The city of Winnipeg’s proposed responsible ownership pet
bylaw was approved by council at the end of last week. It repeals the standing animal control and
exotic animal control bylaws. This new bylaw
continues to allow the sale of dogs and cats in stores and offers a list of
prohibited exotic species, a welcome outcome for local PIJAC Canada
members. “We were made aware of the
proposed by law in the fall of last year and worked closely with our members to
present their position and that of the association to city Council on the 14th
of January. Depositions of members like
Lance Rosolowich of Pet Traders and Amy Pawson of Petland Canada helped send
the proposed draft back for additional research and review.”, say Louis McCann,
Executive Director of PIJAC Canada, “The result being a bylaw which allows
local businesses to continue to offer pets to their community. We are extremely proud of our members involvement
and dedication to this community decision”.
Exotic pet owners are also relieved as the laws are now less confusing
as to what they can or can’t own within the limits of the City of Winnipeg.
In addition, a cat licensing program was also included in the
bylaw which calls for all citizens with cats to get them licensed starting in
2015. This type of program has been in
place in Calgary since 2006 and has significantly increased the number of cats
returned to owners in that city and decreased the numbers in shelters. A great step forward by Council to address a
serious pet issue.
