Dangerous dogs running loose frighten neighboring islanders

At their August 13 meeting, Grand Manan's village councillors heard from a delegation of Ingalls Head residents concerned about dangerous dogs in their neighbourhood. Speaking on behalf of the group, Marilyn Guptill described an attack on her father's dog. On May 26, he let her out in the middle of the night, and she was attacked by two other dogs who were running loose. When he went out to stop the fight, he was also attacked and had to go to the hospital. On July 21, the same two dogs attacked her again, and she was still at the vet's with gangrene.
Guptill showed councillors photos of the dog's injuries. She said the two were loose again a few nights before. She described them as "continually exit‑seeking" because they are confined in a small space. "You can't take a dog to court," she said, adding that she had called the SPCA and was told "it wasn't their issue." She feels the dogs "are still looking for my dad's dog; they've had a piece of her. They will get out again. She will not survive [another] attack," and when she comes home from the vet she will be on "house arrest" and not able to be outside by herself. Guptill said they have retained a lawyer with dog bylaw experience and that the village's bylaw "protects no one, except these dogs. And there are 20 kids down there."
Guptill's presentation became a general discussion as other residents chimed in, stating that their dog had also been attacked, that they have to take their three dogs outside to toilet one at a time, or that they are "terrified" to go out in their yard. Yvonne Park said most of the residents have called the SPCA and been told that as long as the dogs have food and shelter, there is no concern. However, residents also allege that the small space where the dogs are kept is covered in urine and feces, and Dave Park suggested an inquiry to the health department.
Guptill said there have been five known attacks and questioned why so little has been done in response. Chief Administrative Officer Rob MacPherson has the authority to deem the dogs dangerous and did so after the July 21 attack. Under the village bylaw, they must be leashed, muzzled and neutered. He expressed doubt that the latter would be done. The owner has been fined. MacPherson asked a lawyer about the legality of seizing dogs on private property and is waiting for information. After some discussion, councillors voted to inquire further of the lawyer and the SPCA, contact the landlord -- the dog owners are renters -- and have a meeting to review the bylaw. RCMP constable Corey Bryant offered to speak to the dog owners and report back to council and the residents.
Mayor Dennis Greene said that if the dogs are loose again, they are in violation of the bylaw, noting that it's often "not the dogs, it's the owners. If we don't do something the village will wind up being responsible."

Other business
In other business, the council discussed an agreement with the Southwest New Brunswick Regional Service Commission (SNBSC). The trial partnership until December 31 combines an overhaul of the rural plan with building inspection and permitting and bylaw enforcement. The village chose not to adopt the provincial unsightly premises bylaw, considering it too onerous. Spurring the decision to involve the SNBSC in creating and enforcing a village bylaw is the burned down ruin of the Shorecrest Lodge. Two building inspectors were appointed last month, and a bylaw enforcement officer was added this month. There was some debate over which bylaws would be enforceable by which officers. A motion to repeal the village's planning advisory committee was passed, with Deputy Mayor Robert Moses and councillors Roger Fitzsimmons and Mark Ingersoll opposed. Some councillors wanted only to suspend the committee until the end of the year rather than disbanding it.
MacPherson reported that registered letters had been sent to the numbered company that owned the Shorecrest. One was returned unclaimed and one was picked up. He stated that the site "is now a provincial file" and that if it isn't cleaned up by September 7 an official notice will be issued under new regulations, and the province can effect the cleanup and put a lien on the property.
Mayor Greene reported that the proposed expansion of the Thrifty's second‑hand shop, which was discussed last month, will not be going forward. The adjacent property owner had offered the land to the village for parking but objected to a building.
Councillor Wayne Sturgeon summarized the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick meeting that was held on Grand Manan in July. Members are drafting resolutions regarding healthcare recruiting and reviewing the billing number system.
Recreation Director Chris Rayner reported on a "great summer" for the pool so far despite copious leakage, which necessitated the purchase of more chlorine, and some problems with an electric pump. Attendance was significantly higher, with over 50 people swimming on occasion. Baseball is winding down after "one of the biggest seasons in some time." He also described planned repairs for fences around the Grand Harbour ball diamond to improve safety and replace the top of some sections.
Constable Corey Bryant gave the July RCMP report. There were 23 criminal code files and five federal statute files, including four for drug possession and one for trafficking, and 43 provincial statute files. Notable activities included the addition of an unmarked car, eight ATV patrols, the seizure of $3,000 worth of illegal pills and a visit from a drug recognition expert.
The next regular council meeting is set for Monday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the village office.