Rankin Inlet (Feb 11/04) - The Hamlet of Rankin Inlet is going to the dogs.

That was the message hamlet councillors heard earlier this month during their regular meeting.

Elder Ollie Ittinuar voiced his concern to council on the increasing number of stray dogs roaming the streets.

While there is always fear of someone being bitten, Ittinuar said the spread of disease is a bigger concern.

"There are lots of dogs hanging around our home that are not ours," said Ittinuar.

"It's very dangerous because the dogs are coming right into our porches after food.

"If someone were to eat the food the dogs were at, they might get very sick."

Ittinuar's remarks sparked a lively debate around the council chamber which focused on the hamlet's two bylaw officers.

Mayor Lorne Kusugak said he received a number of calls from residents complaining about loose dogs.

He said it's a difficult problem to address, but the bylaw officers have to do more to curb the problem.

"People should keep their dogs tied up, but they all don't," said Kusugak.

"Some people get pups and then stop looking after them when they grow up.

"It's a tough job with the trucks because the dogs know what the trucks are and hide from them when they see them coming, but there's no reason why they (bylaw officers) can't chase them on machines, if that's what's necessary," said Kusugak.

Coun. Hamish Tatty said he didn't like the idea of the bylaw officers working out of the RCMP detachment instead of the hamlet office.

"They're community bylaw officers and I think they should be reporting to us," said Tatty.

"They (the bylaw officers) are helping the RCMP with their work, but the RCMP aren't helping the bylaw officers with theirs."

Mayor Kusugak also shared Tatty's concerns with the bylaw officers working out of the RCMP detachment.

He said the dogs are getting out of control and the bylaw officers have to get hold of the situation.

"There's way too many loose dogs in the hamlet and it's time for the bylaw officers to get out of the RCMP office and start catching these dogs," said Kusugak.

"To be honest, I've never seen one of them chase a dog."