The RDNO’s dog bylaw No. 2466 does not have a provision to ban aggressive dogs from dog parks in Vernon (many other cities do; they are called a “no go” order). Bylaw No. 2466 does define an aggressive dog and states that all aggressive dogs, when not on the property of the owner, be muzzled and leashed.

I call for action for an amendment to this bylaw. Aggressive dogs should be banned from dog parks.

My chocolate lab, Barney, was the victim of an unprovoked attack by an unlicensed German Shepherd named Jet as we were leaving Marshall Field Dog Park on May 19, 2020 (he was leashed and walking by the dog, no interaction and no warning). The GSD bit through his chin and snout so Barney could not open his mouth fully and it wouldn't let go.

Barney had serious wounds from a Level 4 bite (Ian Dunbar’s bite assessment that runs from Level 1-6, with the highest level resulting in death) which denotes that the biter has no bite inhibition, a poor prognosis as they will resort to this bite level when highly aroused or scared and a high probability of biting at this level again.

Barney has required surgery for the initial bite wounds and then a second painful surgery on June 16, 2020, as the vet said a cut or abrasion from the attack went deep under the skin and left pockets of infection. He then had to undergo a third procedure of sedation and debriding the wounds.

This bite could have killed a child, a small dog or my lab if the GSD had managed to hit his jugular or tear his throat.  Banning aggressive dogs from RDNO dog parks is a matter of public safety and safety for our good canine citizens.

Please help and sign this petition to respectfully let the Regional District of North Okanagan’s Chair and Board of Directors know we want to keep aggressive dogs out of RDNO dog parks – they don’t belong there.