On Monday night, a new and improved Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw was presented by bylaw services manager Fred Crittenden. When the current bylaw was introduced under Mayor Colin Kinsley, it was doomed to fail from day one.
"One of the big problems was the breed specific portion. It was archaic and discriminatory" says Joni, a former employee of the BCSPCA. Joni, having encountered dozens of breeds and cross breeds, witnessed numerous dogs punished for no reason other than appearance. None were inherently more aggressive than the next, based on breed. Behavioural problems stem primarily from poor breeding, neglect and mistreatment.
The process to enact this new bylaw began following a survey conducted in 2016. Over 3,000 residents of PG responded, including some who were not pet owners. That was a good cross section. In 2003, when just over 500 people were surveyed, 64 per cent felt breed specific restrictions were necessary. However, in 2016, 68 per cent felt completely the opposite.
As someone who has spent my adult life working with animals, I am horrified of breed specific bylaws. I don't like discrimination, be it pit bulls, poodles or people. What the issue boils down to is responsible pet ownership.
Joni has two, very sweet 'pitties' who would rub your face raw with kisses. Joni has lived with these dogs, whose only crime was being born as pit bulls, fearing their safety. Her pets were adopted from the local shelter where their chances of finding a loving home was decreased due to fear mongering plus the increased cost in licensing fees.
While everyone at council, including Mayor Lyn Hall, wholeheartedly approved the new bylaw, Coun. Brian Skakun gave his approval reluctantly. He commented that the present bylaw was a good one, but never enforced. Why has it taken so long to mention that? Skakun is a very vocal man. He is also an excellent pet guardian. Was he biased because a friend of his mom had an incident with a pit bull?
Under the new bylaw, dogs will be judged on behaviour, not looks. They will fall into three categories: nuisance, aggressive, dangerous. Bylaw Services will provide a clear definition to educate the staff and the public. These changes will hold owners accountable for the behaviour of their pets.
I get my knickers in a knot when I see pictures plastered on Facebook of a beautiful dog nuzzling up to a baby. What is wrong with these owners? If the dog, for whatever reason, bites the child, that dog is doomed, not the owner. If a dog has teeth, no matter how kind it is, there may be unfortunate consequences. To me, the photos are not cute. They just tell me how totally irresponsible the parents are and there is nothing bylaw services can do about it.
The bylaw also addresses barking issues. Dogs bark but when does barking become a nuisance? The survey indicated that more than 5 minutes between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is considered a nuisance as well as more than 10 minutes between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Angela McLaren, executive director of the P.G. Humane Society, was all smiles at council. "Owning a pet is a rewarding and enriching experience which comes with many responsibilities. The P.G. Humane Society is excited at the much-anticipated, progressive changes to the existing bylaw and believes that these changes will positively impact the community and the animals we share it with."
The cat issue is a big one. Cats, unfortunately, are all too often considered an annoyance as well as disposable pets. Licensing cats is not in the new bylaw; proper identification is. Microchips are most effective. Tattoos and tags are also accepted. However, keep in mind that it is common for a cat to lose a tag.
I am very pro indoor cat, with safety being the main reason. Our indoor cat has been microchipped since his first trip to the veterinarian. Identification helps reuniting cats with owners as soon as possible. Impoundment fees vary depending on proper identification. The new bylaw is a big step forward for responsible cat ownership.
Kudos to Fred and his staff at bylaw services. This was a major project. On behalf of the pets, big wet puppy kisses.
BTW, I spoke to a couple of dogs today who asked if bylaw services could please do something about Halloween fireworks next.
