BOWDEN - The newly created It's A Dog's World Pet Resort is now the Town of Bowden's pound for stray or abandoned animals.
Town councillors ratified an agreement to that effect during a council meeting late last month.
The pound facility service agreement states that the animals are to be housed in kennels in a heated building that is secure and accessible "at all times" by town officials.
It says those kennels are to be constructed "to specifications relevant to the size and species of the animal."
Under the contract, the company will receive $40 per impounded dog per day and $25 per cat. A litter of kittens under six weeks old will be considered the same as one cat.
"The pound keeper (It's A Dog's World Pet Resort) will provide basic care of each animal impounded -- including, but not limited to -- feed, water, heat and cleaning kennels as required, including disinfection," the agreement says.
The deal also covers procedure in case an impounded animal becomes ill.
"At the first sign of injury or illness, an appropriate action shall be taken to ensure the well being of the animal, with approval from a peace officer," the agreement says.
"Any medical expenses associated with the care of the impounded animal will be the responsibility of the town of Bowden."
Earlier in October, council approved a new policy that says the town will no longer take in stray or unwanted cats and will not set out traps to catch them “unless the cat can be visibly determined to be licensed in Bowden."
In that case, "every attempt will be made to contact the owner of the cat from the details within the data base. Any cost of caring for the cat will be passed on to the owner,” Arno Glover, the town’s assistant to the chief administrative officer wrote.
His memo also said the town will no longer provide cat traps for stray or nuisance cats “unless the complaint is deemed to be valid.” It adds that the chief administrative officer has sole discretion in that matter, as per the town’s animal control bylaw.
It’s A Dog’s World Pet Resort began operations last spring at the former home of Bow Seed Nursery, formerly called Alberta Nurseries & Seeds, which began operations in 1928 and closed in 2012.
