For almost a decade Carrieann Parker’s family has included a dog named Chico. The dog, which she got as a pup, has been part of day-to-day life as the young family saw their number increase from one child to three. Last week the family was informed by a hand-delivered letter from the Municipality of the District of Guysborough that they must find a new home for Chico within four days, or the municipality would do it for them.
“Two months ago they showed up to our house and said that they had had a report that we owned a dog that was not allowed in Guysborough County. And I told them at the time, ‘Honestly, I don’t know what breed of dog he is,’” said Parker.
After meeting the dog, municipal staff told the family they would have to come back with a DNA test kit for the dog. If the results indicated Chico was one of several breeds noted in the municipal bylaw, the family might be required to remove the dog from the municipality.
Last Friday the results of the swab were presented to the family along with the letter requiring them to find a new home for the dog. The DNA analysis provided by the company DNA My Dog stated that the dog in question was 37-74 per cent American Staffordshire terrier, 20-36 per cent Boston terrier and 10-20 per cent Shetland sheepdog.
The municipal bylaw in question is difficult to interpret but doesn’t directly state that any breed of dog is banned within the municipality. It does say that specific breeds, including American Staffordshire terriers, must be kept under certain conditions. The family says it has not been told that they have breached any of these conditions and community support for them and their dog is mounting as petitions circulate.
Guysborough Warden Vernon Pitts said Tuesday that the bylaw would be addressed at a committee of the whole meeting that day.
“The issue is not going to be dealt with today, believe me,” Pitts said. “Staff acts on policies and bylaws without council. Council doesn’t micromanage.”
He added: “Nothing is going to happen to their dog right now. Council is going to look at the policy and the bylaw.”
A review of the bylaw, said Pitts, may result in a change or maybe a removal of the sectionpertaining to this case.
“We have numerous options. I assure you we are going to exercise one of those options,” he said.
Late last Friday, the family said they were informed by a text message from the municipality’s bylaw enforcement officer that Chico would not be removed until the issue was resolved.
Parker doesn’t understand why Chico is being targeted by the municipality. “Nothing has ever happened with the dog,” she said, “and all the neighbourhood loves him.”
