'I'm worried a kid is gonna get mauled': Pelly Crossing dad raises fears about loose dogs

Some parents in Pelly Crossing, Yukon, want a new fence around the school's playground because they'reworried about loose dogs attacking children.

Loose dogs have been a chronic problem in the tiny community. A man was killed in Ross River, Yukon, by dogs in the fall of 2015.

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Dibbs Williams has three children attending ElizaVan Bibberschool ages 15, 6, and 5.

He says there used to be a fence around the schoolplayground, but that it was taken down about two years ago by the First Nation.

Now, Williams wants a new fence so he can have peace of mind while his childrenare at school.

"Numerous times teachers have chased dogs away," he said.

"If it's not done, it's a matter of time before some kid gets hurt, gets mauled, gets caught up in a dogfight."

Williams said he has called the Department of Education "numerous" times, but said"nobody's saying who's responsible to have that fence there."

He said the school is on Yukon government land, adding that the government is responsible for ensuring students' safety.

After his story aired on CBC Radio Thursday, Williams said he received a call from the Department of Education superintendent for the Pelly area.

Lorraine Taillefer told CBC News she was unawareof concerns in Pelly Crossing until she spoke with Williams on Thursday.She saidthe department's first priority is ensuring that students are safe.

"When our students are on the playground, they are at all times supervised by teachers," she said.

She said the Department of Education is now working with the Selkirk First Nation, the school council and "the larger school community."

Meanwhile, Yukon's chief veterinarian,Mary Vanderkop,saidthe government's animal health unit is offering its support. She saidif the community asks, the unit will travel to Pelly Crossing.