Changes to Animal Control and Dog Licensing Bylaws
May 25, 2005
City Council adopted the new Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 7932, and approved changes to other bylaws effective in 2006, to improve the welfare of animals and enhance public safety.
The new animal control bylaw, which replaces the Animal, Bird and Beekeeping Bylaw No. 7137, outlines a number of amendments also to ensure a consistent and current standard. Further, creating this bylaw, and amending the Dog Licencing Bylaw No. 7138 and the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 7321, is intended to encourage our community to ensure the safety of their animals and the public.
Highlights of the significant changes to these bylaws include new provisions and subsequent fees for violations to ensure that: a person not have more than three dogs off-leash in designated off-leash areas; that dangerous dogs are licenced and are not off-leash in public; that pet stores provide enhanced standards for pet safety and care; and that an owner is responsible should their animal kill, hurt and harass a person or another animal.
To obtain a dog licence in 2006 for dogs over 8-weeks old, fees will increase from $20 to $30 for a spayed or neutered dog, and from $50 to $70 for dogs that are not spayed or neutered. For dogs that are deemed dangerous, licence fees will now cost $150 for spayed or neutered dogs, and $200 for dogs that are not spayed or neutered, however a discount of $50 applies if licences are issued prior to March 1 of the current year. Senior citizens will continue to be eligible for a 50 per cent discount when licensing their dog. An increase in licencing fees reflects fees charged by other Lower Mainland municipalities, and brings the various bylaws up-to-date in terms of consistency.
In collaboration with the SPCA, an amendment to increase impounding and boarding fees was made for the costs associated with the care and maintenance of animals, and for the increased labour and operational expenses for running a shelter.
In addition, an amendment was made to increase fines for offences such as smoking in a public place, in accordance with the City’s Public Health Protection Bylaw 6989. Elevated fines are in response to the increase in the number of offences of smoking in locations where prohibited, and furthers the City’s commitment to a smoke-free environment.
The Richmond community is encouraged to learn more about the changes to these bylaws by obtaining a copy at City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road.
