Yukon MLA decries lack of action on Ross River dogs
Kevin Barr says he's raised concerns in the past, but nothing was done
Yukon's opposition says a death last fall in Ross River happened because unincorporated communities cannot take action against dangerous dogs.
Yukon's coroner confirmed this week that 22-year-old Shane Glada was killed by "feral or semi-domesticated" dogs in Ross River in October.
MLA Kevin Barr said in the legislative assembly on Tuesday that he has raised concerns in the past about Ross River's loose dogs, but nothing was done.
"In many communities, it falls to the local RCMP to deal with violent dog incidents, but the existing laws limit their ability to react to these same incidents," Barr said.
"When I raised this last fall, the minister for environment indicated that a review of the Animal Protection Officer Program was underway."
Barr also wanted to know if government officials plan to talk about proposed changes to the Dog Act at the Association of Yukon Municipalities' annual meeting this weekend.
Environment Minister Wade Istchenko responded in the legislature by saying the Animal Protection Officer program is still under review.
He also acknowledged that only the RCMP can intervene in unincorporated communities, such as Ross River, if dangerous dogs pose a risk.
But he said the government's Animal Protection Officer can be called in 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.