Pet owners will keep a close watch on city council as they consider a new pet ownership bylaw.
Mayor and council will hear the first reading of an amendment to the Animal Control Bylaw.
Defined as the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, it encourages a set standard for pet ownership in our region.
The bylaw would achieve this through education, licensing, and enforcement.
It also appoints the Community Standards Appeal Committee (CSAC) to review cases of vicious animal declarations in the Municipality.
Animal Control
This amendment to the Animal Control bylaw is the first since April 23, 2002, when the bylaw came into effect.
The bylaw declared Council would be responsible for judging declarations of vicious animals.
However, from February 16, 2019, to March 13, 2019, the administration held fruitful discussions with residents about pet ownership.
Pet ownership is an important subject in rural communities, who contributed as well.
The administration noted a total of 133 residents shared their views in the seven public sessions
Residents also completed 796 surveys outlining their needs from the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.
Their recommendation for mayor and council is to amend the CSAC to review Animal Control Bylaw decisions.
Furthermore, owners of pets the Animal Control bylaw declares as vicious may request the CSAC review that decision.
If this motion passes, expect second and third readings in the fall of 2019.
At that time, the administration along with legal services will have a final draft of the bylaw.
Council will also hear the first reading of the motion to ban work camps within 75 kilometres of Fort McMurray and discuss the fate of the weather catcher.
