City council committee mulls changes to Edmonton pet bylaw

A new report presented at Edmonton City Hall on Monday recommends a tiered attack scale for dog bites, among other changes.

Changes to Edmonton’s animal bylaws could be on the horizon for the first time in more than 20 years.

Highlights of a report to Edmonton city council’s community and public services committee on Monday include a tiered attack scale for dog bites in which fines escalate under the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale.

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While previously convicted vicious dogs will require warning signs on property as well as behaviour training, one city councillor says an updated bylaw is overdue.

“I’m also reflecting on the bylaw being more than 20 years old and in need of some modernization that not only helps reflect today’s changing conditions but shifts in pet ownership as well,” Ashley Salvador, the councillor for the east-end Ward Metis, said during the meeting.

Household limits on animals would remain at three dogs and six cats, with a new limit set at four rabbits.

The committee has voted to have this amended bylaw read before city council.