City repeals ban on collars, chains used to train service dogs

City Council has repealed its ban on pronged dog collars and choke chains after complaints from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind which said the devices are best practices and necessary training for service and other dogs. To train the dogs properly the seeing eye handlers would be potentially breaking the law. The matter was raised by Councillor Jon Burnside among others. Now the City will ask licensing staff to consult the public on use of the collars, specifically including veterinarians, experts and professionals “involved with the humane and ethical treatment of dogs; those who rely on service dogs; those who have mobility issues; dog trainers; and dog groomers.” Staff will report back to the Sept. 18 meeting of the licensing committee.