Town of Lafleche Considering Updating Dog Bylaw
Animal Control Bylaw Press Release
The Lafleche Town Council has received, recorded, summarized and reviewed the complaints of the public and has decided to update the Dog Bylaw. Within the draft bylaw, the new version will be called the Animal Control Bylaw.
The current Dog Bylaw, enacted in 2004 and available at lafleche.ca under Town of Lafleche Bylaws & Policies, states: “no person shall keep, possess or harbor more than four dogs over 6 months of age.”
The Dog Bylaw further states: “Every person who owns, possesses or harbors a dog with[in] the Town limits, shall register and obtain a license for the said dog from the Dog Catcher or Town Office, on or before January 31 in each year, or immediately after date of possession.”
Within the current Dog Bylaw there are eight parts: definitions, offences, licensing, impounding, release of impounded dogs, disposal of dogs suspected of having rabies, disposal of unclaimed dogs, and general.
The Animal Control Bylaw draft seeks to extend the provisions applying to dogs so they may also apply to cats. This is being considered because there have been more complaints regarding cats than dogs and the Town is currently unable to act on these complaints, leading to increased frustration of the public in this regard.
As well, there have been legislation updates which the draft bylaw looks to address, and there have been considerations of the feasibility for the Town to carry out certain provisions of the current Dog Bylaw. The provisions of concern regard the employment of a dog catcher and upkeep of a pound, neither of which the Town currently has, and which the Town considers itself unable to support. Thus, the provisions are being considered for removal.
If there are any complaints or suggestions regarding the current draft bylaw, please send letters addressed to Council for their consideration to either PO Box 250 Lafleche, SK or to town.of.lafleche@sasktel.net. Alternatively, there is a ‘Contact Us’ form on the website as well, though it does not include the option to attach files, for security purposes.
The Town of Lafleche is a small community in Southwest Saskatchewan. It is with great pride that many people call this place home, and our community is one chock-full of volunteers and community spirit. Browse our website, lafleche.ca to get a feel for the community; call, email or stop by the Town and R.M. office with any questions you may have; or stop by any of our businesses, sports nights or events to see what we have to offer.