Ms. Cunningham provided a presentation outlining the proposed amendments to the by-law. The proposed amendments include:
- discontinuation of the hen permit licensing framework;
- the hen permit by-law being incorporated into the animal control by-law;
- changes to the general regulations, i.e. definitions, expiry of dog licenses;
- new section for cats;
- leash free park regulations;
- prohibited animals to be added;
- a new prohibited grandparented animals section;
- protective care and impoundment;
- wildlife section added;
- removal of barking dogs and included in the noise by-law;
- removal of dangerous dogs;
- removal of standards of care for animals;
- orders, enforcement and powers to enter and penalty provisions; and
- updated fees.
Public Comments
Ms. Claridge, 44 Sherwood Street, Orangeville – Ms. Claridge advised that she volunteers for a Service Dog organization but is speaking personally. She is requesting Council consider the following:
- exempting the licensing fee for service dogs-in-training;
- exempting the licensing fee for service dogs-in-training to breeders and foster families;
- service dogs-in-training be allowed to enter Town facilities;
- exemptions to people who are keeping a service dog-in-training temporarily; and
- revise the definition of owner for licenses re: keeping a dog temporarily.
James Jackson, 50 Carlton Drive, Orangeville – Mr. Jackson said if a dog is properly trained, they should not require a leash. He asked if there could be an exception for dogs with no leash for people with a disability.
Greg Verner, 212 Kensington Place, Orangeville – Mr. Verner had the following comments:
- The proposed changes include a number of pages on dogs, two pages on hens and only one item on cats. He would like to see more regulations on cats, i.e. licensing and at-large.
- He advised that the dog licensing fee has increased by 75%. He doesn’t think this is fair to anyone as other costs to care for them have increased. He is asking Council to consider reducing the fee.
- Consideration should be given to year-to-year tagging instead of April 30th. He suggested someone should keep track when tags are issued and send the pet owner a reminder in twelve months.
- Consideration should be given to a one-time fee for the life of the dog.
- The Town should offer a clinic where dogs can be tagged/chipped. A fee of $100 could be charged for the service.
- He appreciates the wildlife inclusion.
Matthew Smith, 38 McCarthy Street, Orangeville – Mr. Smith would like to see hummingbirds allowed to be fed. He asked if a water fountain would be considered feeding wildlife.
Ric Ugolini, Cedar Drive, Orangeville – Mr. Ugolini advised that municipalities are discontinuing issuing permits for hens. Toronto has suspended permits due to the avian flu, and Mississauga is no longer allowing backyard chickens. Springwater Township has repealed their by-law and are not charging, but they have a registry. He is concerned that if there are no permit fees, the number of people with hens will increase in the municipality.
Brett Lagerquist, 61 Brookhaven, East Garafraxa – Mr. Lagerquist advised that a hummingbird is not a songbird and there should be clarification in the by-law. Clarification is required on what exactly is wildlife, and what is an acceptable amount of feed underneath a bird feeder.
As a follow-up to Mr. Smith's comment regarding hummingbird feeders, Councillor Andrews advised that this has been addressed. Mr. Wiedekowsky confirmed that hummingbirds are now included and that there were no restrictions on bird baths or water fountains.
Councillor Andrews asked if pygmy pigs are permitted in the by-law. Mr. Wiedekowsky advised that pigs are not on the prohibited list.
Mayor Post asked when was the last time the fee schedule was updated. She also asked if there was any discussion regarding a licensing framework for cats and whether other municipalities have such a framework.
Deputy Mayor Taylor had concerns with coyotes roaming in the town. Residents are concerned about their safety during dawn and dusk around the perimeter of the town. He asked if this can be addressed in the by-law.
Councillor Andrews shared the same concerns with coyotes running on the greenspace in his neighbourhood. He recalled a number of years ago the County of Dufferin was investigating this issue on how to monitor/manage them. He never heard if there was anything finalized.
Deputy Mayor Taylor said the Clerk informed him that the County does have a coyote program.