The Town of Hanna council addressed an avian issue at its Dec. 10 regular meeting when it approved an updated animal control bylaw: the ubiquitous urban chicken was removed from the legislation.
Councillors listened to a presentation by Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Matthew Norburn regarding proposed animal control bylaw #1035-2024.
“The Town of Hanna’s current animal control bylaw (#808-1993) is outdated and does not adequately address contemporary animal control issues, licensing, or enforcement standards,” stated Norburn’s report to council.
“The administration has prepared an updated animal control bylaw (#1035-2024) that aligns with modern municipal standards and legislative requirements.
Bylaw 1035-2024 was given first reading on May 14, 2024 at the regular council meeting.
“The Town of Hanna held a non-statutory public meeting on Sept. 16, 2024, and heard from residents for and against the bylaw in relations to the sections related to hens.
Council directed administration to remove the sections related to hens from the bylaw and return it council for approval.
“The proposed updates aim to improve public safety, ensure responsible pet ownership and provide effective enforcement tools for the town’s administration.”
Norburn noted in his report several key areas of the new bylaw: Enhanced definitions and responsibilities for animal owners, comprehensive licensing requirements, including annual and lifetime dog licenses, updated penalties and fines for non-compliance as outlined in schedule “A,”provisions for dangerous animals and owner accountability, clear guidelines for compliance orders, violation tags, and enforcement measures and repeal of the existing bylaw to ensure consistency and eliminate redundancy.
It was noted during discussion another new part of the bylaw included offering canine owners a “lifetime dog license” that applies to spayed/neutered dogs for $200.
The CAO expanded upon his report by explaining he contacted Harvest Sky Animal Rescue as the charity had some concerns about the town’s existing bylaw and incorporated the charity’s feedback into the newest legislation.
It was noted in the report public input from local residents was also reflected in the proposed bylaw.
According to Harvest Sky’s website, “The Harvest Sky Animal Rescue provides a home for pets while they look for their forever home. Located in Hanna, Alta. the Harvest Sky Animal Rescue serves a large portion of east-central Alberta as well as animals from across the province.”
As councillors discussed the proposed bylaw Coun. Sandra Beaudoin noted she would be in favour of the town developing a cat bylaw. Beaudoin stated such a bylaw would give an indication of Hanna’s cat population, give the town a tool for contacting cat owners when needed and treats cats and their owners the same way dogs are treated.
Councillors approved second and third readings of the new bylaw.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
