Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Monday, June 25, 2007

FORT MCPHERSON - One of mayor Rebecca Blake's two German shepherds was killed earlier this week.

The dog, Max, had been wandering near or on her property in the industrial sector by the airport, said Blake, and was later found at the community's dump.

"Obviously someone tried to hide him," said Blake.

The dog had been shot once in the leg and once in the head.

Blake said the community's bylaw officers, Joe Francis and James Andre, were not involved in the shooting.

In the case of a stray dog, she said, the law states people should call these officers, and let professionals handle the situation.

"In the case of a stray dog, the bylaw officer has to try and contact the owner," she added.

Blake also said a dog can only be shot if it endangers people, according to the laws in Fort McPherson.

Asked whether her dog was tied, Blake said she had been letting her dogs roam free, and has been doing so for years.

"We live out by the airport in the industrial subdivision, they just roam freely around the house. We have a lot of wooded area," she said.

Blake added that "Max" the German Shepherd had been owned by her family eight years.

The family also owns another German shepherd and a pug.

"I've had them for eight years, they've never been apart," she said.

Blake has put out a $2,000 reward for any information about the shooter. She has also contacted the RCMP.

She also said her other dog will continue to walk untied around her house.

"We let him out but he stays around the house. He doesn't leave the property, but I do certainly keep a better eye on him," she said.