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Stand-alone Olds dog or animal bylaw could be created this spring

Revisions to current bylaw on dogs could be made this month
WebNewWagstaffDogBylaw
Olds Community services director Doug Wagstaff addresses council regarding provisions about dogs in the town's current community standards bylaw. Doug Collie/MVP Staff

OLDS — Proposed revisions to the section on dogs in the Olds Community Standards Bylaw (CSB) were expected to be discussed during council’s policies and priorities meeting on Dec. 2.

However, bigger changes could occur this spring when council considers pulling the section on dogs out of the CSB and creating a new stand-alone bylaw that could cover dogs alone, dogs and cats or animals of all kinds.

That message was delivered during council’s Nov. 25 meeting when results of a survey on dogs were revealed.

Council voted to receive the report as information, pending presentation of the revised bylaw on Dec. 2.

“At this point in time, instead of waiting for any more comprehensive review to happen, we would make amendments to the dog portion of this bylaw,” town chief administrative officer Michael Merritt told council.

“After we have consolidated the CSB, there’s always an opportunity for changes, but the more comprehensive review is going to take place this spring in regards to the CSB bylaw and the land use planning as it pertains to all animals and whatever aspects of enforcement.”

A couple of councillors expressed concern about making sure a revamped or totally new bylaw is enforceable.

Coun. Mary Jane Harper recommended that administrative staff obtain advice from veterinarians and maybe a humane society to ensure it’s well crafted.

It was also suggested that staff look at similar bylaws already in force in other communities to ensure the town doesn’t “reinvent the wheel.”

Community services director Doug Wagstaff assured council that staff will indeed make sure the bylaw is enforceable.

Merritt agreed.

“There’s no doubt you don’t have a bylaw that’s not enforceable,” Merritt said, although he added that "there has got to be some latitude to all enforcement. Sometimes it’s very difficult to get it in black and white on the area of situations out there.”

Coun. Heather Ryan suggested obtaining advice from dog breeders and others who would have a stake in the process.

 “We need to take in all the information and compile it and see where we go from there,” she said.

Coun. Mary Anne Overwater asked if members of the public will be able to ask questions when the draft bylaw comes up for discussion on Dec. 2.

Mayor Michael Muzychka said that could likely be worked out with the committee chair.

Community facilitator Jennifer Lutz told council some survey respondents indicated in their view it was none of the town’s business how many dogs they have or how they handle them.

But Lutz and Wagstaff said actually, the provincial government mandates the town to regulate that.

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