Halifax councillors calling for stronger policies on dangerous animals

Halifax council gathers for a regular meeting. (Source: Jonathan MacInnis/CTV News Atlantic)

Two Halifax councillors are bringing forward a motion that urges the Nova Scotia government to consider strengthening policies on dangerous animals.

Councillors Trish Purdy and Cathy Deagle Gammon are bringing forward the motion for council’s regular meeting on Tuesday. The motion, if passed, would direct the chief administrative officer to provide a staff report requesting the mayor write a letter to John. A Macdonald, minister of Municipal affairs, about the policies by Feb. 24.

One of the major policy considerations in the motion is transferring dangerous dog legislation to the provincial level or mandating interjurisdictional communication to stop the relocation of dangerous dogs between municipalities.

It’s also seeking authority for the immediate seizure of animals following a serious attack and the implementation of stronger preventative measures, such as higher penalties for owners who fail to control their dogs.

“During the November 18 Regional Council meeting, a local family who survived a severe dog attack shared their experience and outlined three key requests to improve public safety,” the motion reads. “Their testimony highlighted gaps in current municipal authority and enforcement capacity.

“These measures require provincial cooperation to ensure dangerous dogs cannot be moved between jurisdictions, victims are protected during investigations, and stronger deterrents are in place for negligent owners.”

The motion noted it was also informed by the dog attack in Welshtown, N.S., that resulted in the death of 13-year-old Drew Nickerson earlier this month.

Nickerson was attacked by a Rottweiler and two cane corsos as he rode on his bicycle on Jan. 3. He died in hospital two days later.

All three dogs were euthanized.

The Municipality of Shelburne said it would launch a review of its bylaws on dog control in the wake of the incident.

-With files from The Canadian Press

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