“I have had dogs my whole life, and this is the first time one of my dogs has bitten someone, it was a real shock.”
Surrey, B.C. (September 14, 2026): Surrey Councillor Linda Annis said when Ron, her four-year-old Dalmatian, bit a neighbour in May, she was shocked, because as a life-long dog owner she has never had a dog bite someone.
“I have had 10 dogs over the years, and nothing like this has ever happened,” said Annis. “It happened so fast and was really out-of-character. But as a dog owner I know I am responsible for my dog’s behaviour.”
Annis cooperated fully with the bylaw department’s investigation which resulted in fines for the bite, and not having up-to-date licences for her two Dalmatians.
“Ron now has to be muzzled in public, he cannot visit dog parks, and I have a sign in my yard to let people know there are dogs on the premises,” said Annis. “Regarding not having the licences up-to-date, I have no excuse other than it was an oversight on my part, since I’ve always licensed my dogs. Like most people, my days are full, but keeping a dog’s license up to date is definitely part of being a responsible owner.”
Annis said Global BC’s reporting of the incident on yesterday’s evening news was frustrated by the time it took to get investigation details from city hall.
“I was not part of the city’s process for providing information, but I wish it had been quicker because the delay became an important part of the story, as it should be,” said Annis. “As a result, I am asking the city manager why city hall did not provide a faster response to Global’s request for information. I deeply regret what happened. My dogs are definitely part of the family, but like every responsible dog owner I know you cannot excuse a dog bite.”