County council passed a second reading of an updated animal control bylaw during its second meeting in May. (May 30)
The bylaw received first reading in March, with proposed changes including the introduction of vicious dog declarations and the use of municipal tags.
Beekeeping and wild boar farming were originally included under licensed livestock permits. However, hives have since been removed, as the beekeeping industry falls under provincial jurisdiction.
Administration also advised council that the province is reviewing regulations surrounding wild boar, and recommended removing that section for now.
The bylaw is expected to return for third and final reading in the coming weeks.
Vicious & Impounded Dogs
If passed, the bylaw would require owners of dogs declared vicious to obtain liability insurance. They would have 15 days to comply with the declaration and adhere to additional regulations regarding the animal’s care and control.
Provisions have also been added to extend the holding period for impounded dogs with tattoos or microchips, to help facilitate their return to owners.
Municipal Tags & Violation Tickets
The updated bylaw introduces municipal tags—an option for issuing fines that carry less severity than violation tickets.
If a municipal tag is not paid voluntarily or is contested in court, a violation ticket may be issued.
Officers may also escalate a situation directly to a violation ticket if they believe court proceedings are likely or necessary.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
