Kamloops councillor says changes to dog bylaws should be considered; neighbours say dog has no aggressive history

According to mom Stephanie King, the neighbour’s gate was open and he walked in — met with an attack from their dog, a mixed Husky.

It’s now up to Community Services to determine a course of action.

“Our Community Services officers understand and really feel badly for the family because you don’t want to see a kid bitten by a dog,” said city council Dale Bass. “But what they have to do is look at the circumstances surrounding where the dog was, the history of the dog and whether the owner of the dog has been adhering to the requirements of the bylaw.”

Community Services says it can’t get into the details of the attack while it’s under investigation, but has released a statement saying it’s “a very unfortunate event that has taken place. We sympathize with both parties involved and acknowledge the emotional impact of the event that occurred.”

Community Services is reviewing all the facts in the case.

“It was nice to know that they’re still investigating. We were told the investigation was told,” said King. “What they’re saying I understand, but at the same time they should take into consideration the children’s age, mental ability, the severity of the attack.”

King wants the Community Services department to revoke the one-bite policy, which allows a dog to commit a first offense without being put down.

The statement provided to King by CFJC Today was the first official communication with Community Services since the initial visit.

“Accidents do happen, but it’s how it’s dealt with, and I feel like no matter who enters a public or private property, the homeowner cannot shot them, they cannot come after them with a baseball bat, they cannot have their family pet maul them,” said King.

City councillor Mike O’Reilly says mayor and council have the power to change the rules related to dog attacks. He acknowledges snap decisions can’t be made so soon after an emotional incident, but changes can and should be considered.

“We are always amending and updating and changing our bylaws in the City of Kamloops, and our dog bylaws are no different and something we would look at through time,” noted O’Reilly. “But if something comes up, such as this incident that warrants a change or an amendment, then that’s something that would come up and council would have that full discussion.”

CFJC Today talked with the neighbours next door who wish not to be on camera. They’re waiting for the investigation to wrap up by Community Services, but they did say the dog has no history of aggressive behaviour.

Six-year-old Benjamin King following a dog attack on Oct. 9 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

by Chad Klassen