Image courtesy of why.edmonton.ca
The City of Edmonton is implementing a new Animal Care and Control Bylaw for the first time in 20 years.
The new bylaw reflects the needs of Edmontonians and the animals in the city and is going into effect after being passed by council in August of last year.
The new bylaw implements stricter rules surrounding dogs after council heard feedback from residents concerned about dog bites and attacks within the community.
“We believe this new bylaw addresses the needs of not only pet owners, but all Edmontonians,” said John Wilson, Director of Animal Care and Park Rangers. ”The bylaw helps us address our growing city’s needs like the rise in pet ownership, concerns for animal wellbeing, the growing interest in urban farming and how our communities coexist with animals safely.”
New changes include higher fines for first-time dog attacks, a new scaled system of fines for any dog involved in an attack and doubled fines for repeat convictions.
Dogs with serious convictions or multiple attacks can be classified as a vicious dog under the bylaw, with their owners required to have signage displayed at their residence and ensuring the dog has a microchip ID.
Licensing fees will also see an increase for the first time since 2019, rising by $1 per year over the next three years. This fee will be lowered for seniors and Edmontonians on income support, as well as being waived for not-for-profit animal rescue organizations.
The new bylaw also includes clearer regulations and licensing rules for urban livestock, specifically backyard hens and beehives, as well as implementing a maximum limit of four for rabbits.
For more information, visit edmonton.ca/AnimalBylaw.