TNRD has decided to keep its dangerous dog bylaw leashed for the time being in order to ensure the proposed rules can be adequately enforced.

The regional board voted unanimously Thursday to delay passage of the bylaw pending further discussions with the RCMP.

When the district consulted with various RCMP detachments, concerns were raised about enforcement.

"We want to be sure we're on the same page," said Randy Murray, board chairman. They hope to bring a revised bylaw back for approval in the fall, he said.

"We don't want to lose momentum on this because it's a serious issue," he added. "For the 40 years we've been in existence, we haven't had a dog bylaw, so we can take a bit of time to make sure this is effective."

It was never the district's plan to enact a full-blown dog bylaw, he said. The intent is to give rural residents an alternative to pursuing costly action through the courts.

After revisions this spring, the draft bylaw focuses strictly on dogs that have killed or seriously injured a person or domestic animal.

RCMP from Southeast Division will attend the October workshop with regional district representatives, said Sukh Gill, TNRD administrator.

Director Pat Wallace said the district has gone in circles on the dangerous dog issue over the last 20 years. This time they should make a point of getting police policy in writing for future reference, she said.

(Kamloops Daily News)