July 24, 2019 – The Municipal District of Bonnyville Public Safety Department is urging residents and visitors to not pick up dogs from roadsides throughout the municipality.
In recent weeks, concerned passersby have seen dogs on the side of the road, or in a ditch, and have stopped to pick up the animals and drop them off at the SPCA. This ends up with a bill being sent to the M.D. In all of the cases this summer, the dogs that have been picked up have been near or on their property.
“Many rural properties are large, and dogs living on farms or acreages are accustomed to walking their entire property, often in the ditch,” explained Public Safety Director, Chris Garner. “This is not cause for alarm, and these animals do not need to be rescued.”
Garner said neighbouring residents are the best judge of what is a stray dog in their community. If those residents believe it is a stray dog, they can report it to the Public Safety Department by calling 780-812-3332.
“If you pass a dog and feel it is in distress, please do not attempt to rescue it yourself,” Garner says. “Instead, call us to report the situation. An officer will check on the dog and will quickly determine if it actually resides in the area, or if circumstances dictate it should be picked up.”