Owner fined $700 after leaving dogs tied to post while shopping

A Saskatoon woman’s carton of milk cost a whole lot more this week.

Before Lorri Johnson went into Pelican Market on Lorne Avenue Tuesday, she secured her two dogs to a post outside the store.

Campbell Moore, her grandson, remained on his scooter beside the animals in the parking lot.

But when Johnson came out of the store, she was handed $700 in fines from city bylaw officers.

“I didn’t know you couldn’t have your dogs tied to a post while shopping,” Johnson said. “I don’t understand why I couldn’t get a first-time warning.”

It cost her $100 per dog for leaving them tied up, and $250 an animal for not renewing her pet registration.

The city said there’s zero tolerance for leaving an animal tied up anywhere.

“Tethering and leaving an animal anywhere, even if it is for a few minutes, is prohibited under the animal control bylaw,” said Mike Halstead with the City of Saskatoon in an email. 

Johnson said she’s guilty of forgetting to get her licence renewed, but should have received a day’s warning to get it fixed.

“If you drive without your driver’s licence, you have a day to come in to show it to police,” she said. “Why can’t we do the same thing for registrations?”

Johnson said the city is being heavy handed.

“Most animal lovers would feel this way,” she said. “Education first, ticket second.”