LETTER: Proposed dog by-laws needs work
The draft in its current format leaves more questions and needs clarification.
Ward 27 Clr Lornette Joseph writes:
The draft environmental by-law on dog ownership is highly emotive to me as a firm animal welfare advocate.
I feel that key points of the draft need to be revised for clarity.
The number of dogs kept on a certain size property is of concern as no clear sizes nor demarcations are specified.
The wording referring to small and medium properties is not clear or definitive.
The draft fails to address dog ownership before the implementation of the by-law and the points contained therein.
What will happen if the by-law comes into effect and a responsible pet owner houses three dogs on what is now stipulated as a small property? Will the additional dogs be removed?
Matters to the application of dog licenses are also vague regarding whether it is transferable. What about if an applicant moves from one city to another within the metro?
Gathering of the owner’s personal information to obtain a license may violate the Popia Act, as information about the number of dogs and breeds kept on a property may put residents’ lives in danger should such information fall into the wrong hands.
The draft further refers to the ‘authorised official of the city,’ however does not clarify which legal body will be managing its implementation.
Is the CoE going to start its dog department? Will this fall under the banner of health or the EMPD?
Will there be officials appointed for each city or will only a few oversee the entire metro?
Further to that, what will the officials’ background be to accurately identify animals which may be deemed dangerous?
These officials cannot be given a list of breeds and be expected to truly identify the characteristics of each animal which may indicate that it has an aggressive temperament. The breed does not equal aggression.
Should animals be impounded, will the SPCA, which is already over-burdened and bursting at the seams be responsible for their care?
Will the city increase its grant to the animal welfare organisation?
It is implied that fees will have to be paid to obtain dog licenses, where will the money go and how will it be utilised?
It is a fact that fireworks frighten several animals including dogs, who escape from their gardens out of fear thus, resulting in their injury and death, yet the city continues to allow the sale and use of it.
I am of the personal opinion that established by-laws which benefit the community’s right to health, peace and safety should take priority before implementing laws about the ownership of dogs.
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