$700 in fines for lady tying up her dogs outside Pelican Market

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

Lorri Johnson went into the Pelican Market on Lorne Avenue July, 5 2016 and tied up her two dogs outside.

Campbell Moore, her grandson was on his scooter beside them in the parking lot.

But Johnson came out to $700 in fines from city bylaw officers.

It cost her $100 per dog for leaving them tied up and $250 a dog for forgetting to get her registration renewed.

“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?”

The city said zero tolerance 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,” City of Saskatoon’s Communications Consultant, Mike Halstead said in an email.

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

“If you drive without your driver’s license 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.”