RDCK Bylaw officers issue fines in Redfish Creek spawning channel case
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Regional District of Central Kootenay Team Leader of Bylaw Enforcement Grace Allen said an owner of one of the two dogs causing a disturbance in the spawning channels of Redfish Creek has been located and fined.
Bylaw Enforcement officials have been attempting to locate the owners after the RDCK received numerous complaints from the public two dogs were at large in the Redfish Creek area 20 kilometers north of Nelson.
“We have issued two fines under the Dog Control bylaw #2387 for Dog At Large,” Allen told The Nelson Daily Monday.
“We tracked down the owner of one dog and because this dog is the one seen going through the Redfish Creek spawning grounds disturbing (fish), two fines were issued for two offence dates where there was evidence to support the allegations.”
The case has plagued the RDCK Bylaw Department for a month.
An animal specialist contracted by the RDCK and its own bylaw officer spent time chasing leads and knocking on doors in attempt to locate the owners of the dogs, which did not appear to be vicious.
“Thursday we canvased the neighbourhood and several individuals of the neighbourhood were able to identify the dog,” said Allen. “They recognized the dog from the photos that we had and were able to give us some leads where the dogs possibly came from.”
Friday, Allen said Bylaw officials met with the owner of one of the dogs.
“The owner said they will construct a secure pen in the near future when the owners are away,” explained Allen, adding the owner of the dog lived some distance from where the incident took place at the Redfish Creek spawning channels.
“We definitely will be monitoring the file to ensure there is compliance.”
Allen said Bylaw officials are still attempting to the track down the owner of the other dog.
“The one lead that we received, unfortunately, did not lead us to the dog in question,” she said.
“That dog turned out to be a 10-year-old dog with arthritis . . . similar colouring but not the dog we were looking for.”
Fines for Dog at Large under the RDCK Bylaws for first and second offence are $100.
Fines jump to $300 for a third or subsequent offences.
Allen could not speak to any damage the dogs might have created in the spawning channels, saying any further charges would be up to the ministry responsible.
Allen said the RDCK generally receives complaints of dogs running at large, dog on private property, dogs chasing chickens or livestock or biting joggers but this is the first time she can remember a complaint of a dog going after fish in spawning channels.
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