The BCCLA is thanking the RCMP for implementing a national policy that clarifies the rights and obligations of the force when conducting police dog training. The BCCLA supported local residents in Lantzville after Nanaimo RCMP used their backyards as part of a training exercise, allegedly without permission. Officers from the Nanaimo RCMP then made public statements that appeared to misstate Canadian law in relation to private property.

“The new RCMP policy clearly states the law, and the obligations of RCMP dog trainers to work within those rules,” said Robert Holmes, Q.C., President of the BCCLA. “This new policy isn’t just the legal one, it’s the right policy to minimize both risks to the public and to police dogs themselves. We congratulate the RCMP for making this national policy, effective immediately.”

The new policy requires a handler to make contact with property owners before conducting training and to get permission to use private property for training before the training exercise.

Click here to read the BCCLA’s original complaint

Click here to read the new RCMP policy

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Robert Holmes, Q.C., President, (604) 838-6856
David Eby, Executive Director, (604) 630-9753