Wag the Dog

After a strong presence at a meeting on November 1, 2007, the Mayor of Erin backed down and sent the draft back to the committee for further deliberation.

Thank goodness for alert people spearheading collective community efforts in towns and cities. It pays to pay attention!

Thanks to a very aware trainer/business owner in the Erin area, he managed to rally the community. Clear, concise submissions were sent to council. There was a strong presence at the council meeting of community members opposing the draft proposal.

These submissions may be submitted by any person residing in the community. When you send a submission it is important to calmly and clearly state why you feel the proposal will not succeed and alternatives you think may succeed. Models such as the Calgary responsible pet ownership bylaw are alternatives that can be made to suit any size town or city. It is equally important to inform the council and/or committee that you would like to receive a copy of the redraft proposal before it goes back to council and the date in which it will be heard by council. This way you will be notified for further comments on the redraft and you may then ask for permission to re-submit any further comments or suggestions.

Jim kindly gave us permission to read his submission found on his website. Here is a direct link to his submission.

It is also an option to get local press involved once the draft proposal becomes public. This is an effective way to get your information out into the community when rallying support.

Remember, it pays to pay attention! There is something you can do in your own community when proposed amendments to canine bylaws are drafted. It is a matter of getting involved, rallying support and voicing your opinion.