Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter in regards to the article that appeared in the Osoyoos Times on Dec. 9 relating to pit bulls being allowed in our community as I have a suggestion or two.

Regarding Coun. Mike Campol saying, “The current legislation to control and provide strict sanctions against dangerous dogs and their owners have proven successful.”

He says this when everyone in town read about the incident late this summer where a local senior and his small dog were viciously attacked by a pit bull for no reason at all.

How would Campol feel if it had been him or a member of his family?

Having been bitten (not seriously) as a child, I still flinch whenever a dog barks or growls near me.

Regarding Coun. C. J. Rhodes comments that he knows several pit bull owners in town and that their dogs “are the best dogs in the world”, I didn’t know there has been such a competition nor did he state what they were best at.

As for more enforcement of the current animal control bylaw, it is my opinion that won’t work as intended, even though it might help a bit.

Just ask our police … they can’t be everywhere at once.

A simple solution would be for people to carry a small micro jet,  that is easily available in hardware stores, in their pockets.

This device throws an instant flame about an inch long that reaches temperature of 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 20 minutes.

Although that’s not its intended use, I’m sure it would dislodge or discourage even the most vicious dog from a human being or another dog during an attack.

I do agree with Campol and Rhodes that the onus when it comes to dangerous dogs falls on the owner.

So why not make them responsible for any veterinary bills and medical bills caused by their animals?

Just impounding or euthanizing the dog is no great penalty as they will no doubt get their dog back or pick up another one.

Perhaps a choke collar or an electronic collar should be used in place of a muzzle if this is a problem for some owners.

Furthermore, there should be a yearly inspection by animal control officers of the security of the owners’ property, plus any vehicle used in the transport of pit bulls.

I firmly believe that our council should look at prevention rather than penalties after something serious happens.

As the old saying goes, “The life you save may be your own.”

Fred Fouty

Osoyoos, B.C.