Penhold townspeople voiced their concerns about an updated cat and dog bylaw that will increase licensing and fine fees.
Residents wanted to know if they could pay a one-time fee instead of shelling out cash every year. Others wanted to know if the increased price would mean increased patrolling in town.
“There needs to be a value to the $50 fee,” said Sharolyn Sanchez, who explained in Calgary people receive newsletters that include information for pet owners after licensing their pets.
Pat DeBoon, animal control bylaw officer, was on hand Saturday morning at Penhold Memorial Hall to field questions and inform the community about the new bylaw that, if approved, will take effect January 1.
He said while there aren’t newsletters available, people who have spayed or neutered their cat or dog can license their pet for $25.
The cat bylaw, last updated in 1997, requires owner to purchase a one-time $10 identification tag for each cat owned. The new bylaw, once approved, will require a yearly licensing fee of $50 per cat, $25 if neutered or spayed, with certification from a vet to be provided. A $10 replacement fee will be charged if the animal’s tag is lost.
Licensing fees for dogs will be the same as cats, as will the $200 fine for failing to obtain a licence.
“We’re increasing the fine so it’s big enough that it motivates people to license their dog,” said DeBoon, adding that the previous $50 fee was the equivalent of licensing their dog.
He said the reason to increase fees on licensing cats is to try and level out the playing field for both animals.
“I haven’t euthanized one healthy adoptable dog in 20 years. With this bylaw, I want to try not to euthanize one healthy cat. That’s the goal of this bylaw.” He said he currently has eight kennels with two extra for overflow, all of which were full that morning.
“I’ve had some people come up to me and say we don’t have a cat problem in Penhold, and other people who come up and tell me we do … but we have lots of cats dying under trailers every year,” he said, adding that feral cats are a problem all over North America.
“We cannot make everyone happy and that’s the reality — we need to do what’s best for the animal.”
In answer to questions about increased patrols, DeBoon said it’s up to council. He currently patrols in Penhold one hour per week and also comes in when animals are reported being at large.
CAO Rick Binnendyk stepped in to field questions about why the fee has to be paid every year.
“This is meant as a cost recovery program. If we only collect fees once, we’ll only have enough money for the one year.”
Coun. Danielle Klooster requested any resident still with concerns, should email their suggestions in writing to [email protected] or send to P.O Box 10, Penhold. T0M 1R0.
