‘Humane Care’ bylaw needed

‘Humane Care’ bylaw needed
Dear Mike,
We are directing this letter to Mayor Avis and council in regards to the motion passed to revise our current animal control bylaw.
One of the concerns brought forth by Mayor Avis is the “level of care” animals are receiving in our community. For many years, our organization has recognized the need for an enforceable “humane care” bylaw that would give our animal control officers power to intervene in cases involving abuse and neglect. Will this new bylaw deal with the requirements of pet owners to provide the appropriate level of humane care such as food, water, shelter, etc. and will it give the Town authority to act when such requirements are not met? Upon the Town’s request, we will forward a model animal care bylaw for their review.
James Bandow & Associates of Burlington, Ont., is one of the leading consultants, advisers, and training specialists in the area of animal control services. Prior to issuing their animal services report to the City of Niagara Falls, Ont., they conducted a thorough analysis of their impound facility as well as all internal animal control documents and impound, adoption and euthanasia statistics. Will these factors be part of the bylaw review and will they be available to the public? (It was confirmed that this information would be provided to our organization at a meeting with town administration in June, 2001. Councillor Sharon Tibbs and Darryl Allan were present along with past CAO Bill Naturkach and Councillor Neil Kabel. To date we have not received this information.)
Would the town support a review of the minimum holding period for animals which are impounded by the municipality? Although the minimum holding time required for dogs and cats under Ontario law is three days, Mr. Bandow & Associates confirms that many municipalities in Ontario are opting for a more humane alternative and are now giving pet owners a minimum five day period in which to claim their animals. Mr. Bandow recommends that impounded animals are held for a minimum period of five days and not the current three day period required by Ontario law.
Mayor Avis confirmed that it will be a “complete” review in order to bring our bylaw “up to current times”. We are wondering if this review will go beyond the licensing and punitive aspects of pet ownership to address some of the more positive, pro-active initiatives that our town could be taking.
Perhaps if the town budgeted some of this added licensing revenue for adoption ads, it would reduce the euthanasia costs paid by the taxpayers. And some spay/neuter ads and incentive programs would go a long way in reducing the number of impounded animals and pet-related complaints and most importantly preventing some of the horrific animal neglect and abuse situations in our community.
A final question deals with the town’s licensing fees. The ads state that the tag fees are “yearly,” yet it was confirmed by town administration that the tags are only valid until the end of December. If this is correct, why are pet owners paying an annual fee that is only good for a few months? Perhaps this policy should be clarified to the public.
Thank you.
Fort Frances Friends of Animals