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Growing Calls for Bear Spray Regulations in Saskatchewan

The increasing incidents of bear spray attacks in Saskatchewan have sparked significant concern among residents and law enforcement alike. As the number of reported cases rises, calls for stricter regulations governing the sale and use of bear spray are intensifying.

Currently, the sale of bear spray is permitted with minimal restrictions, primarily concerning age limits. However, advocacy for more comprehensive regulations is gaining momentum. Cary Tarasoff, a draftsman and former mayoral candidate, recently presented a proposal to the Saskatoon city council, urging them to take action on this pressing issue. Tarasoff expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of responsiveness from city officials.

“The police department has openly requested this regulation,” Tarasoff stated. “It’s imperative to clarify what measures they need. There has been ample public discourse on this issue, yet the response has been lacking.”

Tarasoff criticized the council’s tendency to deflect responsibility, arguing that allowing easy access to bear spray within city limits contributes to the ongoing problems. He advocates for measures that would limit residents’ access to bear spray in urban environments, aligning with the wishes of local law enforcement.

Past actions in cities like Edmonton and Vancouver, which have enacted bylaws to regulate bear spray in response to similar spikes in attacks, serve as a potential model for Saskatoon. In both instances, these measures were implemented at the request of police chiefs, reflecting a proactive approach to community safety.

Regina’s Deputy Police Chief, Lorilee Davies, echoed the need for similar legislative action in Saskatchewan. “We are certainly concerned about the rise in bear spray incidents,” she noted, indicating that additional regulatory tools would be welcomed by law enforcement.

Impact of Bear Spray Usage

Bear spray, scientifically known as oleoresin capsaicin spray, is intended as a deterrent against wildlife encounters but poses a significant risk when misused in public spaces. The spray causes intense pain and can incapacitate individuals, raising concerns about public safety, especially in crowded areas.

Davies articulated the broader implications of bear spray usage on community safety perceptions, stating, “Even if individuals are not directly affected, the presence of bear spray alters the overall sense of security in public spaces.”

As part of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police (SACP), Davies revealed that the association has consistently advocated for tighter regulations. In prior communications, the SACP urged the provincial government to introduce measures that could effectively manage the sale of bear spray, reinforcing the importance of community safety.

Moreover, recent legislation related to bladed weapons has also provided law enforcement new tools to handle bear spray-related incidents. This legislation allows officers to confiscate bear spray found on individuals in urban areas, facilitating more effective policing in environments where such a weapon may be inappropriate.

Data on Bear Spray Incidents

According to the Saskatoon Police Service, as of mid-December, the city recorded 315 incidents involving bear spray this year alone, compared to 256 incidents in 2022. This alarming trend suggests Saskatoon could experience nearly one bear spray incident daily, emphasizing the urgency for regulatory action.

Mayor Cynthia Block acknowledged police concerns regarding bear spray regulation and expressed support for enhancing point-of-sale controls. “Our police chief has indicated that tracking the source of bear spray purchases could be instrumental in addressing this issue,” she explained. Implementing a registration system for bear spray sales, coupled with identification requirements, could help trace ownership in the event of misuse.

As the debate continues, opinions vary regarding the approach to regulation. Some advocate for provincial legislation allowing municipalities to opt-in, while others suggest local governments set their own bylaws to tackle the problem directly.

“If bear spray is proven to be a challenge in a given area, jurisdictions can take proactive steps by opting into the proposed regulations,” Davies notes, affirming that such measures would enhance local policing capabilities.

In light of the growing incidents involving bear spray, law enforcement agencies are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to ensure community safety.

Source
globalnews.ca