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Prince Albert noise violators face $360 fine

Jan 16, 2019 | 1:00 PM

Owning a dog or cat that excessively howls, barks or meows could end with a big bite out of your wallet.

Suzanne Stubbs, Prince Albert’s Bylaw Manager said barking and loud animals fall under the city’s noise bylaw.

“No person shall make, cause or permit any noise or sound on private or public property that unreasonably disturbs, or is likely to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of persons in the neighbourhood or vicinity,” she said.

Unlike lawn mowers, leaf blowers and snow blowers, which can be operated during the day, there is a 24 hour per day ban on excessive animal noises.

According to the bylaw a few factors govern what unreasonably disturbs the peace. Such as, the type, volume and duration of the sound, as well the time and day of the week.

Stubbs said they give owners a warning first, in hopes that this remedies the noise.

Once a warning has been given and the noise persists, complainants can then provide a detailed statement so a fine can be levied.

Once provided enough information is gathered, a ticket can be handed out.

“It’s a $360 fine,” Stubbs said.

According to the latest monthly bylaw activity report, there were three noise complaint tickets issued.

Saskatoon recently amended their barking bylaw shortening the time period for filing complaints from five to seven days, down to two to three days.

Currently in Prince Albert there is no set amount of time that complainants need to wait before reporting an infraction.

To make a complaint visit the City of Prince Albert’s website.

 

ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni