HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD-08-01
REPORT #2
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THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
REPORT
Meeting:
Council
File # (,Vi. 1=i'10
Res. # (;067-0 I
Date:
Monday, February 12, 2001
CD-08-0l
By-law #
Report #:
Subject:
VICIOUS DOG DECLARATION - CHRISTENSEN
It is respectfully recommended:
1. THAT Report CD-08-01 be received; and
2. THAT the vicious dog declaration served on Michelle Christensen be upheld.
BACKGROUND AND COMMENT:
Ms. Christensen is the owner of a male, German shepherd cross, named Sage. On January 8, 2001.
a gentleman attended at 1960 King Street, Courtice, (Ms. Christensen's home) in order to read the
hydro meter. The man noticed a sign that read "Beware of Dog" but did not see a dog. While
walking up the drive, he noticed two dogs coming towards him. One stopped because of a chain
but the other was not chained and attacked him, biting him twice. The victim was able to fight off
the dog and jump back into his van. Shortly after the incident, the owner of the dog arrived and
said that the dog has broken every chain he has been put on. The owner then put the dog in the
house and the man continued with the meter reading. Upon returning to work, the victim sought
medical attention. The report of the registered nurse indicates a large amount of swelling and
bruising, with bite marks through the skin to the right tricep. The right wrist was also swollen and
the skin was broken from the bite.
Following investigation of the incident, the Animal Services Officer issued a Vicious Dog
Declaration to Ms. Christensen. A Declaration requires the owner of the dog to:
1. license and register the dog with the Clarington Animal Shelter and have the dog
permanently identified by microchip implantation, at her expensive, within 21 days of
receipt of the Declaration. Proof of such registration must be provided to the Animal
Services Division within 30 days.
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REPORT CD-08-01
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February 12, 2001
2. notify Clarington Animal Shelter immediately upon relocating the dog or upon transferring
ownership of the dog;
3. restrain the dog at all times, while the dog is on its own property, by keeping it enclosed in a
pen or other enclosure in such a manner as to prevent the dog from leaving the property and
to prevent contact with people and other animals;
4. restrain the dog at all times, while the dog is off its own property, with the use of a muzzle
and a leash no longer than 6 feet and under the care and control of a person who is 16 years
of age or older.
The dog in question is presently licenced with the municipality. In discussing this incident with the
Animal Services Officer, Ms. Christensen questioned whether the invisible fencing, which she has
installed, is enough to fulfill the confinement order under the Vicious Dog Declaration. It is our
opinion that the invisible fencing does not meet the standards, as it requires "a pen or other
enclosure in such a manner as to prevent the dog from leaving the property and to prevent contact
with people and other animals." Although this attack occurred on the property of the dog owner,
the municipality's by-law does not differentiate between an attack occurring on or off the owners'
property.
Ms. Christensen will be addressing Council to appeal the Vicious Dog Declaration on
February 12, 2001. It is staff's recommendation that the Vicious Dog Declaration be upheld.
Respectfully submitted,
Reviewed by,
C)r~~
Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P., RP.P.,
Chief Administrative Officer
PLB*hj
Interested party to be advised of Council's decision:
Ms. Christensen
1960 Highway #2
Courtice, Ontario
LlC 3K7