How the new pet bylaw has fared in Winnipeg so far
It has been just over a month since the City of Winnipeg introduced the new Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw focused on pet ownership rules as well as feeding wildlife, dog daycares and breeding of cats and dogs.
The city provided an update on the number of calls it has received since the bylaw went into effect on July 1.
Leland Gordon, the general manager of the city's Animal Services, said so far there have been two complaints of pets being left inside vehicles when it is hotter than 22 degrees Celsius.
"If somebody sees, say a dog in a hot car, take pictures of everything. The vehicle, the licence plate, the dog in the vehicle. Then transmit that to animal services," said Gordon.
He said the best way to contact animal services is by emailing 311. On top of emailing, he said people should call either the Winnipeg Humane Society or the Winnipeg police non-emergency line. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the Winnipeg Humane Society are the two organizations that attend those calls.
When a call like this comes in, Gordon said animal services can take several enforcement options such as an education approach, a verbal warning or a ticket.
The bylaw also applies to taking dogs on a bike ride, with Gordon saying it's not allowed when it is over 22 degrees Celsius.
"We don't want people leaving dogs in their hot cars unattended, we don't want people out biking with their dogs on hot summer days. The reason is you are placing these dogs at risk."
He said dogs can die in hot vehicles and when biking they could become exhausted or they could even burn their pads on the hot pavement.
Gordon said they have also received two complaints of people biking with their dogs.
Another change that came into effect was a requirement that dog owners have to supervise their pets while they are outside. Gordon said this doesn't mean necessarily watching them when they go to the bathroom, but stepping in if something happens.
He said there have been 25 complaints related to this part of the bylaw.
"People cannot leave their dogs outdoors for prolonged periods of times."
The bylaw also addresses feeding wildlife within city limits. As of July 1, Gordon said no animals are allowed to be fed with the exception of birds.
He said to date, animal services has received 13 complaints.
"That's everything from deer to racoons to squirrels…the more we feed wildlife, the more accustomed they become to us and the more the population increase and then the more conflict we have."
Gordon said there has also been one complaint of a rabbit trap being found within city limits.
He said responsible pet owners will have very little interaction with animal services because they are already providing the proper care, adding the bylaw changes were not designed for those who are already responsible for their pets.
For more information people can contact 311 or go online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.