Updated rules for stray dogs, and for kennels
Some changes in the Southgate draft canine bylaw presented last week appear to reflect the arrangement with the new Canine Control provider, Municipal Special Services.
Details can’t be confirmed, since the contract was not attached to the agenda when the bylaw approving it was passed. The Herald recently requested a copy.
WHAT ABOUT STRAYS?
When it comes to strays, the new bylaw has a three business-day limit for which dogs who are found at large will be kept.
It obliges the township to make reasonable efforts to find the dog owner in that time. The owner must pay costs due when claiming the dog.
Under the tender awarded in April, one company does enforcement, with a separate kennel serving as the pound.
Previously, unclaimed dogs were kept by the Canine Control Officer, who had the facilities to look after them until a new home was found.
The proposed new bylaw does not go into the process of re-homing. It states that after three business days, dogs can be disposed of in accord with a provincial act called “Animals for Research Act” (1990).
Deputy Mayor Barbara Dobreen questioned this, observing that the bylaw was silent on finding a new home for the dogs, which has been the practice.
She continued: “We want people to understand our intent is the welfare of the dog.”
The new bylaw does not speak directly to adoption. A pound keeper has been named, but details of how those matters are handled has not been described, at least in open session.
The draft bylaw does say that any fees received from the sale or adoption of dogs will go to the township or the pound keeper, as agreed to by the township.
The letter of the bylaw says when an officer impounds an at-large dog, it can be humanely euthanized if it “is injured or should be euthanized without delay for humane reasons.”
But there are also references to owners paying veterinary and impound bills, which implies treatment will be sought where reasonable.
As Mr. Dray told council, the bylaw is intended to put the township on a firm footing if taken to court. It’s not a procedural manual.
Again, the actual process is unknown because neither the agreement with the canine control provider or pound keeper were public at time of writing.
KENNELS
Many sections were unchanged, such as many of the requirements around kennels.
Kennels will still be limited to 25 dogs unless otherwise approved by council.
“Dog” in the definition section doesn’t state an age limit. Mr. Dray clarified for the Herald that the limit would only apply to dogs of age that they must be licenced, which is 16 weeks.
A map of the kennel and property with measurements is required. It must show dog runs, waste containment, noise barriers, training areas and the relation to the property lines, among other things.
Kennel owners are responsible to provide enough light, ventilation, heat, exercise, food and water, along with clean conditions and general care.
Southgate kennels still must follow the Code of Practice for the Canadian Kennel Operations, and the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act.
The bylaw also sets standards for the care of the female dog around the time of whelping.
The officer acting for the township can suspend a licence or refuse to renew it for reasons laid out in the bylaw.
The kennel operator can appeal this decision, with the Southgate appeal tribunal, presently the property standards committee hearing the appeal.
M.T. Fernandes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Dundalk Herald
