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Morinville's new pet bylaw could mean big changes for the town's four-legged inhabitants and higher fines for their owners.
The proposed bylaw that initially attracted media attention over Christmas for the long list of exotic animals that would be banned also includes new rules and guidelines for more common pets.
Those concerns have been addressed and the lengthy list of prohibited animals has been clarified to prohibit animals that are already illegal to own in Canada.
A large number of animal owners who attended last Tuesday's committee of the whole meeting expressed no concerns about the changes, which includes a prohibition on cats roaming at large. Owners of wandering cats would be fined $120.
The bylaw would also allow the town to attach unpaid veterinary bills connected to enforcement to a resident's property taxes.
The bylaw would also require dogs to be on a leash in parks, playgrounds and school areas and has stronger fines for owners who don't pick up after their animals.
Dogs will also be prohibited from riding in the backs of pick-up trucks.
Cat licensing raised
The issue of licensing cats came up in council discussions, but it is not currently in the bylaw.
Coun. Lisa Holmes raised the idea, concerned the new provision on cats at large would be difficult to enforce without licensing.
"Everybody in Morinville knows we have a problem with cats at large and I don't know whether this is going to make a difference one way or the other," she said. "It is hard to tell whose cat is whose if they are not licensed.
"I don't want our peace officer spending all of his time chasing cats around to see where they live."
Administration told council during last Tuesday's presentation on the bylaw that the town regularly collects cats that have been permitted to roam free.
The town's interim manager of enforcement services, Donna Tona, said in December alone the town paid $1,200 in vet fees for cats.
Holmes said with those numbers, it is possible licensing for the animals could be free to town residents just so the town would be able to collect on veterinary fees.
"It wouldn't make the town any money, but it may save us money in the long run with the constant vet bills and enforcement issues."
She said she knows the issue has been divisive before and she wants to hear from residents. Given the costs to the town it has to be considered and council needs the information.
"I am not really sure if people are going to be upset about this or not, but I think it is something that has to be looked at considering how much money we are paying out in vet fees."
The bylaw was set to go to first reading before the Gazette went to press last night. The bylaw will likely have a public hearing before receiving subsequent readings.
