Dear Editor:
I'm writing to echo the comments in the April 20 edition by (letter-writer) Elena Cernicka regarding the lack of enforcement of dog control bylaws, but from the perspective of a dog owner in West Vancouver.
My wife and I and our 10-year-old Westie have lived in four countries. During those years my dog and I have been attacked three times by unleashed dogs, all indelible experiences.When we retired and moved to WestVancouver six months ago we assumed that, once back in our country, and particularly in West Vancouver, that bylaw compliance would occur. Not so, certainly not with dog bylaws.We take our dog out five times a day, and almost every morning and evening there are dogs being walked off-leash in our neighbourhood by idiots who have no concept of the harm their dogs can cause if motivated. I have never seen any enforcement.
My criticism is not directed at the public servants who are tasked with administration and enforcement: I am certain there are competent personnel willing to administer and enforce bylaws. My concern is rather with elected officials who attempt to placate various constituencies by passing bylaws but not allocating personnel and equipment to enforce them. No, Ms. Cernicka, it is not OK to have bylaws (or any laws) unenforced, and we need to hold our local politicians more accountable for the consequences of their decisions.
Luis Molina
West Vancouver
