The City finished the first phase of public engagement on the bylaw in December 2023 and is planning for the next phase of engagement to start later this spring.
Animal Licensing & Control Bylaw Review
Animal Licensing & Control Bylaw Review
I’m pleased to see that the City has launched a project looking at the renewal of the Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw #13145.
The current bylaw is more than 20 years old! A revision will allow it to align with changing community needs related to pet ownership.
This bylaw, along with provincial legislation, ensures City of Edmonton Peace Officers can investigate complaints, issue tickets for bylaw offences, investigate animal welfare concerns, seize animals (in very limited circumstances), and apply to the courts to add conditions to the ownership of dogs that have attacked people or other animals or to pursue a destruction order. Peace Officers also partner with the Edmonton Police Services Animal Cruelty Unit to ensure the safety of animals.
The City finished the first phase of public engagement on the bylaw in December 2023 and is planning for the next phase of engagement to start later this spring.
Some of the issues, trends and recommendations that have been identified so far include:
Support for increased enforcement to ensure public safety
A need for greater clarity in definitions and standards
A desire for more education and promotion to increase public awareness and understanding of the bylaw
