The statement to the Albertan last week by community services director Doug Wagstaff that town officials are looking at changing bylaws to directly address animals in the community — including dog breeding — is good news.
Wagstaff stressed that review is not a direct result of a very sad incident Aug. 3. A dog in its yard was attacked and killed by three to four dogs that escaped from the yard of a local dog breeder.
Nonetheless, no doubt that tragedy will weigh heavily on the minds of town councillors and staff, as it is among Olds residents in general.
Wagstaff said the town's Community Standards Bylaw and Land Use Bylaw are "silent" regarding dog breeding operations.
That needs to be changed.
The rules need to be spelled out clearly, not only for dog breeding operations but also when it comes to other animals.
As Wagstaff said, bylaws aren't static, inert things. They always can — and should be — updated to reflect the times and new realities.
