WESTLOCK COUNTY – After holding three open houses to gather public feedback on the proposed Responsible Animal Ownership bylaw the county has made some minor adjustments to the draft. The changes reflect input from the community.
The Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw will come back to Westlock County Council on Oct. 8 for second reading. The bylaw was given first reading in June.
“A lot of the suggestions that have come forward we have incorporated into the draft of the bylaw,” Westlock County Chief Administrative Officer Tony Kulbisky told council during its regular meeting on Sept. 24.
Coun. Jared Stitsen said he would like to see a revised draft made available to the public before second or third reading, so they have an opportunity to review the changes.
Coun. Isaac Skuban emphasized that the proposed bylaw is for hamlets and subdivisions and not farms.
Coun. Sherri Provencal said they encourage those on farms and acreages to register their dogs to help lost dogs be reunited with their owners.
Kulbisky said county residents will be able to upload their dog’s photo and description. He pointed out that the county gets stray dogs dropped off and having pets registered will help them determine if it’s a stray dog or owned by someone in the county.
In the proposed bylaw, the county lowered the fine for barking dogs to $150. To charge a dog owner, however, the county needs evidence, said Kulbisky.
Guardian dogs aren’t exempt from being registered, but service dogs are exempt.
There won’t be a registration fee for this fiscal year and the fees will kick in Jan. 1, 2025, said Kulbisky.
