Owners of intact dogs have been caught by surprise by new fees under the City of Nanaimo's updated animal control bylaw. (Dreamstime)

By Jordan Davidson

fee changes

Updated Nanaimo animal bylaw catching some dog owners by surprise

Mar 18, 2022 | 5:35 AM

NANAIMO — A bylaw which adjusts some rules regarding stray cats and intact dogs is starting to make an impact.

The City of Nanaimo adopted the Animal Responsibility Bylaw in September 2021 and pet owners are beginning to see the changes while renewing pet licenses in 2022.

Under the bylaw, changes were made on how certain animals are classified as well as increased licensing fees for dogs who are not fixed.

“The public was notified of these changes, but many dog owners were surprised to learn that licensing fees had increased for intact dogs (unsterilized) and dogs which have been deemed aggressive,” Dave LaBerge, manager for bylaw services, told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The City has reached out to 2,935 owners who have previously licensed dogs and now have to pay more for their pets which meet the new criteria.

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LaBerge said there are also considerable wait times in most clinics for spay and neutering services, which adds to their frustration.

Also adjusted in the bylaw was certain language to describe animals.

Included was removing the reference of targeting “restricted dogs”, and changing the classification of “vicious” dog to “aggressive” dog.

“There has been positive feedback regarding the removal of breed-specific legislation in the bylaw, and the funding for additional full-time animal control officer will provide an increased enforcement presence in City parks this summer, which is something the public is always asking for.”

Changes to the bylaw have, at least for now, not trickled down to local shelters.

Manager for the Island-Coastal region of the SPCA Leon Davis said Nanaimo and District SPCA has not seen an increase in dogs being surrendered, nor have they heard of an increase in people seeking assistance to get their animals spayed or neutered.

Davis said the updated bylaw, including the licensing fees, is not a cash grab.

“Licensing your dogs is the responsible thing to do…it certainly helps dogs that are stray return home more quickly, and it helps fund important animal bylaw work that’s done in the city.”

Similar changes are also coming into effect for cat owners, with a focus on unsterilized, unidentified outdoor cats, or animals roaming on public or private property without permission.

However, the enforcement of fines for sterilized and identified cats has been pushed back to Jan. 1, 2023 in a bid to provide more time for people to spay or neuter as well as get identification.

Pets taken in by animal control are housed at the Nanaimo Animal Shelter until they can be returned to their owner.

Nanaimo Council have approved funding to renovate the 43-year-old building, which hasn’t seen any major improvements since it was constructed, leaving it “undesirable, if not unsuitable to continue as a facility to house animals” according to the City.

Upgrades would improve the dog kennels and increase capacity for cats.

The current facility has capacity for about nine dogs and nine cats.

Planning for these renovations is currently underway, but construction is yet to begin.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow