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Hay River's proposed animal bylaw has teeth
Paul Bickford
"It definitely has much more teeth in it," said Kerry Buhler, the ex-president of the Hay River Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Among the improvements in the proposed bylaw, are increase fines for cruelty and neglect charges; the inclusion of more animals, including horses and poultry; and shelter requirements for animals kept outside, not just for sled dogs. Sandy Whitteker, the president of the society, said the proposed bylaw is more wide-ranging than the existing dog bylaw and cat bylaw. "I think it will make people realize the town is going to be more concerned about animals," Whitteker said. "We're actually very pleased with this bylaw," she adds. "It's very well done." Town council held a public meeting on the issue Aug. 2 with nine residents attending. While generally pleased, Whitteker advised council of other changes the SPCA would like to see in the proposed bylaw. The group presented a list of 18 changes and questions. One proposed bylaw the group didn't like reads that a mercy killing would be allowed by an owner if a veterinarian or the bylaw officer were not available. The SPCA would like to see the task done by the RCMP. The SPCA also pointed out there is no limit to the number of dogs per household and no requirement for proof of rabies vaccination. At the meeting, Hay River resident Harvey Werner said the bylaw would be unenforceable, noting the town has trouble enforcing the current dog bylaw. Werner pointed to a section requiring owners to provide veterinary care for animals. "It would be impossible to try to enforce that," he said, noting there is no permanent veterinarian in town. Whitteker was more hopeful about the bylaw. "Let it run for a while and see how it works," she said. Mayor Diana Ehman says the bylaw will now go to a lawyer for review. She hopes council can pass the proposed bylaw by October.
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