by Glenn Taylor
Northern News Services

INUVIK (DEC 06/96) - Former town dog catcher Mario Aguilera will not be returning to the job, according to Mayor George Roach.

Public complaints led to Aguilera's firing Oct. 31, according to town administrative officer Don Howden.

Aguilera blames his dismissal on a CBC Radio interview, during which he admitted to carrying a knife on the job for protection after being bitten. Aguilera told CBC he would "cut the throat" of any other dog that tried to attack him.

Aguilera organized a petition to get his job back, collecting more than 200 signatures. Council was handed the petition by Aguilera last month. At last week's meeting, council decided what to do with the petition.

Roach said council decided to back up Howden's decision, and let the dismissal stand. He said council has no immediate plans to contract out the work again, and dog-catching duties will return once again to bylaw officer Daryle Foster.