Off-Leash Dog Kills Deer In Canmore, Councillor Pushes For Zero-Tolerance Policy

A mule deer is dead after being chased and attacked by an off-leash dog near Canmore's Engine Bridge, prompting an investigation and renewed calls for tougher enforcement of the town's leash laws.

The incident occurred on the morning of Oct. 11, when a dog pursued the deer through the Bow River.

Canmore resident Patricia Johnston was walking along the river when she spotted the deer running back and forth through the water, apparently trying to escape something.

"We started watching and we realized something was chasing it and it was trying to escape," Johnston told Bow Valley Insider.

As the animals moved closer, she realized the deer was being chased by a dog.

"The dog was relentless in its pursuit, like it didn't back off at any time," she said.

Johnston said a woman ran along the riverbank, calling for the dog and even entering the water in an attempt to retrieve it.

Despite her efforts, the chase continued.

The deer eventually attempted to swim upstream through deeper water, but the dog followed. As the animals were carried downstream, the dog caught up and jumped onto the deer's back.

"At that point we could tell the deer was exhausted and the dog started biting at its ears and just had a grip on the deer," Johnston said.

She feared both animals might drown. The deer ultimately died.

"It was very sad," she said. "We were just so sad about that."

Dog owner comes forward as investigation continues

Caitlin Miller, manager of protective services for the Town of Canmore, said municipal peace officers responded to reports of a dog harassing and attacking wildlife near the Engine Bridge.

Officers spotted a woman and dog leaving the area that matched witnesses' descriptions but were unable to locate them at the time.

The town subsequently shared a social media post seeking information.

"Fortunately the dog owner did report to municipal enforcement after seeing that social media post," Miller told Bow Valley Insider.

The town is working with Alberta Forestry and Parks as the investigation continues.

Miller declined to provide further details about the deer's death or confirm whether charges would be laid.

However, she noted that Canmore's animal control bylaw includes offences related to dogs chasing, attacking and severely injuring wildlife.

Councillor calls for tougher enforcement

The incident has prompted Canmore Coun. Wade Graham to call for stricter enforcement of the town's leash laws.

In a Facebook post, Graham questioned what could be done to address off-leash dogs in the community.

"Personally, I'm done with the lame excuses. I'll be asking council to support a zero tolerance policy. No more warnings. People know better," he wrote.

Graham also called for the town to revisit its fine amounts.

Under Canmore's Animal Control Bylaw 2024-03, dog owners can face escalating fines for allowing their pets to chase, bite or severely injure wildlife.

The bylaw lists a $750 fine for a first offence involving a dog chasing or threatening wildlife, increasing to $2,500 for a third or subsequent offence.

Causing severe injury or death to wildlife carries a $1,000 fine for a first offence, rising to $4,000 for a third or subsequent offence.

Canmore council approved the bylaw in March 2024, increasing penalties for several animal control violations.

Graham has indicated he intends to seek council support for further changes, but no new enforcement policy has been approved.

Off-leash dogs a widespread concern

While serious wildlife encounters involving dogs are relatively infrequent, Miller said off-leash dogs are a recurring concern throughout Canmore.

"Off-leash dogs throughout town is one of the most reported things that comes through the Municipal Enforcement Department," she said.

One challenge is identifying and contacting owners when violations occur.

According to Keep Wildlife Alive, off-leash dogs are among the most common causes of wildlife attacks involving people and pets in the Bow Valley.

Dogs can provoke defensive or aggressive behaviour from bears, coyotes, cougars and elk, potentially putting their owners and others at risk.

Even well-trained dogs can react unpredictably around wildlife.

"Even the most obedient dogs may harass wildlife to protect their humans," Miller said. "They're not socialized with wildlife. So we don't know how they're going to react."

For Johnston, witnessing Sunday's incident reinforced the importance of keeping dogs leashed.

She regularly passes signs along the river reminding owners that leashes protect dogs, people and wildlife.

"I think once they get in that whatever it is, attack mode or whatever happens to them ... there's no controlling them with your voice or commands," she said.

What dog owners need to know

Under Canmore's animal control rules, dogs must be leashed in public areas unless they are in designated off-leash spaces or another area where off-leash activity is permitted.

Miller said owners should report incidents involving dogs attacking, threatening or injuring wildlife, other dogs or domestic animals to municipal enforcement.

However, she emphasized that preventing these encounters is the priority.

"We have some great off leash dog parks in town and that's where dogs should be off leash," she said.

Residents can find designated off-leash areas through the town's website.

The investigation into Sunday's incident remains ongoing, and it is unclear whether the dog owner will face penalties.

Meanwhile, Graham's proposed zero-tolerance approach could bring the broader issue of enforcement before Canmore council.