The Town of Olds' draft community standards bylaw as presented before council at its Dec. 15 policies and priorities meeting would require cat owners to purchase a yearly licence for their pets.
Under Section 6.35 of the bylaw, “An owner of a cat shall annually purchase a license from the Town for each cat owned at the annual fee as set out in the Town of Olds Rates Bylaw.”
Olds mayor Judy Dahl was one who voiced her support for the measure, saying she believed it would give owners a chance to recover lost pets.
“Personally, the purpose of the cat licence is to save the lives of animals that are loved by families and for some reason, got away,” Dahl said.
“They should have the fair opportunity as the dog does. Once the dog is found with a licence, they get to go home with their loved ones. Cats don't. They most often get euthanized.”
Councillors Wade Bearchell, Mary Jane Harper and Mary Anne Overwater were also in favour of cat licensing.
“I too believe cats need to be licensed. Owners need to take responsibility for their pets, same as dog owners have to take responsibility for their pets,” Overwater said.
Town chief administrative officer Norm McInnis said that the price of a cat licence and the fines for infractions would be similar to those of dogs.
However, Coun. Harvey Walsh said he did not see the benefit to the town and that it would be another cost for seniors.
“A couple seniors I know that have cats — we're raising the utility prices. A lot of costs for some seniors, adding their pet on top of that, I can't see myself doing that,” Walsh said.
