Vancouver Animal Services’ Reckless Negligence: Dogs in Cafés and the Dangerous Response from John Gray’s Office

by

Vancouver Animal Services’ Reckless Negligence: Dogs in Cafés and the Dangerous Response from John Gray’s Office

It is with deep concern that we bring to public attention the shocking response from Vancouver Animal Services, under the leadership of John Gray, regarding the growing problem of dogs in cafés and restaurants. What should have been a clear enforcement issue—guided by both City of Vancouver bylaws and provincial health regulations—was instead met with a dismissive and irresponsible reply.

Here is the astonishing response that citizens received from Animal Services:

“We have no jurisdiction in this matter. Responsibility lies with the building managers.”

This reckless statement is not only wrong, it is an abdication of duty. To suggest that private building managers—who are neither trained nor legally empowered to enforce health regulations—should bear responsibility for public health and safety is absurd and dangerous.

Why This Matters

City bylaws and provincial health laws are explicit: animals are prohibited in food-service establishments, with very limited exceptions (such as guide or service dogs). This prohibition extends to patios, which are legally licensed as part of the premises.

The City’s refusal to acknowledge this legal reality and its attempt to pass the buck to private managers amounts to malfeasance, misfeasance, and gross negligence.

This is not merely about rules on paper. The stakes involve public health, community safety, and quality of life:

  • Aggressive dogs on patios have already created distress and safety risks for other patrons.

  • Barking dogs disturb the peace of public spaces and damage community harmony.

  • The lack of enforcement emboldens irresponsible dog owners and endangers the broader public.

Our Rebuttal to Animal Services

In response to John Gray’s office, we state unequivocally:

*“The City of Vancouver’s own bylaws, and indeed provincial health regulations, prohibit animals in establishments where food is prepared or served—with very limited exceptions. That prohibition logically extends to patios, which are licensed as part of the food-service premises.

Your reply not only overlooks these obligations but effectively passes responsibility to ‘building managers,’ who are not equipped or mandated to enforce municipal or provincial health laws. This response comes across as dismissive and raises questions of accountability.

The issue is not only one of bylaw enforcement but also of public health, safety, and community well-being. Aggressive dogs on patios create distress for other patrons, while barking dogs disturb the peace of public spaces. Both are issues within the City’s mandate to address.

If this matter is not taken seriously, we will escalate our complaint to City Council, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the BC Ombudsperson. We will also be documenting the issue publicly, including a YouTube video, to ensure citizens are aware of the risks and the City’s failure of duty.”*

This response highlights the reality: the City of Vancouver is not just failing to enforce its laws, it is enabling by omission.

A Pattern of Irresponsibility

This incident is not isolated. It reflects a broader culture of reckless inaction and bureaucratic excuses that undermine public trust. When a municipal department suggests it has no jurisdiction over clear bylaw violations, citizens have every right to demand accountability from those in charge—including John Gray.

Public Call to Action

We urge every citizen who is outraged by this reckless stance to make their voice heard. Contact the City of Vancouver, demand accountability, and share your concerns about Animal Services’ abdication of responsibility.

Contacts for Complaints:

Conclusion

The people of Vancouver deserve a city government that enforces its own laws, protects its residents, and acts in the public interest—not one that hides behind excuses while enabling health risks.

John Gray and Vancouver Animal Services must be held accountable. Citizens are encouraged to speak out, file formal complaints, and ensure that this malfeasance does not continue unchecked.

Silence allows negligence to thrive. Your voice can demand accountability.

Facebook Comments Box