ATHABASCA – Athabasca County residents made the most of an opportunity to weigh in on a proposed animal control bylaw that would, among other things, limit the number of dogs residents can own.
The survey, conducted in March, drew in 187 responses, a number that left many councillors surprised. Some 29 respondents identified themselves as non-county residents and so their results were excluded, but the remaining 158 were largely classified as positive, and director of community and protective services Christa Wilkinson recommended the bylaw be presented to county council.
“I’m encouraged by the number of responses that were garnered from an online survey,” said Coun. Natasha Kapitaniuk. “I think more public engagement is going to be required here. I know open houses don’t turn out a ton of people, but I want to offer the opportunity for people who maybe aren’t comfortable using the internet.”
The bylaw, formally known as the draft Animal Control Bylaw, is designed to help county peace officers manage situations with problem animals and expands their enforcement powers.
Residents were asked if they approved of additions to the bylaw, including the number of dogs permitted, over-limit permitting, penalties offences and fees, cat control, and abandoned animals.
The results
The proposed bylaw would limit the number of dogs residents can possess: hamlets and subdivisions would be limited to two, properties that are less than 10 acres would be capped at three, and properties over ten acres could have as many as six dogs. Fifty-five per cent of respondents said they weren’t in favour of this, with 36 rural acreage residents and 32 rural farm residents voting against it. Only 41 per cent were in favour, and the remaining four per cent said they were unsure.
Administration noted several common themes in the written responses for the section, including a lack of clarity for breeding operations, considerations for working animals, considerations for size and breed of animals, and several comments regarding government over-reach into animal control limitations.
“We’re never going to please everyone with this bylaw, as you’ve heard the votes were all very close,” said Coun. Camille Wallach. “One thing I’ve heard from a lot of people is (a concern for) protecting livestock from stray animals. If there’s a pack of dogs on an acreage what do we do about it?”
Responses were a little more even on over-limiting permits, with 48 per cent saying they didn’t approve, 40 per cent saying they did, and 12 per cent saying they were unsure. The section would allow enforcement officers to issue permits to properties with moer dogs than they were allowed in specific circumstances.
“Some of the responses, particularly towards government overreach, are a common response for things that are new and can take time to change,” said Coun. Kelly Chamzuk.
Next up was a question regarding the penalties, offences and fees section of the document; 50 per cent of respondents were in favour, with 39 per cent opposed and 11 per cent unsure. While there were once again comments regarding government over-reach, other concerns included a lack of clarity regarding the landowner versus the pet owner, and possible overlap with the Animal Protection Act.
Questions around controlled confinement, abandoned animals, and basic care requirements all generated largely positive responses, with over 50 per cent responding in the affirmative.
Councillors voted to refer the bylaw to Athabasca County council’s May 14 regular council reading for the bylaw’s first reading. The bylaw will require a statutory public hearing under the Municipal Government Act, but councillors have the option to host additional public engagement if they choose.
“I hope after the public hearing we would consider something like an open house for people to come and talk and share their opinions,” said Reeve Brian Hall.
