Animal Care and Control By-law Changes Set Standards of Care to Protect Pets

Changes to the Animal Care and Control by-law with new standards of care to protect pets were approved at today’s meeting of Council.

The new standards address issues such as: keeping animals outside for long periods; especially during extreme weather and how to provide proper care; tethering; and specifications on doghouses, pens and enclosures. Standards related to extreme weather and Animal Services staff authorization to enter on to private lands take effect immediately with other standards taking effect December 1, 2014. Staff will report back to Council in fall 2015 to provide an update on the impacts of these changes.

For more information read the corporate report, Animal Standards of Care.

Background

The Animal Standards of Care Ad Hoc Committee reviewed the Animal Care and Control Bylaw on the standards of care for keeping and housing animals to ensure that it met the best interests of the community and animals.

For more information read the report: Mandate and Terms of Reference – Ad Hoc Committee to Review the Animal Care and Control By-law 0098-04, as amended, regarding the Standards of Care for the Keeping and Housing of Dogs and Mississauga’s Animal Care and Control By-law sets Standards of Care to Protect Pets