Fort Simpson (Apr 28/06) - Licensed dogs in Fort Simpson who break loose now have three days of breathing room, thanks to concerned citizens.

Village council voted on April 18 to rescind the emergency dog control program in effect since April 12.

The program enabled animal control officers to destroy any animal running at large immediately.

Council made the decision after listening to a number of dog owners who showed up at the village council's regular meeting.

All of the owners were concerned about what would happen to licensed dogs who were captured. One of the program's effects was the removal of the three-day period for owners to retrieve licensed dogs if they were impounded.

"I'm really glad that's what they decided to do," said Lois Martin about council's decision to overturn the emergency measures.

Martin was one of the dog owners who spoke out. In her presentation, she told council that if the bylaw was enforced, the problem with loose dogs wouldn't exist.

Shauna Christensen agreed. She argued that responsible owners should have the chance to get their dogs back.

"I believe it's a good bylaw on paper and if it was enforced strictly we wouldn't have the problem," said Christensen.

By placing petition sheets around the village, Christensen gathered more than 80 signatures from residents with a similar viewpoint.

The intention of the emergency measures was not to shoot licensed dogs who are cared for, said Mayor Duncan Canvin.

Canvin cautioned that the bylaw will still be rigorously enforced.

"The same end result could be attained," he said.

But if things slip, Canvin said there won't be a moment's hesitation to bring the emergency measures back into effect.