By Spencer Sterritt

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Public to have say in bylaw regulating outdoor cats

Nov 18, 2020 | 5:29 AM

NANAIMO — A bylaw updating the City of Nanaimo’s animal bylaws and prohibiting cats to roam at large through neighbourhoods is now delayed.

Councillors voted unanimously to delay third reading of the bylaw after a substantial push from the community in recent days. The draft bylaw was first introduced in a committee meeting on Nov. 9.

“I think it would be appropriate if we pulled this item to deal with it,” coun. Don Bonner said during the meeting on Monday, Nov. 16.

The public will now have three weeks to view the bylaw and officially submit their insights to the City. Staff will also sift through suggestions and write a report about what amendments could be made.

The bylaw makes sweeping changes to existing but outdated legislation, such as breed-specific rules.

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It also bans cats from living at large in the community, which is believed to be the main issue compelling residents to share their thoughts on the amended bylaw.

Leon Davis, executive director of the Nanaimo SPCA, told councillors neighbourhood cats coming into peoples land and fighting with other pets is their most common call.

“Many of the outdoor cats are also disease vectors for feline diseases, many of which can cross to people. This summer we had a case of a family with 12 cats living on the property. Someone tried to do a good thing and gave one of these cats to a lady who called us in tears because her son had become infected with ringworm and needed to be treated.”

Cats will still be allowed outside within their property, but they must be spayed or neutered.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt