Death sentence for Diesel

Diesel

by Dave Preston

The chair of the regional district board says there will be a more collaborative approach to dealing with problem dogs in the future but it’s too late for a death row Peachland pooch whose days are numbered.

Yesterday, Judge Mayland McKimm ruled in a controversial case that Disel, a German Shepherd cross owned by Peachland resident Dave Smith, will be put down on August 23.

Diesel was seized by dog control officers in 2011 for being agressive to people and for attacking other animals.

Since 2006, Diesel has racked up more than a dozen complaints, from chasing cats to injuring another dog.

McKimm said, ““What I do take from this history is the fact that Mr. Smith had years of notice and warnings and continued to neglect or refuse to curtail the behavior of his animal,” according to CHBC News.

“Mr. Smith has proven himself to be both unreliable and profoundly irresponsible about the care and control of his animal. He has shown a wanton indifference to the serious distress his failure to control this animal has caused to his neighbours,” wrote McKimm

“I am further satisfied…the animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe the animal is likely to kill or seriously injure a person.”

Owner Dave Smith told CBC News after the judge handed down his verdict, “Absolute shock. I’m very disappointed and very upset with the decision that has come down. It’s certainly not even close to what I was expecting.”

Smith said he will appeal the judge’s decision.

Diesel has been in custody for 17 months.

A protest was held at a regional district meeting in July over the Madsen’s family dog Shadow, which was also being held by dog control. The regional district settled out of court with the Madsen’s that involved releasing Shadow to their custody under conditions.

Robert Hobson, regional district chair, told CBC Daybreak last week the organization has been too restrictive in how it handles dog complaints.

Hobson said, going forward the regional district will work more collaboratively with dog owners.

CBC Story

CBC Daybreak Story

CHBC News Story