The City of Nanaimo is asking residents for feedback on proposed bylaw changes that would affect outdoor cats.
Nanaimo Council passed a resolution on November 16 to delay the passage of the changes until public consultation could be completed.
The bylaw changes include:
- removing reference to “Restricted Dogs”;
- changing “Vicious Dog” to “Aggressive Dog”;
- modernizing sections to reflect current best practices on standards of care;
- requiring every owner of a cat to provide the cat with identification;
- requiring every cat that is permitted to go outside be spayed or neutered; and
- prohibiting cats to be at large in a public place or on another person’s property, unless it is under the immediate charge and control of the owner or other person responsible for the animal.
The City says that under the last item regarding cats, they would still be allowed outdoors on the owner’s property.
Members of the public who wish to offer their thoughts can use the online forum, at www.getinvolvednanaimo.ca/animals-in-nanaimo until December 11, 2020.
The website forum allows residents to ask questions and provide input on the proposed bylaw changes.
After the public engagement has concluded feedback will be submitted to Nanaimo council in January 2021.
