Positive Animal Welfare Solutions (PAWS) Committee

Positive Animal Welfare Solutions (PAWS) Committee

Terms of Reference

Purpose– to advocate for the harmonious inclusion and safe interactions of pets, domestic and agricultural animals with wild animals, residents and visitors on Denman Island.

Scope– to encourage the safety and well being of local pets, domestic and agricultural animals through responsible guardianship and to work in conjunction with the DIRA Wildlife Advisory Committee and the CVRD.

Authority– PAWS is guided by the DIRA Objective “To consider and further the interests and general welfare of the residents of Denman Island” and is answerable to DIRA. If a serious incident occurs and the DIRA Board approves, the local Conservation Officer or RCMP could be contacted.

Operating Procedures–

  • ongoing community education-focused articles on good guardianship practices submitted to local publications and on social media.

  • complaint driven action will consist of documenting details, the nature of the complaint, establishing guardianship etc. while respecting any privacy concerns and then PAWS will;

  • attempt to contact the guardian with a request to have a positive conversation on how to mitigate any future occurrences by offering solutions and/or help with the emphasis on “Keep it safe, keep it contained.” Ideally this should be done with a permitted cordial visit of two PAWS members (for safety and documentation purposes).

  • if warranted, due to repeat occurrences, or a negative response or imminent danger to the animal in question or others, the DIRA Board will be consulted before contacting the Conservation Officer or RCMP.

DIRA PAWS 2026 Membership–

Chair- Edi Johnston text-250 898-4145 edijohnston@gmail.com

Vice Chair- Chris Danks

Members at large- (to be determined)

Meetings- (to be determined)

“Keep it safe, keep it contained”