Dog ownership bylaw to be reviewed in Dawson Creek, B.C.

City staff in Dawson Creek, B.C. are reviewing a bylaw that only allows two dogs or four cats on residential properties, after a resident complained the policy was toorestrictive.

Tom Kreuzinger regularly helps his neighbourby looking after her two dogs on his property, along with the single dog he owns.

But in doing this, he contravenes thecity bylaw, which states:

"No person shall keep more than two (2) dogs or four (4) cats on any parcel of land in the Cityat any one time except in the lawful operation of a kennel or veterinary clinic."

The fine for breaking the rule is $150 per day for each additional dog.

"All three of these dogs are rescue dogs, they're all well behaved and none are excessive barkers," he recently told city councillors.

"The two big dogs play constantly and the companionship and exercise benefits of their time together is significant. I just emphasize, it's not a doggy daycare ... she helps me out, I kind ofhelp her out."

Kreuzinger says he believes the bylaw was put in place to discourage residents from owning excessive numbers of animals.

"I agree that this is an important issue, however I feel the wording of it should perhaps be revised to read 'own' rather than'keep', to allow for short-term periods where more than two dogs can be on a property," he said.

City council denied an exemption to the rule for Kreuzinger based on the current bylaw, but agreed to have city staff review the policy to see if it needs to be updated.

"I know that I've beenin contravention of this bylaw many times when friends come over with their pets," saidCheryl Shuman, a city councillor in Dawson Creek.

"I think there needs to be some wording in the bylaw that differentiates owning the dogs versus having dogs on your property. I thing a revision would be welcomed by council."

Fort St. John, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, and Terrace all allow for three dogs on residential properties.