Editor:
Question: How do you make an everyday, simple law, controversial?
Answer: Enact the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) Bylaw Number 1511.
This is called the “pound” bylaw, but it could affect the lives of you and your dog. The RDKB have combined and altered three previous bylaws into one; they seem to have made a “dog’s breakfast” out of it.
This bylaw is not logical, nor reasonable; it is akin to Big Brother knows best.
Two items seem especially controversial: it will effectively prevent the operation of all boarding kennels in our area (would that affect your holiday plans?); all dogs are deemed “vicious” if they have “pit bull,” “bull,” or in some cases, “terrier” in their name, breeding or background. A dog is also “vicious” if it has ever chased, for example, a white tail deer.
Isn’t this somewhat excessive and arbitrary? If your “normal” dog is impounded it costs $30 for its release; however $500 if it is “vicious.” Why the additional cost?
Oh yes, it would seem these dog laws only apply to Grand Forks, Greenwood, and RDKB Areas C and D; not to the remainder of the RDKB.
It might be that these changes have been proposed by the RDKB board without any form of critical analysis; it needs a detailed review.
It is suggested that concerned citizens review the bylaw at www.rdkb.com, then if they have comments or concerns, call Elaine Kumar at 250-368-9148 or ekumar@rdkb.com.
Nigel James, Grand Forks