Victoria County changes dog bylaw
Officers permitted to issue summary offence tickets
Dog control officers are now allowed to issue summary offence tickets in Victoria County.
A recent change to Victoria County’s bylaw allows the dog control officers to issue tickets. Prior to the changes, which came into effect on Aug. 1, dog control officers were only allowed to impound the dog for breaking the bylaw.
“We’ve had a dog bylaw for a long time, but have had some issues that are beyond the scope of what our officers could do,” said Leanne MacEachen, interim CAO of Victoria County, in a news release on Tuesday. “These changes mean we are being pro-active rather than reactive in keeping our county dog-friendly and safe for all.”
Summary offence tickets provide the charge and a record of facts and are presented at the time of the offence. A conviction of a summary offence often results in a fine.
In the fall, dog control officers in the county will be trained in how and when to issue a ticket. For now, the Cape Breton SPCA, whose officers are already trained in issuing tickets, are covering some areas in the county.
According to the municipality’s rules and responsibilities for dog owners, dogs are not permitted to run at large, all dogs must be under control when in public, owners must ensure their dog does not cause a disruption of the peace by persistent howling, barking, or noise making, all dog waste (poop) must be removed from private or public property (other then on the owner’s property), and all dogs must be registered each year with the municipality and wear a municipality-issued dog tag.
Other offences under the bylaw include not providing a dog control officer with information when requested and failing to hand over a dog to the control officer when requested.
The proposed fine for breaking the bylaw is $237.50. The fine — which is $100 plus various fees — is comparable with other municipalities in the province for similar offences.
Council will finalize the amount at its next meeting on Sept. 12.
To register a dog, visit the municipality offices in the Baddeck Courthouse and provide the clerk with the dog’s details including name, age, sex, breed, whether the animal is spayed or neutered and any identifying colour or markings.
The registration cost is $10 for spayed or neutered dogs and $25 for those dogs not spayed or neutered. A numbered tag, which the dog must wear on its collar, will be provided. Registrations and renewals are due by March 31 of each year.
“Tagging is important to help if your dog is lost or found,” said MacEachen. “Our officers can help to make sure your pet is returned. It’s also important to let us know if there are any charges so we can update the records.”
For more information about the bylaw or registration, visit the municipality’s website at www.victoriacounty.com/ DogOwnerGuidelines.