Vegreville Residents Request Cat Bylaw

Vegreville Residents Request Cat Bylaw

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Enough is enough. That’s what two Vegreville residents say when it comes to dealing with cats who continually use their yards to urinate and defecate.

Both Roy Mills and Anton Powley have written letters to the Town of Vegreville about the problem and are asking for the municipality to draft a cat bylaw to deal with the ongoing issue.

Mills said the problem has progressively worsened over the past few years. “This problem is centered around the large number stray cats and pet owners’ cats that continually use our yard and our neighbours’ yards to urinate and defecate.

Pet owners in our area let their cats roam free without regard for neighbours that have to contend with their cat’s filthy mess. We have tried to talk to the irresponsible pet owners but there has been absolutely no response to rectify the problem.”

Mills said he’s spent more than $250 replacing plants that were dug up and replacing urine smelling dirt, buying pet repellents, and using moth balls. Even chicken wire has not prevented them from doing their business.

“I believe a cat bylaw is necessary to encourage all these irresponsible cat owners to start assuming the responsibility for their pets. The licensing fees would help in the enforcement of this bylaw,” added Mills. He also provided copies of Cat Bylaws that are in place in Red Deer, Calgary, St. Paul and Vermilion.

Powley expressed the same concerns and said he is tired of picking up after someone else’s pet. He outlined some of the measures he’s taken to deter the cats as well. He believes the town should have bylaws to deal with the problem. “Any amended or proposed bylaw should be expanded to not only include dogs, but cats. These bylaws, with enforcement would start making owners responsible.”

The letters were presented at the Nov. 8 town council meeting. Councillor Taneen Rudyk said it is a difficult topic and that they understand the concern of these individuals, but thought they need more time to digest the information they shared and to look into additional information. She recommended they refer the item back to administration.

Mayor MacPhee said he would let Mr. Mills and Mr. Powley know that we will be taking a look at this issue probably closer to the end of the year. “I know they’ve given four examples of communities and municipalities that have cat bylaws, and it’s a very hard bylaw to enforce, but when the neighbour can’t do the right thing and take care of their cats and look after them, I feel that we should be doing something here. We’ll come up with a plan that will work for our community. Just hold tight and we’ll get it done.”