Background:
The Animal Control Working Group (ACWG) was appointed by Stratford City Council to help the City in its review of Animal Control Bylaw 195-2002.
The initial report considered by Council is available here.
Minutes of the Animal Control Bylaw Review Working Group meetings are available below:
ACWG minutes August 24, 2016
ACWG minutes January 17, 2017
ACWG minutes February 28, 2017
ACWG minutes April 11, 2017
ACWG minutes October 11, 2017
ACWG minutes November 21, 2017
ACWG minutes December 14, 2017
ACWG minutes January 30, 2018
Recommendations:
At the April 9, 2018 Council Meeting, the following recommendations were adopted:
That cats and dogs may only be offered for sale in Stratford pet stores if they come from registered Humane Societies and/or reputable animal rescue organizations (as defined by the City);
And that cats and dogs may only be offered for sale in Stratford pet stores after they have been spayed or neutered.
That prohibiting the sale of animals at festivals and events (not including recognized adoption events by recognized local animal rescue organizations such as the Stratford Perth Humane Society and Feline Friends) be added to the bylaw.
That the current Animal Control Bylaw remains as it is with respect to the number of pets allowed per household (no more than 3 unaltered cats; no more than 3 unaltered dogs; no limitation to dogs and cats that have been spayed or neutered).
That the current Animal Control Bylaw remains as it is with respect to cats being allowed to roam at large;
And that advocacy for cats being kept indoors be included as part of a public eduction program.
That the consolidated City of Stratford Animal Control Bylaw limit the number of dogs allowed at the Stratford Dog Park to a maximum of two dogs per responsible adult.
That the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies' "Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare" be adopted as part of the City of Stratford's Animal Control Bylaw:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour;
- Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area;
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment;
- Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company;
- Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
That the following updates be made to definitions in the Animal Control Bylaw:
That a clearer definition of wildlife be included in the bylaw;
And that a distinct definitions of service animal and therapy animal be included in the bylaw.
That the following be included on the City of Stratford website on a webpage dedicated to Animal Control:
That staff include information on the services provided by the Humane Society on the City's website;
That the Humane Society's number and instructions for how to handle animal emergencies be included on the City's website;
That information on wildlife be included as part of public education on the City's website;
That the two responsible pet ownership documents from Calgary be included on the City's webpage if permission is granted from Calgary.
That the following recommendations of the Animal Control Bylaw Review Working Group be referred to staff for review and analysis if supported by Council:
That microchipping should become the form of cat and dog licensing in the City of Stratford;
That the City investigates covering the cost or subsidizing the cost of the Humane Society surrender fee;
That businesses that board and/or care for animals be subject to licensing requirements;
And that busineses that board animals be required to have a reasonable amount of indoor and outdoor space per animal as defined by the City.
That the City and the Humane Society investigate the initiation of a public education program;
That the following updates/amendments be considered as part of the Animal Control Contract negotiations:
1.1 Include wildlife in the definition of animal;
2.0 Change "Animal Control Services" to "Animal Services;"
2.18 If approved, will have to be changed from ID tags to microchips;
3.2 Revise the wording;
3.4 and 3.9 contradict each other -3.4 says 1 hour; 3.9 says 2 hours;
3.4 Revise the wording;
3.9 Revise, should not just apply to roads, should apply to any injured animal in the municipality; and would like the response time to be shorter (i.e. - 1 hour instead of 2 hours);
Schedule "A" add the Pound Act and the OSPCA Act.
Education programming/responsible pet ownership programming should also be discussed during negotiations.
