VIMY – A public open house to discuss Westlock County’s proposed Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw drew area residents to the Vimy Community Hall on Sept. 4 to talk about their furry friends.
The bylaw is still in its draft stages having passed first reading in June with the county now asking for public input at open houses.
Stephen Sicoli of Westlock County, who attended with his dog Willow, expressed his interest in understanding the new bylaw.
“I came to learn a little bit more about responsible pet ownership in the area and ways that we can make sure that we keep our dogs safe and make sure that everyone's keeping their pets out of other people’s business. I know we've had a couple issues where there's dogs running around town.”
Rolly Fagnan, a resident from Vimy, welcomed the new bylaw.
“It’s good that they are doing something. There are too many dogs running loose around here, and this might help address that issue.”
Westlock County Peace Officer Sgt. Darcy DeVos said the bylaw updates and expands on existing regulations within the county’s land use bylaw and gives peace officers more tools to deal with stray dogs.
He clarified that the two-dog limit, which some believed was newly introduced, has been in place in Westlock County since at least 2008. The bylaw regulates various animals, including dogs, chickens, llamas, and goats, depending on property size.
In addition, for anyone wanting more than two dogs, there is a permitting process available.
“It’s a fairly simple process,” he said.
Sgt. Devos also addressed concerns about dog attacks and dangerous dogs running lose.
“There is a problem in the hamlets. We get complaints a lot of dogs running at large.”
The new bylaw aims to provide peace officers with more effective tools for managing stray dogs and handling dangerous dog situations.
Westlock County Coun. Sherri Provencal emphasized that the bylaw is still in draft form and has only passed its first reading. She said that the open houses are part of the process to gather community feedback.
She reassured residents with multiple dogs that the bylaw wouldn’t force them to give up their pets, and encouraged those concerned to participate in the feedback process.
“There are people that have three or more little dogs in their house and they are panicking thinking we're going to make them give away part of their family and there is no possible way we would ever do that.”
