Many Canadian cities have bylaws pertaining to cats. Why don’t we?
Dogs are controlled and cats should be too.
The stink of cat feces in a rose garden is a complete turn off, and to add insult to injury, why should anyone have to clean up after someone else’s cat.
Paraphrased here is a section of bylaws of another city that should be added to the bylaws of Penticton. Please continue reading; I am sure many of you will agree with me.
This bylaw may be cited as the “Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.”
Interpretation — “Animal” means any bird, reptile, amphibian or mammal excluding humans and wildlife.
Cat Licensing — No person shall own or keep any cat within the city unless such cat is licensed as provided in this bylaw. The owner of a cat shall ensure that his or her cat wears the current licence purchased for that cat, when the cat is off the property of the owner.
Responsibilities of owners — Running at large: the owner of an animal shall ensure that such animal is not running at large.
Removing excrement — If an animal defecates on any public or private property other than the property of its owner, the owner shall remove such feces immediately. (2) If an animal is on any public or private property other than the property of its owner, the owner shall have in his possession a suitable means of facilitating the removal of the animal’s feces.
Noise — The owner of an animal shall ensure that such animal shall not bark, howl, or otherwise makes or causes a noise or noises which disturbs any person.
Scattering garbage — The owner of an animal shall ensure that such animal shall not upset any waste receptacles or scatter the contents thereof either in or about a street, lane, or other public property or in or about premises not belonging to or in the possession of the owner of the animal.
Susan Finlay
Penticton