N.W.T. Dog Act changes debated in Yellowknife

A debate is heating up in the Northwest Territories over changes to its Dog Act, including one proposal to exempt owners from penalty if they are using the animals for "traditional" uses like dog-sledding.

A standing committee of MLAs is looking at ways to update the current act, which is based on laws dating to the 1950s, and introduce tougher penalties for people who neglect or abuse dogs.

Unlike animal legislation in southern Canada, the N.W.T. Dog Act has historically focused on dealing with sled dogs, which have been used for transportation in the North.

At a public hearing in Yellowknife on Monday, MLAs heard from people who commented specifically on one proposed amendment that would exempt dog owners from fines or jail time if they caused distress to a dog while carrying out "generally accepted local or traditional practices of dog care, use and management.

"The word 'tradition,' with respect to dogs, has been a cover for many people not willing to take care of their animals properly, for whatever reason," Nicole Spencer, president of the N.W.T. SPCA, told MLAs at Monday's hearing.

Many at the hearing, as well as MLAs on the review committee, agreed that "traditional practices" should be better defined.

"There's different views that we have to wrestle with," Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya said. "We've got to understand each other."

George Erasmus, a negotiator for the Dehcho First Nations in southwestern N.W.T., warned the committee to "be careful going down the road of tradition."

"I'm chief negotiator for the Dehcho. I'm trying to define tradition. Good luck — not an easy job at all," Erasmus said.

But people who spoke at the hearing agreed that dog neglect and abuse must stop, with some suggesting things like spay and neuter programs.

Others suggested that the N.W.T. government help send veterinarians to remote communities that do not have a veterinarian.

But Mackenzie Delta MLA David Krutko said he is concerned about the financial costs of sending vets to small communities.

The MLAs will h old similar public hearings later this week in Hay River and Inuvik, N.W.T.

The territorial government hopes to officially amend the Dog Act this spring.