Public surveys closing for new animal control bylaws in Red Deer and Sylvan Lake

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Previous discussions have taken place over the years about cats, and other pets that residents may have, or would consider keeping on their property. As a result, this public participation process is hearing from residents about what animals they would like the City to consider regulating, and garner feedback on implementing an animal bylaw.

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In September 2009, a new dog bylaw came into place in Red Deer, addressing aggressive dogs and the ownership of dogs in general.

On July 7, 2014, Red Deer city council approved a Chicken Bylaw to regulate and control the keeping of chickens on a property within an urban area. This Bylaw requires residents to apply for and maintain a Chicken License on an annual basis.

The Cat Bylaw was created and implemented in 1996 and is said to be in need of updating to cover current issues.

“We have three bylaws in place for specific animals, but we know there are Red Deerians who would like to keep other kinds of animals on their property that we do not currently have regulations and bylaws in place for,” reads a statement on the City’s website.

“We have also heard that Red Deerians would like more updated regulations and enforcement for cats, and have thoughts and ideas around changes to the dog bylaw. This public participation seeks to find out what Red Deerians want us to regulate, and how.”

Once the City is able to gather feedback this spring around a potential animal bylaw, administration will review and use the thoughts and ideas of residents to build a draft bylaw for councils review and approval. That will likely go forward later in 2021.

Once the feedback has been received from residents, the City will post a summary of that feedback on its website. This feedback will also go with the draft bylaw to Red Deer city council for review.

In addition, once a draft bylaw is created, the City will bring it back for resident comment before it goes to council. The exact method and timing for this, however, has not yet been determined.

Click here to take the City of Red Deer survey.

In Sylvan Lake, town officials say they are reviewing their Animal Control Bylaw in order to make sure the bylaw is current with the public’s current expectations for animal control.

“We understand that pets play an important role in the lives of many Sylvan Lakers; however, when creating a bylaw, we need to strike a balance – one that ensures the safety and quality of life of all residents,” reads a statement on the town website.

“How should we regulate cats and dogs in the community?” the statement continues. “What about bees, pigs, and even chickens? Let us know your thoughts, your experiences, your concerns, and any solutions you may have.”

Click here to take the Town of Sylvan Lake survey.