As more and more snow melts, bylaw officers Willow Eyford and Adelle Wilson say more and more dogs are roaming the city. And less than half of them are licensed.
City of Quesnel has had licensing bylaws since the 1970s however it wasn’t as much of an issue as it is today.
The Animals, Birds and Insects Bylaw No. 1700 is available on the city website, www.quesnel.ca, and both officers recommend all dog owners within the city limits read this bylaw.
The bylaw has been recently revamped and possibly the first change of note is all dogs deemed more than three months of age are required to be licensed.
“Tagging your dog means it can easily be identified and returned to its rightful owner,” Eyford said.
“We’re collecting a lot more information now and the tag provides easy access to the dog owner, alternate contact persons, proof of ownership and even match a dog to its registered owner when the tag is missing.”
Dog tags are required even if the dog has an electronic chip.
“The chip doesn’t preclude registration, as those chips can be outdated or even misleading,” Wilson said.
“With licensing required annually, the most up-to-date information is on file.”
In the case of identified aggressive dogs, those require not only a regular city dog tag but also a permanent numerical identification, either tattooing or chip, and is the financial responsibility of the owner.
Fees are subject to whether or not your animal is spayed or neutered (altered) and whether the owner is a senior citizen (65 or older.)
For an altered dog the fee is $10, for non-altered dogs $25 and after March 31, there’s an additional $10 late fee. Seniors and guide dog owners, with proof of spaying or neutering will receive their tags free.
If your dog tag is lost, there’s a $5 replacement fee.
The schedule of fees, should your dog be impounded, are also on the website, but be warned repeat impounding becomes expensive.
Excessive barking, failure to remove feces, more than four domestic pets in one household and a host of other infractions could also see the owner fined.
“This new bylaw and fine structure are designed to have responsible pet owners and part of owning a dog is to take the necessary steps to ensure your dog stays home and under control,” Wilson said.
The city limits for animal control bylaw enforcement are south to the east side of Highway 97 at the Extra Foods store (including South Hills), the Maple Park Mall area and just north of Aroma Foods; north of Quesnel to the base of Airport Hill; west to Knickerbocker Road; east to the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 26; West Fraser Road to Ruric Springs Road; and the area just past Rona. Any dog within city limits, regardless of where the dog lives, is subject to city animal control bylaws.
“It’s safer for everyone if all dogs are identified individually, whether its an issue of aggressiveness or mistaken identity,” Wilson said.
Eyford added its a good idea for everyone to familiarize themselves with the animal control bylaws, as that reduces the surprise as to what happens when a dog is impounded.
“It’s good for the owners, animals, neighbours and bylaw officers,” she said.
“We’d like to be a lot less busy with out of control dogs.”
Both Wilson and Eyford agreed regardless of what kind of pet, responsible ownership is important.
“In addition to city tags, name tags can also serve a purpose,” Eyford said.
“The more information the quicker you have your dog returned to you. Sometimes the identification can be so quick the dog can be returned to its owner before a trip to the SPCA is necessary.”
Although Eyford said animal control can be a thankless job, she’d rather impound an animal than have to pick up a dead dog that’s been tragically killed on the road.
She also said there are lot of resources for dog owners to deal with behaviour issues; for example, the SPCA website has tips and suggestions for training your animal.
And if a dog is a repeat offender or a chronic problem in a neighbourhood, the public can call and report to the bylaw office, 250-992-5743, and they will contact the owner.
To get your dog tag, visit Community Policing, 345 Anderson Drive, SPCA or City Hall.
“The whole point is to keep people and pets safe,” Wilson said.