Council to explore certification of unusual comfort animals
Calgarians who rely on unconventional support animals for their mental health and well-being are one step closer to having their companions recognized as legitimate by the municipal government.
Council voted unanimously at Monday’s meeting in favour of a motion brought by Coun. Jyoti Gondek asking administration to work with Alberta Health Services to figure out how to certify emotional support animals in Calgary.
“This is an issue that is not just national, it’s global: how are we finding ways to treat people with mental illness in a way that we don’t have to overprescribe (medications)? If this is a method we can use, then we should be looking at it,” Gondek said.
“(I’m) very proud that this council has taken that leadership role in this country.”
The motion was inspired by the now well-known case of Nikki Pike, a local woman who relies on three chickens to cope with debilitating anxiety and depression. Chickens are considered livestock and are not allowed within municipal boundaries under Calgary ’s Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.
Council’s decision urges city administration and provincial health authorities to create guidelines for the use of emotional support animals within an urban setting.
“I’m requesting proper certification, much like what exists for service animals for those with vision impairment or those with PTSD,” Gondek told council Monday.
“This is about the treatment of mental illness in a non-traditional manner, appreciating we live in a city where respecting neighbours is equally important.”