INUVIK - Inuvik's animal control by-law is under revision and the first draft has dog owners concerned.

The by-law received its second reading during the April 23 town council meeting.

David Musselwhite is used to letting his two dogs loose in a playground across from his house to play. Proposed changes to the town's animal control by-law could put an end to that. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

The by-law is scheduled to be in front of council again on June 11, where the public can have their say.

Dog owner David Musselwhite is concerned about the proposed new by-law.

"It reads more like a SPCA by-law and not a dog control by-law," said Musselwhite.

"I agree that there are dog problems in town, some people might not be looking after their dogs properly, I agree with that, but it shouldn't be in a dog control by-law."

Proposed changes to the by-law include allowing animal control officers to inspect dog yards if there are complaints from the public, fines for improper care of animals, and requiring mushers to get permits to keep more than 30 dogs.

Musselwhite said the by-law should look after dog tags, biting and loose dogs.

"It shouldn't be concerned with dogs in the back of a truck, dogs inside vehicles too long, or dogs not getting enough exercise," said Musselwhite.

Musselwhite said the SPCA should look after animal rights.

"Cruelty to animals is in our criminal code, it's already covered," he said.

"There may be adjustments that could be made, like vicious dogs, but the by-law seems to work."

Dog musher Herbert Blake said he agrees that the animal control by-law needs to be updated, but he would like more involvement from dog owners in town when making new rules.

"We understand that the current by-law is not working," said Blake.

"We're concerned that the changes being proposed are subjective in nature. There should be more objectivity when creating rules for a community."

Blake said the first draft of the new by-law needs to be changed before it could be accepted by mushers in town.

"To us, there are clauses and amendments that should be addressed," said Blake.

"This just looks like a bastardized document from other communities in Canada."

Controlling the animal population in town should be the goal of the by-law, said Blake.

"Council should examine the current problem and consult with all dog owners to get a reasonable by-law that will control the animal population."

Blake said he is a taxpayer and owns property in town. He wants to be included in procedures that will affect him and his lifestyle.

"Running dogs is expensive, but I love it," he said.

"I own property for my team to house them. We mushers are independent people who offer a good service to the community."

Blake said the mushers in town were heavily involved in the making of the last animal control by-law.

"All we want is to be involved," said Blake.

"The town has gone about this the wrong way, we're supposed to be living in a democratic society, but is it working for us?"

By-law review committee member Chris Larocque said the draft will be back at council on June 11.

"We're still working on the by-laws now," said Larocque.

"If it needs work, we can postpone it until it's ready. We can postpone by-laws indefinitely until we are satisfied that everyone is looked after," said Larocque.

"This by-law will affect everybody in town and that's why we're here, to look after everybody in town."