Dogged demand for dog’s death costs B.C. district dearly

KELOWNA, B.C. – The court fight to decide the fate of a problem pooch in B.C.’s central Okanagan has cost the regional district tens-of-thousands of dollars, and expenses continue to pile up.

A spokesman for the Central Okanagan Regional District estimates costs could top $100,000.

The owner of Diesel, a German shepherd cross, has been fighting to stop the dog from being euthanized.

Dave Smith took the regional district to court when it ordered the dog put down because of its aggressive behaviour, snapping at people and chasing other animals.

Last August, a Kelowna judge handed the dog a death sentence after ruling it was dangerous and could injure or kill in the future.

But the owner appealed and a judgment in B.C. Supreme Court in Kelowna is expected within a month.

District spokesman Bruce Smith, who’s no relation to the dog’s owner, pointed out the dog has been in their custody for 22 months.

“We’ve estimated that cost of the care of the dog in the pound to be about, just over $800 dollars a month. That would include food, treats, staff time, there’s also veterinary costs.”

He said lawyer bills are also adding up.

“Up until the end of December, the legal costs to the regional district were $54,000. And we’re estimating the costs of the appeal will be in the neighbourhood of $20,000 more.”

The Peachland-area dog owner had been cited 13 times over four years for failing to control his aggressive pet. (CKFR)