This past spring in Revelstoke, community members have once again documented a string of instances where unattended dogs are seen wandering precariously on or along the Trans-Canada Highway.
While social media users and motorist passersby aren't always sure how to act upon finding these furry four-legged friends too close for comfort to high-speed traffic, Revelstoke's animal shelter and the provincial humane society have answers.
Revelstoke & District Humane Society (RDHS) vice-president Krystle Fedak said dogs running loose along Highway 1 is something that does happen "from time to time" and it is important to share information about it.
"It’s not always clear whether these dogs are lost, abandoned, or simply roaming from nearby rural properties, but it’s always concerning when they’re near such a busy roadway," Fedak said. "This tends to happen more often during the summer months, so with vacation season approaching, it’s a great time to help raise awareness."
According to her, while within the City of Revelstoke dogs are handled by bylaw officers, "outside of town, it’s more of a case-by-case situation." As a volunteer-run non-profit, RDHS doesn't have resources to respond to every call about dogs on the highway, which Fedak said makes it especially important for Good Samaritans to step in by helping catch these vulnerable pets and reunite them with owners.
"We also rely heavily on our social media pages to spread the word quickly when a dog is spotted or found," she noted. "Our social media is one of our most powerful tools for reuniting pets with their families."
Anyone who encounters a loose dog along Highway 1 this summer is encouraged to not chase it, pull over only if safe, take a clear photo for identification, post immediately to local social media groups with RDHS tagged, and call city bylaw or RCMP if the animal is in danger.
The City of Revelstoke says dogs must be leashed along all public roads within the municipality, and its bylaw enforcement and animal control team can be reached at 250-837-2911 or 250-837-4747. As well, Revelstoke RCMP can be contacted at 250-837-5255.
"It truly takes a village, and we’re grateful for everyone who helps keep pets safe and get them back home," Fedak said.
However, while finding a stray or abandoned dog on the highway can be upsetting, "for the safety of both travellers and the dog, the BC SPCA strongly advises against stopping to capture a loose animal," BC SPCA communications officer Debra Walley said in an email.
"A frightened dog may dart into traffic when approached, posing a serious risk to themselves and drivers."
According to Walley, the best thing people can do, instead, is note the exact location where the dog was seen and then report it to either local police or the BC SPCA's Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.
"It's important to remember that abandoning an animal is illegal under both the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Criminal Code," she said, adding that if someone can no longer care for their pet, they're urged to call the BC SPCA for support.
"For those concerned about stray dogs in their community, we encourage reaching out to local government officials to advocate for improved protections and support for these vulnerable animals," Walley said.
