Some Saint John councillors believe proposed changes to the city’s dog bylaw are all bark and no bite.
Under the new rules, dogs found running at large twice in 12 months would be microchipped at a cost of 10-dollars.
Councillor Donna Reardon says it is not enough of a disincentive for neglectful dog owners.
“When I called the vet and I said, ‘I want to get my dog microchipped,’ she said it’s $38 plus tax and your dog will require an examination by the vet, another $77 plus tax,” Reardon said.
“If I want to get my dog microchipped, I’m just going to boot her out on the street and hope you guys pick her up and do it for $10.”
Amy Poffenroth, who works with the city, says the $10 microchipping fee is in addition to the impound fee. For a second offence, that fee is around $100.
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) November 5, 2018
The proposed changes would also see the first-time impound fee go up to $60 from $50 and give bylaw enforcement officers more teeth by allowing them to conduct inspections to seize dogs when ordered by the court.
Coun. Ray Strowbridge wants to see more done when it comes to day-to-day enforcement.
“One of the biggest complaints that I receive a lot of times is around the parks and the dog feces,” Strowbridge. “It’s just everywhere and people are too disrespectful and too lazy to pick it up.
Strowbridge said the SPCA needs more enforcement power and questioned if they could be made bylaw enforcement or peace officers.
Poffenroth said SPCA staffers do their best at voluntary compliance but provincial legislation prevents them from issuing tickets under the dog control bylaw.
Proposed bylaw amendments have passed first and second reading. They need to come back once more for third reading before they go into effect.
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) November 6, 2018
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Story by Brad Perry
Twitter: @BradMPerry
Email: perry.brad@radioabl.ca
(Photo: freeimages.com)
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