‘We need to do something’: Halifax wants Nova Scotia to create dangerous dog registry

A new proposal recommends Nova Scotia starts a dangerous dog registry.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) wants to see stronger dangerous dog legislation across Nova Scotia.

The push comes two months after a Nova Scotia boy died after being attacked by three dogs in Shelburne County.

“That was just absolutely tragic. He was riding his bike, unprovoked, and the dogs just attacked him,” said HRM Coun. Trish Purdy. “I thought, ‘OK, we need to do something to strengthen our dangerous dog legislation.’”

Purdy put forward a motion at council asking for provincial framework around dangerous dogs, including the creation of a provincial registry.

In the years since she’s been on council, Purdy said she’s heard from several people in the Halifax area who have been attacked by dogs.

“I would label them as severe with skin broken, needing antibiotics and stitches at the hospital, and a lot of trauma, pain recovery,” she said.

“In every single instance, the victim does not feel supported adequately.”

Currently, municipalities can impose dangerous dog designations, but there’s nothing stopping owners from avoiding sanctions like muzzle order by simply moving to another municipality.

The registry would include a description and photo of the dog, information about its owner and restrictions imposed after the animal was deemed dangerous.

“Dogs do go throughout Nova Scotia, and I think that something very consistent would be in order,” said Bob Ottenbrite, who owns Lietash Canine Academy in South Rawdon, N.S.

“That way all municipalities are on the same wavelength and have the same law for the dogs.”

The framework is not intended to target specific breeds but rather focus on dogs deemed dangerous.

“The big thing is how do they register? How do they acknowledge? What do they call a dangerous dog? That’s going to be the big thing, I think. What are the criteria to being classified as a dangerous dog?” said Ottenbrite.

Part of Purdy’s motion also includes having the province introduce legislation that would allow municipalities to seize dogs without a warrant following a serious attack or when public safety is at risk.

The motion was deferred Tuesday until the end of March. If it passes, Mayor Andy Fillmore will send a letter to the province addressing the proposal.

With files from The Canadian Press

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