The town of Bonnyville has updated its Animal Control Bylaw, introducing changes to simplify pet registration, increase penalties, and revise rules for restricted animals.
The amendments, discussed during the January 14 council meeting, aim to make pet owners more accountable while promoting responsible pet care.
One update, is a one-time, lifelong licensing fee for both cats and dogs, making registration more affordable and convenient. “A secondary outcome of these changes will hopefully be that we will alleviate some pressure off the shelter,” said Councilor Kayla Blanchette.
Other changes include raising the household limit to three dogs and implementing stricter penalties. A $500 fine will be issued to owners who leave animals in vehicles when temperatures exceed plus 20°C or fall below minus 10°C, with penalties doubling for repeated offenses. Owners with unlicensed pets will also face increased fines for non-compliance.
The bylaw allows residents to now seek approval from the CAO to keep restricted animals, including livestock, poultry, bees, pigeons, rabbits and certain reptiles or insects. Development Officer Joseph Kopala explained that applications would be similar to development permits, needing research and following provincial rules.
The rules for restricted animal approvals are in Section 36.2 of the Bylaw, which includes conditions like location, number of animals, required training, and concerns about public interest.
Deputy Mayor David Sharun and councilor Phil Kushnir asked for more details on this section, stressing the importance of careful supervision when giving these approvals.
