Details of Proposed Dog Bylaw Emerge

Details of Proposed Dog Bylaw Emerge

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Members of Vegreville town council continued to gnaw away at details contained in a proposed new dog bylaw during its legislative committee meeting on Sept. 22.

Community Services Director Phil Rowe explained the “true purpose” of the new bylaw is about responsible dog ownership and it would help the town to work with dog owners to ensure that dogs live safely and in harmony with them and their neighbours.

“This bylaw is not penalizing responsible dog owners but to encourage responsible ownership for the safety and welfare of dogs in our community. The penalization is for those dog owners who are not responsible for their dogs and creates unnecessary duties for animal control and our partner organization Prairie Tails Animal Rescue Society, (PTRS). The Town of Vegreville advocates for responsible dog ownership through five principles:

1. Licence and provide permanent identification for dogs. 2. Spay or neuter dogs. 3. Provide proper physical care and socialization for dogs. 4. Do not allow dogs to become a threat or nuisance in the community. 5. Procure your dog ethically, from a credible source.

According to the bylaw, a maximum of two dogs per household would be allowed. Rowe stated, “Should a resident have more than two dogs currently or want additional dog(s), they may apply for an over-limit permit to explain the reasoning behind the additional dog(s).”

Rowe said the offences have been more clearly defined in the new bylaw and would include: leaving dogs in vehicles unattended (specifically during hot temperatures), leaving dogs unprotected in the back of trucks, and not providing adequate care (food, water, shelter, medical attention) for a dog(s). Rules regarding the DOLA (Dog Off-Leash Area) have been added. “These rules are in place for the health & safety of all dogs and their owners/handlers.”

The rules regarding nuisance & restricted dogs are also clearly defined. It would give municipal enforcement increased powers to deal with them legally. It would also clearly outline the rules and authorities regarding the seizure of a dog by a Peace Officer or ACO (Animal Control Officer). Rowe said there would be increased penalties consistent with other bylaws throughout the province.

There are provisions for registered Canadian service dogs as they were not a part of the bylaw that was adopted back in 1995.

The addition of the lifetime tag is an option but the annual fee would still available for dog owners. The lifetime tag would only be offered for dogs that have been spayed or neutered or a registered breeder.

The annual fee will be split into two categories: Spayed and neutered or non-spayed or non-neutered. According to Rowe, “The increased fee for nonspayed or non-neutered dogs is designed to be a financial incentive to encourage owners to have this procedure completed.” The annual fee for a spayed or neutered dog would be $45 and $80 for a non-spayed or neutered dog. The lifetime fee would be $325. The overlimit fee would be $50 and the nuisance or restricted fee would be $200.

There is no charge for a service dog, but a service dog registration is a requirement. There would be no charge for a rescue dog which is in the temporary care of a rescue organization, and no charge for a puppy under 10 weeks of age.

He also pointed out the annual fee has been increased by $10 and those monies would go directly into a fund for future development, upgrading, and maintenance of DOLA’s within the community. A complete list of offences and penalties are included in the bylaw.

Members of council did have a few unanswered questions and those will be addressed when the proposed bylaw is brought back for discussion at a later date.