New pet bylaw in effect Tuesday ups requirements for vicious dogs, feral cats

A dog being taken into custody by Edmonton's Animal Care and Control Centre. (CTV News Edmonton)

The city’s updated pet bylaw goes into force after the long weekend.

Edmonton’s Animal Care and Control Bylaw, passed by city council last summer, adds stricter regulations and fines for dog attacks, and aims to manage the feral cat population.

Under the bylaw, owners of vicious dogs are required to hang a sign warning others of their presence and must put their pets through mandatory behavior training. A dog involved in an attack will also now be subject to a scaled system of fines.

John Wilson, the city’s director of Animal Care and Park Rangers, said last year a significant increase in the number of animal attacks prompted the recommendation for an update to the 20-year-old bylaw.

“We’ve heard and seen rises in the number of dog attacks, also the number of serious injuries and even deaths that happen as a result of those attacks,” Wilson said in August. “We knew we had to do something.”

Fines for dog attacks now range from $250 to $3,000. If a dog has been convicted of an attack in the past and acts again, fines can range from $2,500 to $7,000. There is also a “double fine” for dogs that are convicted of attacks subsequent to their first.

Over the last few years, the city has seen around 1,000 dog attacks annually.

Stronger feral cat control

The new bylaw also aims to help city workers better control Edmonton’s feral cat population.

The bylaw no longer differentiates between feral cats and unknown cats, allowing volunteers and community members to provide care to cats without them being accountable for ownership.

The city estimates there are about 70,000 feral cats in Edmonton, with just 600 entering the Animal Care and Control Centre annually.

The updated bylaw also has an increased focus on animal welfare

It looks to protect animals from harm and life-threatening situations, including pets left in vehicles in extreme weather or pets left in a yard without access to shelter. Pets must also now travel securely inside a vehicle. Owners transporting them unsecured in the bed of a pickup truck will face fines.

Other changes

• Free licences to registered non-profit charities involved in animal rescue work;
• Discounted pet licences for seniors and residents who have income support;
• Clear regulations and licensing for urban agriculture involving hens, bees and rabbits.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Angela Amato