This is in response to accusations about my actions regarding my dog, Diesel. Perhaps these facts will help give the real picture.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan dog control's own documentation shows they failed to open a file, much less investigate several incidents.
They were aware since 2008 that I was involved in a neighbourhood dispute.
One complainant's statement mentioned her knocking on doors to get some action against Diesel (me).
Diesel was seized over two years after her accusation. The RDCO wrote numerous tickets, which I contested in court. The RDCO did not win any of them.
The regional district, through its lawyer, opposed any bail for Diesel. The RDCO only made an offer to release Diesel to me after he had been caged for one year and only after I filed job complaints because the RDCO was totally intransigent.
The district never responded to my counter-offer. The RDCO's latest offer was non-negotiable. That is not an offer, this is dictating.
The provincial court judge stated that the failure of the RDCO to explore all the options for settlement was in itself a reason to return Diesel to me.
There have evidently been tons of Christmas cards (and gifts?) sent for Diesel. I was never notified of this by RDCO, nor have I received any.
I have always stated that I am not perfect and neither was Diesel, but have maintained that Diesel did not do what he was accused of.
I feel I have been victimized by a few neighbours and now by the regional district.
I ask you, who is callous and who has the ego? Diesel is a victim, as was Shadow.
The consultant who investigated RDCO animal control was quite critical of many facets of the operation, including that it had no policy and procedures, no formalized training program, and more. He also noted they had little to no respect from most of the community.
Diesel has been assessed by a provincial expert, who stated that he would not attack, but would not shy away from one either.
This was testified to in court, as was the testimony that he was attacked first.
The RDCO never asked me what happened. If this is an example of how RDCO animal control treats animals and their owners, I think each and every animal owner should be very afraid.
There are many more facts, but only so much space.
I hope this gives everyone a more realistic grasp of the situation and the regional district's actions and attitudes.
Dave Smith,
Peachland