Northwest Territories set to update Dog Act

The Northwest Territories is planning to update its Dog Act, which currently carries a maximum fine of $25.

Linda Hobson appeared in court in Hay River, N.W.T., on Wednesday after the RCMP raided her property, where she was allegedly hoarding 109 dogs, in June. Her case, which was adjourned until September, provides an example of the relatively weak statutes in the N.W.T. law.

Hobson faces a federal charge of animal neglect under the Criminal Code of Canada. If convicted, she could be fined up to $5,000 and/or receive a jail term of up to six months.

She is also charged with cruelty under the territorial Dog Act, which carries a fine of up to $25 or a jail term of up to 30 days.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is working on new legislation that it plans to table in the fall.

Yellowknife veterinarian Tom Pisz said he's put down countless dogs because of abuse.

"They have feelings," he said. "They don't have [the] ability to think like we, imagine like we do, but the pain and hunger, cold, they feel it."

However, he thinks the territorial government needs to go further and increase protection for all animals.

The Northwest Territories Dog Act differs from southern animal legislation because much of it is focused on dealing with sled dogs, traditionally used as a mode of transportation.

"No person shall drive a dog or dog team on a sidewalk situated on the street or road of a settlement," is among the provisions in the act, which was passed in 1988.

Whilenortherners still use sled dogs, some people say abuse of the animals has increased because fewer people are using them in dog teams.

"Growing up as young kids, the dog was more important because we used [them] for the dog sled," said Cecilia Ashton, a Behchoko resident.

However, others think there should be two acts one for sled dogs and one for pets.

"They're a tool, you know," said David Wilson, another Behchoko resident. "On their job, they're used for pulling their sleighs and so forth."