How much longer, one wonders, can this go on? How many more children should be killed or horribly maimed by packs of wild dogs, before something changes?

Killing the dogs that ended the life of ten year old Keith Iron in Canoe Narrows on the weekend is a remedy after the fact. And after the fact of too many other attacks.

It’s not enough for First Nations communities or northern towns to lament they don’t have bylaw control officers, or a method of dealing with wild dogs. The problem is entirely their creation. It’s fair to ask for help in a solution, but the initiative has to be local. Towns and reserves need to organize a cull of wild dogs. If it isn’t tied up, it’s being put down. Then, dog owners need to be responsible for their animals. It’s that simple.

If the dogs that attacked Keith Iron have owners, they should be charged. I’m not a lawyer, but criminal negligence causing death sounds appropriate. If appealing to people to be responsible doesn’t work, perhaps the prospect of criminal charges might.

An initiative to have vets go to northern communities and neuter dogs is commendable, but does nothing to address the immeidate issue and sadly,  won't do much until owners start taking responsibility.

It’s too bad for dogs and especially for children, that there are so many dangerously irresponsible adults running loose.