk Security for 15 hours a week, so good luck there...

2.)We don'y need a dog park, there's more than ample green space and trails around town and the surrounding area to take your dog off leash.  Furthermore, dog parks=dog poo (insert dog poo debate here)

3.)There are no such things as bad dogs, just bad owners, dogs don't deserve to die just beacuse they're doing what comes naturally

4.)Who keeps rodents as pets anyways?

5.)Finally as most importantly.  Firearms fall under federal law, and it is against federal law to discharge a firearm within municipal city limits.  Doing so would result is seizure of said firearm, loss of PAL license and ability to ever own firearms again, fines and possibly jail time. IF a person would be stupid enough to shoot a dog in town they would bring down such holy hellfire from the community I wouldn't be surprised if they would be forced to leave town.  Please don't be so ignorant to make threats as such, you have no idea the wrath you would incur from this town.

  Rossland is and will always be a dog town, get used to it.  And unless the city is willing to actually step up and enforce thier own by-laws (doubtful), free range dogs will be a part of this place.  Yes we have problem dogs, yes there have been incidences, and yes dogs have been peppered sprayed before.  But c'mon, use your judgement a bit here and keep your rat-thing or whatever it is inside like a "normal" person would do.  Dogs have been domesticated pets for centuries, rodents aren't.

If a young child chooses to have a rodent, bird, ferret or what ever type of prey animal etc and feels that it's ok to play with said pet in their yard then it's their right to do so. But if a free roaming cat or dog or even one that escapes their fenced yard and enters that child's yard and kills or attacks a pet then the owners of the free roaming animal should be punished not the dog or cat. If an owner knows that their dog sometimes attacks other dogs, the owner should keep their dog on a leash or have it wear a bite muzzle. @ John Wood I feel for you and your child and totally understand your anger and frustration. Let's hope that the new bylaw officer starts to fine these irresponsible dog owners. 

1. Can I just ask if it has ever been established that the pet that was killed was a rodent of any type? 'Cause if it was, I missed it. Is this just an assumption?

2. Who would keep a rodent as a pet? TONS of people would. Rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, rats - lots of people enjoy them as companion animals and who am I to tell other people which animal is appropriate for them to keep? People have been keeping these sorts of animals for a loooooong time. Personally, I don't understand why the type of pet matters. Surely we can't be saying that dog owners rights trump owners of any other kind of pet? (by the way, I say this as a person who wouldn't keep a rodent as a pet but is a great lover of dogs)

3. No one WANTS to kill dogs. It's horrifying to even think of it. No one wants their dog to be killed or run over or harmed in any way. So - Protect your dog. Keep your dog in control, in a fenced yard and take them for lots of walks. If your dog bites a human or kills someone else's pet, I believe that it is possible to petition to have the dog put down. Why in the world would any loving dog owner risk that? I'm asking this as a serious question. Answer anonymously if you wish. I truly want to understand the viewpoint of people who let their dogs roam and I'm not being sarcastic.

4. Pronto - excellent idea on recording the happenings if at all possible.

we should build a fence to keep these dogs out. Make these bad dude dogs pay for it!

A solar fence? And the dogs are going to pay for it!

I am very sorry to hear about this incident and your family's loss John.

I would also like apologize on behalf of the people who feel the need to vent their personal frustrations and put blame on you and your family for this tragedy.

At the end of the day, it is the responsibility of the human to make sure their animal companion is safe and attended to - in this case if a child is out with their animal in their own yard, and under the supervision of an adult, this is being responsible.  It is irresponsible to allow an animal to wander and threaten the SAFETY of multiple living beings because a sense of entitlement and elation over seeing dogs frolicking the streets.

@Jess - I understand your frustration based on your previous experiences in a large city, but my best advice is to have compassion and practice understanding.  This incident should not have provoked the blame and shaming to a family that has just recently suffered a loss and trauma.  By no means did the initial comment blame all dog owners, just one irresponsible dog owner in particular.  Truthfully, an agressive animal that threatens &/or takes lives should be euthanized and should not be taken as a threat but plausible reality if said animal comes back, because that animal is now a reoccurring threat.  As most responsible and compassionate dog owners have done on this thread, they have offered condolences and understanding that it is an owners responsibility to control their dog, not society's responsibility to protect themselves from it.  Which makes me question your relationship to said dog/owner based, on the defensive and hostile comments you posted...

Ochre, 

my relationship to dogs is understanding that any dog that gets loose may have the natural instinct to chase and grab a small animal whether it is a reptile, bird, rodent... it is never mentioned if this dog is aggressive or not, or regularly loose.  Imagine your dog got out by accident and grabbed the neighbors hampster (just a guess), and killed it.  And your neighbour killed your dog for it?  That's crazy!!! 

Im sorry you don't agree with me.

Please don't make me out to not be a compassionate person. That's isn't so.  I have said several times that I am sorry to the child for loosing a loved pet. I truly am.