City barking up the wrong tree

Should bylaw officers be sent door-to-door to give fines to pet owners if their dogs are not licensed? That is the question.

Council recently adopted a dog licence amnesty program that will see municipal enforcement officers travel from home to home educating residents about dog licences in May.

We think this is a great idea. Getting the word out about the benefits of licensing an animal is important. Telling residents they are much more likely to get their dog back if it runs away is a great incentive for them to shell out $30 (for spayed and neutered dogs) or $50 (for dogs that are not fixed).

However, in June, when the amnesty program is complete, bylaw officers will continue to make the rounds. But instead of a heads up, they will be giving residents $250 fines if dogs are not licensed.

Darryl Poburan, manager of municipal enforcement, RCMP and building inspections at the City, said the money from the fines will be used to cover the cost of the enforcement program, which is not currently covered by user fees.

Although we realize the fines are necessary for unlicensed animals and dogs at large and the money is used to pay for the enforcement program, having officers interrupt your dinner to tell you you owe $250 seems like a money grab.

Yes, we need more off-leash parks, as pointed out by Alderman Glenda Alexander, but Airdrie residents are well known for coming together and raising money for things that are needed in this community.

We realize it is pointless to have a dog licence bylaw and not enforce it. However, the direction the City is moving in seems a bit extreme.

By going door-to-door to fine people, we feel the City is barking up the wrong tree.