WESTLOCK COUNTY – A proposed dog bylaw that was slated for second reading at the Westlock County council meeting on Oct. 8 was sent back for revisions instead.
The bylaw aims to update and expand on existing regulations within the county’s land use bylaw and provide peace officers with more effective tools for managing stray dogs and handling dangerous dog situations.
“Some of this is legal speak,” said Westlock County Chief Administrative Officer Tony Kulbisky, adding that the changes add more clarity.
Coun. Sherri Provencal raised concerns about the wording of the draft bylaw, pointing out that it suggested all dog owners would need to pay for a license annually, when in fact only owners of dangerous dogs are subject to this requirement.
Coun. Stuart Fox-Robinson sought clarification from Westlock County Peace Officer Sgt. Darcy DeVos, confirming that the bylaw specifically targets dogs and not other animals. DeVos said it targets dogs specifically. Council then recommended renaming the draft bylaw from the current “Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw” to what it is, a dog bylaw.
Reeve Christine Wiese emphasized the need to remove references to livestock in the document.
The changes to the draft bylaw will be brought back to council at its next regular meeting for second reading on Oct. 22.
