Proposed Changes to Dog Bylaw Introduced

Proposed Changes to Dog Bylaw Introduced

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Proposed changes to the Town of Vegreville’s animal (dog) control bylaw were introduced to members of town council at its Aug. 18 legislative committee meeting.

Community Services Director Phil Rowe said the idea is to update and replace the existing bylaw. He said the proposed changes are based on concerns by residents in the community.

One of the proposed changes would be to replace the annual permit fee of $35 per dog to a lifetime fee of $325. Rowe said the lifetime fee is based on the average lifespan of a dog which is 10 years.

Rowe said the lifetime fee would be a huge saving administratively and more people would use the one-time fee.

Mayor Tim MacPhee said two dogs are the norm and if you want more dogs a special permit would have to be approved. The only exception would apply to dog breeders who would be allowed 10 dogs if they are under six months of age.

“What we are really trying to limit is the number of people who five or six dogs in their yard that are becoming a concern for the community. The breeders generally are not a concern. They want to get those puppies sold and out to owners.

MacPhee asked if an owner has a lifetime tag would they get a refund if they moved or the dog were to die?

Rowe responded by saying, “We’re not giving a refund say if the dog only lives seven or eight years. We’re not giving a refund because there are some dogs who live until their 12 or 13 years.” Looking at other municipalities dog bylaws, Rowe said 10 years is the average lifespan. The larger breeds live seven to 10 years and 10 to 14 years for smaller breeds.

“I can see some pushback from the community on this,” stated MacPhee. “Maybe we won’t get anyone registering their dog? I understand too, there are challenges for the administration about following that every year for the people who didn’t renew their dog license,” he noted.

MacPhee said council would need time to digest and review the bylaw. “I can see it will be a contentious issue.”

The proposed bylaw is expected to be discussed in more detail at the next legislative committee meeting on Sept. 8 where it will be formally presented to council.