I read recently that Airdrie City council was approached and asked to include cats into the dog bylaw. Before I let you know how I feel about this, let it be known that I am a huge animal lover, of all dogs, cats, fish and pet rocks.
I understand that cats can be a problem when allowed to roam freely but that is what cats do. This is the best way for cats to get their exercise. I don’t think most cats would like the idea of going for a walk on the leash. A dog, on the other hand, is a servant and will do what you ask of him and a cat, well, not so much. He’ll come when he is hungry or wants something from you, but other than that they are rather independent.
I let my cat out into the yard to roam freely and chase butterflies and I have made two litter boxes outside for him to use. Now I know that he may not use these every time, but I have asked my neighbours if he is in their flower beds to let me know if they want me to clean them out. I know lots of neighbours might not do that, but is that the fault of the animal if the owner isn’t willing to take care of them. At least with a cat, any waste is controlled to your flower bed and not right out on the sidewalk, running paths, or lawn like I see with some dog owners.
My cat and many others are actually a benefit to Airdrie by helping to control the mouse population. I should send an invoice to City hall for each mouse that is brought home and left on my step.
Now, I agree that maybe some sort of inclusion is necessary but I hope that they won’t be after pet cats just for the extra $250. Maybe just go after the ones fighting in your backyard or if your neighbour is scheduled to be a part of the next episode of Hoarders with their 15 cats roaming around.
I have no problem paying a small fee each year to register my cat, maybe $10 or $15 to help ensure his safety. But as long as my cat is registered with the City and has a tattoo from the vet, which makes it recognizable, then the bylaw officer can easily track me down. My cat has to be registered by the tattoo and not by a collar as cats climb trees and can get injured by wearing a collar.
Under the current law it says an animal “running at large” can be charged, so if my cat is in my neighbour’s yard and they don’t mind, then is that “at large?” I wouldn’t think so as he is a welcomed guest to their yard and some of them like to visit with him when he comes by. Maybe if my cat is running up and down the street terrorizing the neighbourhood and chasing small children like a piece of string then he is “at large” but sitting on my step without a leash is not “at large.” I would actually ask bylaw officers to leave for trespassing if they ever tried to say my cat was “at large” when it is in my own yard roaming freely.
A dog roaming free could be a problem as they can scare or attack people but a cat isn’t going to harm anyone.
Maybe the City could control some of the animals by enforcing the laws they already have with how many animals can be in one house.
I hope just because one person shows up and says she doesn’t like cats, council will not just go ahead and include this into the law. There are lots of ways to keep cats out of your yard. There is a new fancy thing called the Internet and you can search out many safe ways to keep cats from entering your yard. It isn’t always the cat’s fault, maybe a little work on the homeowners end will help as well.
City staff is going to review this and make a presentation to council on this. I would hope that you keep watch and let City council know how you feel.
