By Andrew de Souza

SPCA, bylaw officers want better pet licensing, harsher fines

Nov 16, 2010 | 11:58 AM

The Prince Albert SPCA and the Prince Albert Police Service bylaw department want the city to enact a stricter animal control bylaw, in the hope that pet owners will take more responsibility for their animals.

Ken Hunter, bylaw manager, along with members of the SPCA presented what is called the Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw to the city’s executive committee on Monday evening.

The bylaw proposes substantially higher fines for animal violations, the licensing of cats and a door-to-door campaign of education and enforcement.

“We really don’t have an animal problem, we have a people problem—people being irresponsible,” said Hunter, in an interview before the meeting.

“The bylaw will hold people accountable for their animal. If they’re running at large or they’re unlicensed, there will be increased fines there.”

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Hunter said the hope was not to make more money from fines, but to increase compliance and free up bylaw officers’ time.

“Approximately 50 per cent of all calls to bylaw enforcement are animal control and that’s unacceptable,” said Hunter. “We have higher priority issues in the city to address and having bylaw special constables running around because dogs are at large consumes at lot of time.”

While councillors generally agreed with the intent of the bylaw, some expressed concerns over one aspect.

It was the idea of having a door-to-door campaign.

Councillor Lee Atkinson said he was uncomfortable with an enforcement stance and said he preferred to see an education campaign instead.

“I think a more proactive approach would be a more positive approach and have a better feel to it,” said Atkinson. “I’m not really good with persecuting people.”

City manager Robert Cotterill said he agreed with the bylaw because it would improve the animal situation in the city.

“The number of dogs that are licensed in this town (is) a joke,” said Cotterill. “We know that there are a lot more dogs out there than are currently being licensed

“Unless you have a program, that (says) eventually you’re going to pay if you don’t do it properly, people aren’t going to get them.”

Cotterill admitted he wasn’t enthusiastic about the cat licensing aspect of the bylaw, but said it was in line with legislation throughout the province.

The executive committee voted in favour of sending the bylaw to council, who will decide on the matter. Under the Cities Act, the city has the power to enact the bylaw without public consultation.

adesouza@panow.com