Draft Cat Control Bylaw – Have Your Say!
Creating a Safe and Compassionate Community for Cats and Residents
Pets are an important part of our residents’ lives, and we are committed to creating a safe and reasonable environment for everyone in our community. To address increasing concerns and improve the management of cats in our community, we are proposing a new Cat Control Bylaw.
Currently, we have bylaws for dogs and urban chickens, and in the absence of this specific bylaw, we cannot enforce the complaints and concerns about cats. The draft Cat Control Bylaw was introduced at the November 18 Committee of the Whole meeting and is scheduled for the January 27, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council.
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and feedback to ensure the bylaw reflects the needs of our community.
Highlights of the Proposed Cat Control Bylaw
Licensing of Cats
- All cats within the Town would require licensing.
- Licensing supports identification and helps reunite lost pets with their owners.
- Licensing supports animal care during natural disasters to help emergency responders locate animals that may still be left behind in homes.
- Licensing is also necessary to ensure successful enforcement of the bylaw.
Limiting the Number of Cats
- Cat owners would be limited to the care and control of no more than three cats per household.
Education-First Enforcement
- Our Community Peace Officer will investigate bylaw complaints on a case-by-case basis. Several factors will be considered to determine if an offence has occurred and what steps need to be taken.
- A community focus considers education first and enforcement second in order to promote community harmony while ensuring responsible pet ownership.
No Impoundment Clause
- Several key elements were debated when considering impoundment. Our current resources do not support the additional costs associated with caring and impounding cats. In this case, resources would be spent without a positive outcome. Research shows that a very low percentage of impounded cats are actually reclaimed, straining resources and leading to overcrowding in shelters.
- Our pound keeper does not have the resources or infrastructure to house additional strays.
- Other costs associated with impoundment include expenses for capture, transport, feeding, veterinary care and costs associated with locating the cat owners.
- Our current pound keeper agreement does not include impoundment of cats.
Timeline and Community Engagement
- November 18, 2024
- Draft bylaw presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting
- December 9, 2024 – January 13, 2025
- Public Review and Feedback Period
- January 27, 2025
- Feedback and final draft presented at the Regular Meeting of Council
Submit Your Feedback
Share your thoughts and ideas for Council’s consideration!
Email us your comments by January 13 to ensure it’s included in the report to Council on January 27.
Who’s Listening?
- CPO Wood – Community Peace Officer
- Gerry Murphy – Director of Community Services
- Simone Wiley – Chief Administrative Officer
View the Draft Bylaw
Click here to view the draft bylaw
File a Complaint
If you have concerns related to cat control or other bylaw issues, file a complaint through our online form or in person at the Town Office.