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Canadian municipalities now have a template to follow in developing or revising animal control bylaws. A document entitled An Enlightened Approach to Companion Animal Control for Canadian Municipalities was developed by the National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC) and released last fall.
The NCAC was established in 1996 to promote socially responsible pet ownership and to enhance the health and well-being of companion animals. Members of the Coalition are the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as an observer member.
The bylaw document is the culmination of more than two years of consultation among coalition members and municipal animal control experts. The NCAC believes the foundation of effective animal control legislation is the promotion of responsible pet ownership. Pets that are healthy, identified, sterilized, properly trained, socialized and kept under control are seldom the cause of conflict. Unfortunately, not all pet owners understand or accept the lifetime responsibilities that animal ownership requires.
The NCAC recommends that municipal governments implement legislation that rewards responsible pet ownership and provides incentives for pet owners to be responsible. Effective legislation must be combined with education and public awareness to have the most impact.
The Coalition document includes a discussion of the major elements of animal control, as well as a model municipal bylaw based on existing legislation from Canadian jurisdictions. The document can be viewed in English and French on the CFHS website or obtained from the CFHS office.
New ProjectAmong the most common reasons pet owners give for relinquishing their dogs and cats to shelters are “Moving” and “Landlord won’t allow”. The National Companion Animal Coalition has begun work on the development of an information package on renting with pets.
The package will include information to educate landlords and housing managers on the benefits of companion animals, as well as tips for pet owners on being responsible with their pets and finding pet-friendly accommodation. We invite anyone with an interest in this issue to contact the CFHS office.
