On January 3, a tragic incident unfolded in Welshtown, Nova Scotia, when three large-breed dogs attacked a young cyclist, leaving him with injuries that later caused death. The Shelburne District RCMP, EHS, and fire services promptly responded to the distress call from the 100 block of Upper Sandy Cove Rd. The youth was airlifted by EHS LifeFlight to Halifax for urgent medical care. 

Amidst this heartbreaking event, a further tragedy occurred. The dogs involved in the attack were euthanized by a veterinarian, a decision rooted in what we perceive as human negligence rather than malicious animal intent. No child or animal should lose their life due to inadequate safety measures and a lack of comprehensive laws.  

One possible reason for the fatal bite may be that Clark’s Harbour used to use Breed Specific Legislation, banning dogs based on appearance. This practice ignores the real issues of a lack of training, a failure to spay and neuter, and a failure to teach children dog safety. Dogs who are banned are not registered with the city, and do not receive proper care, out of a fear of removal. This breed banning actually makes dogs more dangerous.  

I am sad about the boy on his bike who was knocked down by three dogs, injured, and later died.  And sadly the dogs were euthanized.  Clark’s Harbour allows dogs to be destroyed on sight based on fear, or even simply because they are considered too expensive for the municipality to treat.  https://www.clarksharbour.com/dogcontrol.html

The next door municipality of Shelburne has much better bylaws.  

 https://www.municipalityofshelburne.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dog-By-law-200-signed-b-1.pdf

Thank you for making your bylaws breed neutral.  Breed bans do nothing to prevent dog bites or tragic deaths like the four deaths that happened over the weekend.  And thank you for adding in the bylaws that animal abuse must be reported. And thank you for allowing adoption of strays who are not claimed.

For dogs who are not adoptable, there are no cage farm sanctuaries.  https://www.kenosanimalsanctuary.com/

I think part of the problem is, while the Shelburne bylaws are pretty robust, there is no defined Animal Services Shelter or pound in the Shelburne bylaws.  

The Clark’s Harbour bylaws have no indication of where the shelter or pound is either.

No one knows where the pound is.  It isn't listed on the website.  And there are no low cost spay and neuter clinics, low cost animal training, no support for dog guardians to care for their animals, etc.  Please invest in building an All Purpose Animal Services Shelter.  

Instead of simply mandatory spay and neuter after a dog is declared fierce, I suggest that Nova Scotia have a province wide mandatory spay and neuter of all dogs, regardless of breed or licence level, unless the person obtains a breeder permit.  All breeding facilities would be under a special business licence.  I also suggest mandatory training for all dogs, and more important, all people who are guardians of dogs.  Children should also be taught about dogs in a free program as part of the school curriculum.

Please create a province wide Dog Care and Protection Act to prevent incidents by non lethal means like I suggested above.

Another issue is Clark’s Harbour and Shelburne only has a bylaw for dogs.  Please incorporate dogs into a broad Animal Care and Protection Bylaws.  

In memory of this boy and the three dogs, please modernize Animal Services.

This incident highlights an urgent need for a provincial dog protection law in Nova Scotia. The proposed legislation should protect both humans and animals, emphasizing prevention, public safety, and accountability without resorting to breed-specific legislation or automatic euthanasia. We believe in humane options and measures that respect all lives while implementing safeguarding protocols to prevent such incidents.  All laws must be breed neutral.  

A no-kill law could include guardianship instead of ownership, person hood instead of property status for dogs, mandatory secure fencing for properties housing dogs, mandatory spay and neuter unless the guardian has a breeder permit, mandatory training and socialization programs for owners and pets, and strict penalties for negligence. By promoting education and responsible pet gaurdianship, we can create a safer environment for everyone.

Let's work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities and our cherished pets. Sign this petition to advocate for a balanced and fair dog protection law in Nova Scotia that is compassionate, protective, and reflects the values of our society.