TNRD directors backed off Friday on a proposed city-style dog bylaw but remain committed to new rules aimed at clamping down on dangerous dogs.

The proposed bylaw comes after several directors have reported problems with dogs running loose and menacing other dogs and people. Areas that have experienced problems include Lower Nicola and Pinantan Lake.

As proposed, the bylaw was tough, City-style legislation that covered everything from dogs running loose to barking and doggie-doo.

Director Bill Humpreys, mayor of Barriere, said too often calls about barking dogs are really part of a larger dispute between neigbours — something the regional district should avoid.

"In our little town it's used as a complaint tool against people."

Randy Murray, chairman of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, is among those who want tougher rules for dangerous dogs. He said in his Lower Nicola area a pitbull jumped a fence and mauled to death a neighbouring dog.

Under today's rules, the only recourse for the dead dog's owner is to sue the pitbull owner in civil court, something that's costly and requires expertise.

But if the TNRD adopts a bylaw focused on dangerous dogs, Murray said RCMP or a contracted animal control officer could act.

"It gives an RCMP officer the right to remove that dog," Murray said of the proposal.

The board has yet to formally vote on a revised bylaw.

Ken Gillis, director for Pritchard-area, said he's wary of RCMP becoming "doggie deputies" and enforcing the rules.

He gave a scenario where a busy RCMP member is called to a report of a dangerous dog named "Fritz."

"The constable steps back and says 'this isn't what I joined the RCMP for' and blows Fritz away with his Luger."

(Kamloops Daily News)