The BC Sheep Federation will be conducting a scan of regional district and municipal bylaws, as well as seeking input from farm organizations and individual sheep producers, in order to determine the effectiveness of the various dog bylaws in the province. Since the repeal of the Livestock Protection Act in 2003, local governments have had the responsibility of controlling dogs in their communities. This has been generally in the form of licence tag fees and fines, with some providing compensation to livestock owners who have had livestock killed or injured by stray dogs. Although the Livestock Protection Act was repealed, the part of the Act allowing livestock owners to shoot and kill dogs chasing or attacking livestock was retained and put into the Livestock Act. To participate or request more information, please contact Barbara Johnstone Grimmer (250) 629-3817 or firhill@gulfislands.com.
Submitted by Barbara Grimmer
Island Farmers' Alliance 