Yukon MLA decries lack of action on Ross River dogs

Yukon's oppositionsays a death last fall in Ross River happened becauseunincorporated communities cannottake action against dangerous dogs.

Yukon's coroner confirmed this week that 22-year-oldShane Gladawas killed by "feral or semi-domesticated"dogs in Ross River inOctober.

• Dogs killed Ross River man found dead last fall, coroner tells community

MLA Kevin Barr said in the legislative assembly on Tuesday that he has raised concerns in the past about Ross River's loosedogs, but nothing was done.

"In many communities, it falls to the local RCMP to deal with violent dog incidents, but the existing laws limittheir ability to react to these same incidents," Barrsaid.

"When I raised this last fall, the minister for environment indicated that a review of the Animal Protection Officer Program was underway."

Barralsowantedto know if government officials plan to talk about proposed changes to the Dog Actat the Association of Yukon Municipalities' annual meeting this weekend.

Environment Minister Wade Istchenkoresponded in the legislature by saying the Animal Protection Officer program is still under review.

He also acknowledgedthatonlythe RCMP can intervene in unincorporated communities, such as Ross River, if dangerous dogs pose a risk.

Buthe saidthe government's Animal Protection Officer can be calledin to help, though her primary role is to investigate allegations of abuse or neglect.

"Our Animal Protection Officer is located in Whitehorse, and she will assist the RCMP, municipal officials or First Nations when requested especially in the control of potentially dangerous dogs," Istchenko said.