Dogs are often regarded as a person’s best friend, and this sentiment holds true in Vernon.
In March 1893, just a year after the City’s official incorporation, Bylaw 7 was enacted, imposing a $2.00 annual tax on each dog within city limits. The bylaw also required every dog to have license, although it took a few more months for the issuance of licenses to fully commence, and it wasn’t until 1911 that collars were introduced.
The taxation and licensing of dogs were new to the people of Vernon. By 1895, it was reported that out of the 80 dogs in the City, only 25 had been licensed, much to the consternation of City Council. The issuance of dog licenses remained a frequently discussed topic by Council in the following years.
In November 1944, it was announced that Vernon would soon have a dog catcher, as some dogs were reportedly wandering at night and disturbing farm animals. Around this time, there were also reports of postal workers being attacked by loose dogs, leading the City to conclude that they would not be held accountable for refusing to deliver mail to homes with dogs. However, this did not diminish the City’s affection for the gentler of these furry creatures.
In July 1953, Polson Park hosted its first dog show, known as Dr. Ballard’s Mutt Show. This event allowed Vernon residents to enter their dogs into various contests, including best dressed, longest tail, shortest tail, and fastest eater. Throughout the 1950s, these mutt shows were held across Canada and were well-known for their association with their initial sponsor, Dr. Ballard’s Animal Food Ltd.
One notable local dog lover was Sveva Caetani. Growing up in 1920s Vernon, she had few friends her own age but found steadfast companionship in the family dogs. These loyal pets often accompanied Sveva on her adventures, whether she was spending the day at her father’s wood lot or playing in the family yard. Over the years, the Caetani family had several dogs, and when Sveva later attended boarding school in Vancouver, she frequently asked her parents for updates about her beloved pets in her letters home.
Throughout its history, Vernon has maintained a relationship with dogs marked by both regulation and affection, navigating the challenges and joys of dog ownership with a balanced approach.
Gwyneth Evans, Archives Manager