Picture Butte Council Meeting Highlights: Public hearing for “aggressive dog” concerns

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Sunny South News

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Council met on November 25 to discuss a number of matters, but chief among them was the long-awaited public hearing regarding an ongoing issue around Monty Cahoon’s dog. Some deem it aggressive; others think the aggressive title is misplaced.

The concerns stretch back to February 22, 2024, when the first complaint was submitted by Cheryl Garratt, who reported encountering Milo exhibiting aggressive behaviour. Monty was informed of the complaint and given an official warning. On September 7, a second complaint was received from Wayne Hawthorne, who described being chased by Milo while cycling. This was followed on September 9 by another complaint from Marilyn Cortez, who cited two separate incidents of aggressive behaviour involving Milo.

Based on these complaints and the provisions of Dog Control Bylaw #885-19, which defines an aggressive dog as one that has unprovokedly chased, injured, threatened, or created the apprehension of a threat to a person or other animal, it was determined that Milo met the criteria of an aggressive dog. An official order was drafted, placing conditions on Milo, including payment of a $150 aggressive dog license fee and leashing Milo with a leash no longer than one meter. Conditions initially included muzzling Milo in public, but this was later removed. It was clarified that the aim was not to escalate the situation or consider extreme measures like euthanasia unless absolutely necessary. Cahoon disagreed with the order and conditions, particularly the license fee, and was informed of his right to appeal. The matter was reviewed by the council on September 23, 2024, and the license fee was reduced to $75 for 2024 (but would remain $150 in subsequent years).

In October, Cahoon submitted an official appeal, and a hearing date was set for November 25, 2024. Notifications were sent to the complainants.

Municipal Enforcement Officer Ryan Mosby reviewed his report in the hearing, noting in it that “Monty has every right to appeal the order and I will respect council’s decision should they feel the order needs to be rescinded. Should no further complaints be received for the duration of 2025, I recommend council remove the aggressive dog order and all conditions placed on the dog.”

Garratt attended the hearing in person, noting that her encounters with Milo were “traumatic” and left her feeling “extremely frightened.” 

Cortez also spoke, saying that in her capacity as a long-term dog owner, “I feel I should have the right to walk the street and not be threatened. I was threatened.” 

Hawthorne also spoke against Milo, describing why he felt the dog should be classified as “aggressive for life.” Hawthorne alleged defense by kicking the dog when it lunged at him, pointing out, “I am sure if I did not kick the dog [in defense] it would have drawn blood. The owner did not apologize.” 

Cahoon appeared to defend his position that Milo is not aggressive, and he was attended by Alex. Cahoon is a senior and hard of hearing; Alex spoke on Cahoon’s behalf.

In defense of Milo, a letter was submitted from Dr. Baker, an animal specialist, saying that Milo is not aggressive and that Cahoon is a responsible dog owner. Alex noted that Cahoon apologized to one of the ladies present when Milo frightened her, and that due to being hard of hearing, simply did not hear the other women at the time she felt attacked. One of the ladies presenting against Milo said the dog was akin to the dogs herding prisoners during the Holocaust. Alex said, “That is a bit of a stretch.”

“Milo is a big dog and he makes noise, but he has always been leashed. Monty has already taken steps to ensure the issues do not occur again,” said Alex, “I really believe this needs to be put away, this issue with Milo. Dogs should not be declared aggressive for barking. Mr. Cahoon is 73. He struggles with health and mobility. He rescued Milo and Milo has been in a town parade with kids petting him. He doesn’t bite.”

Following the statements supporting Cahoon and Milo, a letter was submitted by a resident that lives close to Cahoon. The resident alleged that the dog is not aggressive and even witnessed an interaction where a dog named Ocean was aggressive to Cahoon and Milo, but Milo did not even bark. 

After all the statements were heard, Mayor Cathy Moore adjourned the hearing and noted that the resolution would take place in the closed session. Later, Mayor Moore informed Sunny South News of council’s decision: the aggressive dog order will be upheld until September 2025, after which time it will be re-evaluated. If there are no incidents with Cahoon’s dog during that time frame, the order may be lifted. 

Madeline From attended the meeting remotely as a delegate from FoodCycle Science, presenting in detail an innovative food waste management system called the FoodCycler that is gaining traction across rural municipalities. Council will discuss the pros and cons and provide From with an answer at a later date.

Another topic of note was the continuing discussion about the Centennial celebration. 

“Everyone wants to be a part of the history. Everyone is so gung-ho,” was the information provided after an informal survey of seniors was taken. However, it was also noted that if the Centennial was pushed much further than 2026, many of the founding residents would not be around to celebrate it. 

The debate continued to centre around identifying the most historically significant year to recognize, with 1926, the date the post office opened, emerging as the best starting date. 

The council meeting schedule may be amended over the holiday season. Visit the Town of Picture Butte website for details of when meetings will occur in December.