In January 2017, city council directed the bylaw services department to review the current city animal control bylaw. It has not been touched in over twelve years.
When Mayor Colin Kinsley's council came out with the existing bylaw, I, as well as many folks, were quite concerned that it was flawed from day one. It was discriminatory and unenforceable.
As a result, Fred Crittenden and his team at bylaw services created a questionnaire asking the public to voice their opinions on these very important issues. This is not just for pet owners but for those many others who have concerns regarding both dogs and cats in our community.
The issues include off-leash areas, breed restrictions, dogs with aggressive behaviours, nuisance barking, restrictions on the number of cats one can have, outdoor cats and registration of cats.
My biggest concern is the dog breed-specific component. This is an extremely controversial issue. I do not like discrimination, whether it be pit bulls, poodles or people.
Pit bull refers to several breeds including pit bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers or a crossbreed of any of those. Those breeds and mixes are currently categorized as "restricted dogs" in our city.
There are about 50 restricted dogs in Prince George that we know of. With that come costly license fees and additional impoundment fees if the animal is found at large. I have met many pitties that were as friendly and sweet as any other dog breed. We do not own one, however I know many who do. They are sweet, lovely pets. If one chooses to have one and is responsible, I would have no problem. The key word is responsible! If a dog has teeth it has the capability of biting another animal or a human.
There was a time when Doberman pinschers were the bad guys. Then there were Rottweilers and Akitas. I consider the No. 1 biter of humans to be the dachshund. While the physical damage will not be as serious, for some people, especially children, the mental anguish of a dog bite can last forever.
The anguish and scar lasted forever for my sister. As a child, she was bitten by a big, beautiful collie. The dog did not like bikes for some reason. Millie cried profusely to the Beverly police to not put the dog down. The tears worked.
What this new bylaw must address is the responsibility involved in pet ownership, regardless of breed or even species.
Unfortunately, cats are often thought of as the disposable pet. That sickens me. Prince George has not required cats to be licensed. Is it time for this change? Licensing cats would mean they would have to be microchipped. Chipping them would ensure that lost cats are returned to their homes when found, whether they are outdoor cats or escape due to inattention.
Many folks are infuriated over cats trespassing into their gardens and using them as litter boxes. My thought has always been that an indoor cat is a safe and protected cat. Our cat is very happy inside. He watches the birds and loves the raindrops. He is safe and so are the birds... except from the neighbourhood cats using our yard.
Prince George has had a feral cat population issue. Thanks to the BC SPCA, the numbers have been reduced. The BC SPCA have provided grants of $110,000 over the last three years to spay and neuter feral cats in Prince George.
Crittenden is working hard on this project. The former animal control bylaw will become the new responsible wwnership bylaw. Times are changing. As with other community issues, your opinions are important. Please voice them by filling out the city survey.
The real culprit is not the breed or species but the pet owner. The thinking must drastically change so we can all live in harmony. Mayor Lyn Hall is looking for this to be presented to city council in the fall so you have until 5 p.m. on July 14 to get your opinion in. The animal control bylaw survey survey can best be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/6XKSKT2 and at various veterinary offices.
Your mayor and council do listen. They have proven that.
