New responsible animal bylaws will hopefully let the Nanaimo SPCA, the Catnap Society and Animal Control get a handle on Nanaimo's stray cat problem. (Pixabay)

By Spencer Sterritt

safe cats

Details of Nanaimo’s responsible animal bylaw crystallized after consultation

Feb 2, 2021 | 4:31 PM

NANAIMO — A bylaw giving stronger tools to Nanaimo bylaw and animal control officers is expected to be passed.

Councillors gave three readings to the responsible animal bylaw in their Monday, Feb. 1 meeting. Three readings was previously delayed in November after councillors pushed for more substantial community engagement.

The main bone of contention with the public about the complaint-driven bylaw was prohibiting cats to roam at large.

Coun. Ian Thorpe stressed the bylaw is designed to handle nuisance animals and complaints between owners.

“The City doesn’t want to patrol and chase down cats. This bylaw is complaint-driven, so if a problem situation does arise our bylaw officers can now hopefully deal with it. It’s not meant to punish people or take away their animals. It simply encourages responsible pet ownership.”

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Alison Cuffley, a government relations officer with the BC SPCA, told councillors she understands there’s some confusion about what the bylaw entails but the current bylaws are substantially outdated.

“No bylaw is ever going to satisfy 100 per cent of constituents or stakeholders, but by neglecting the underlying issues around animal welfare in your community, the City of Nanaimo opens itself up to being a safe haven for animal hoarders, illegitimate breeders and Tiger Kings.”

Leon Davis, executive director of the Nanaimo SPCA, said the updated bylaws will hopefully reduce the number of complaints handled by staff.

He said Nanaimo SPCA staff are currently preparing to intervene in a reported case of 30 to 40 cats with multiple litters living in a Nanaimo basement suite and as well as tackling a local puppy mill.

Councillors also gave three readings to a promise to return policy, which waives impound and seizure fees until Jan. 1, 2023 for any impounded cat which is sterilized and properly ID’d.

The bylaw is expected to receive final adoption at an upcoming Nanaimo city council meeting.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt