Ban on tethering dogs mulled in Richmond, B.C.

The city of Richmond, B.C., is considering a ban that would prohibit dog owners from tethering dogs to poles for long periods of time.

The language in the bylaw hasn't been worked out, but the city is pondering penalizing owners who leave their dogs tethered in public and private spaces.

"We are talking about somebody restricting a dog where the dog tends to ... maybe turn on itself and try to get out of it," said Richmond Coun. Bill McNulty.

The municipalities of Delta and Burnaby already have bylaws in place banning the tethering of dogs.

"We have asked staff to relook at fines," McNulty said.

"Generally speaking it's $100 dollars that may not sound like a lot so in some cases we may have to be more restrictive than we are."

Marcie Moriarty with the B.C. SPCA says it's not just an animal welfare issue as tethering dogs is dangerous for people as well.

"In light of the dangerous dog situationdog bites, dog safety tethering can contribute to that so if you are not looking at purely animal welfare this is a people safety issue," said Moriarty.

Dog owner April Pringle supports the ban.

"I have seen dogs tethered in people's yards and it's just horrible," she said. "For me, if you are going to have a dog and tether it, what is the point of having a dog?"

Surrey is also looking at a similar bylaw and intends to bring the issue to the Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting next week.