If you are a dog owner in the Greater Victoria area your rights and those of your dog are at risk! Your ability to live freely in society with your canine companion is being threatened by the actions of irresponsible dog owners.
Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure both their dog's physical and emotional needs are met. Dogs need exercise, and to meet and play with other dogs. Dogs that are denied these basic needs may begin to exhibit inappropriate behaviours.
Dog owners also have a responsibility to society. Most laws restricting the ownership of dogs are a reaction to incidents of irresponsible dog ownership. Dog owners must remember that not everyone likes dogs, and some people are actually frightened by them. Lurid, sensationalized media accounts of dog attacks (notwithstanding that such attacks are extremely rare), feed the public's paranoia and growing intolerance of dogs.
To counter this, all dog owners must make every effort to ensure that their dog is a good canine neighbour. A dog must not infringe on the rights of anyone in the community, or those of other animals. That means a dog must be well behaved in public and supervised at all times.
A responsible dog owner ensures that his/her dog:
- has adequate food and fresh water, on a daily basis;
- has shelter from the elements;
- receives regular exercise;
- receives love, attention and respect;
- receives proper veterinarian care;
- receives at least basic obedience training so it is under control at all times;
- is never subjected to harsh or violent treatment;
- is leashed when appropriate to avoid infringing on other's rights, and when in a dangerous environment;
- is picked up after in public places;
- wears a collar and tag showing their owners name and address;
- is not left in vehicles in the hot weather;
- is spayed or neutered;
- isn't left tied up and left alone for long periods.
For dog owner checklist click here.
For a list of the ways you can model responsible dog ownership while walking your dog click here.
A good canine citizen:
- doesn't jump up on people uninivited;
- heels when asked to, on or off-leash;
- obeys its owners commands to sit, stay, lie down, or come;
- doesn't bark or howl excessively;
- doesn't wander unsupervised;
- doesn't soil a neighbor's yard, dig holes or tear into plants;
- doesn't chase or harass cars, bikes, people, or wildlife;
- doesn't bite or attack any person;
- doesn't fight with other dogs, cats or other animals.
The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) has developed a test as part of the Canine Good Neighbour Program, wherein dogs are checked for their ability to fit in well with society. Through a series of twelve test situations a dog's obedience and stability are tested. This is the ideal that responsible dog owners should strive for with their dogs. Citizen Canine, in partnership with the Victoria SPCA, is proud to be spearheading the implementation of the Canine Good Neighbour Program in Greater Victoria. Click here for more info.
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