Regina city council has taken a significant step toward enhancing public safety and animal welfare by unanimously adopting a series of updates to the local Animal Bylaw. The changes, approved on Wednesday, include higher fines for owners of loose or aggressive dogs and a directive to explore potential regulations for backyard tethering of pets.
Increased Penalties for Dog Owners
Under the newly approved measures, fines for dogs found roaming off-leash or displaying aggressive behavior will see a substantial increase. The penalty range has been raised from $100 to $200 to a new bracket of $150 to $300. This adjustment aims to deter irresponsible pet ownership and address community concerns about dangerous animals.
In addition to the financial penalties, the updated bylaw mandates that dogs must be leashed at all times in public spaces, with the sole exception being designated off-leash dog parks. Owners are now required to identify themselves to animal control officers upon request, facilitating more effective enforcement and accountability.
Enhanced Enforcement and Tracking
From an enforcement perspective, the city will implement more comprehensive tracking of dog bite incidents. Authorities will consider past violations when calculating escalating fines for repeat offenders, ensuring that habitual problems are met with stricter consequences.
Furthermore, dangerous dog orders can now be sought prior to court hearings. This provision allows for the imposition of restrictive conditions on animals involved in bite attacks while awaiting judicial proceedings, offering an additional layer of protection for the community.
Future Bylaw Reviews and Tethering Rules
The council also passed a directive to continue reviewing the Animal Bylaw in the coming year. This second phase will examine regulations concerning cats and, as proposed by Councillor Shanon Zachidniak, broader standards for responsible pet ownership.
Councillor Victoria Flores of Ward 6 introduced a specific amendment to draft rules addressing the tethering of animals outdoors. This initiative focuses on potentially dangerous weather conditions and establishes standards for equipment, such as leash lengths, swivel chains, and the prohibition of choke collars.
"I do feel it’s important to have some specifics, and I think we can all agree at the end of the day that the well-being of our pets is important," Flores remarked during the meeting.
Community and Organizational Support
The amendments were developed in response to public feedback following a yearlong review of the bylaw. Residents expressed a desire for more proactive measures that address issues before bites occur, rather than solely reacting afterward.
Lisa Koch, executive director of the Regina Humane Society, which provides animal control services for the city, voiced support for all the updates during the council session. The society's endorsement underscores the collaborative effort between municipal authorities and animal welfare organizations in promoting safer communities.
Mayor Chad Bachynski highlighted the significance of the changes, stating, "We want to see progress and this was a big step, to open up the bylaw and put work into it. I think today was a good, significant step for protecting people and addressing dangerous animals in our community."
The council's actions reflect a commitment to modernizing animal regulations, with further updates expected as the review process continues into next year.
