The dog days of summer aren't here yet, but the dog days of downtown Rossland are.
After City council reversed a previous bylaw in April to prohibit dogs in the downtown area, the Rossland Chamber of Commerce is taking the issue a step further.
In what is called a “positive commerce suggestion,” the chamber is now asking downtown businesses to promote the fact they are a dog friendly business.
Business owners are being asked to put up a poster in their store window indicating they are indeed welcoming to canines. This allows for those who have their dogs to accompany them into the store, said chamber executive director Renee Clark.
“Some business owners didn't want to project that we were anti-dog, especially to some visitors in town who might not know,” she said.
Although a business should take the opportunity to invite dogs on a leash while being accompanied by their owner, it is their responsibility to ensure they are insured.
People who want a sign to place in their window can contact the chamber office for a suitable placard.
On Feb. 14 the chamber engaged downtown businesses about the current animal control bylaw and the proposed smoking bylaw. The questions asked were the same questions asked to the general public in late 2012, said Clark.
The chamber sent out the survey to approximately 80 contacts in the downtown core, and 23 respondents chose to take the survey.
When asked if they wanted the bylaw amended to allow dogs in the downtown, 15 businesses replied yes, or 65.2 per cent of the respondents. That number increased slightly to 69.5 per cent (16 respondents) when asked if business owners thought dogs should be allowed downtown if leashed.
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Changes to the animal control and licensing bylaw, April, 2013
- No owner or processor of a dog will allow the dog to be within a park or public area within the downtown core, unless the dog is, at all times, kept on a leash or held by and which is under the immediate charge and control of a responsible and competent person.
- Accumulation of dogs fines, offences and penalties is in now in effect and carried over from one calendar year to the next.
- Dog left unattended in downtown core is a fine of $50.