This spring and summer, the Swan Hills RCMP will take a zero-tolerance approach to issuing tickets for dogs running at large.
The Swan Hills RCMP recently shared that loose dogs running through town is becoming a serious and persistent issue.
Under Swan Hills bylaws, it is a dog owner’s legal responsibility to ensure their pet is properly contained. Police say, “If your dog can jump it, dig under it, squeeze through it, or decides it is time for an unscheduled neighbourhood patrol, then it is time to improve your containment measures.”
The RCMP say loose dogs are more than a nuisance: they create safety concerns for pedestrians, children, other pets and drivers.
In an effort to address this ongoing issue, officers will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to enforcing this bylaw this spring and summer. The fine for allowing a dog to run at large is $100, with additional enforcement measures possible for repeat offenders.
Officers ask dog owners to check their fences, gates and latches to help ensure their animal stays contained and controlled.
