by Niki Luymes
Edson Town Council was briefed on February 11, regarding the results from the 2025 Responsible Pet Ownership survey.
From December 15, 2024 to January 15, 2025 the Town of Edson conducted a survey to receive feedback from residents. The questions were created to help council and administration with creating a new animal control bylaw, dubbed the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.
The current Animal Control Bylaw (no. 2140) was enacted July 15, 2014. In the decade since, multiple issues have come to light. The bylaw as it exists does not adequately address the needs of responsible pet ownership. Especially when considering the changing community expectations and evolving animal welfare standards. On December 10, 2024 Administration began the process of creating an updated bylaw by receiving feedback from council.
The public survey that followed, resulted in 267 respondents. It gathered opinions on key animal control issues. These included licensing, pet limits, cat registration, non-domesticated animals, and cat traps. “In summary, the feedback generally supported improving pet ownership and addressing community issues through a focus on education, stricter enforcement, and individual responsibility,” said Eric Christensen, Enforcement Services Manager.
“The main concern that we heard about from the residents was regarding cats. There were significant issues raised about problems with roaming, cats defecating on properties, destroying gardens, and being a nuisance due to excessive noise. Several suggestions include mandatory micro-chipping, leash requirements, and fines for owners,” said Christensen. 67% supported the idea of expanding pet registration to include cats. Council then discussed whether of not to add the requirements to the proposed bylaw.
“I want cats to be handled like dogs, meaning that they are contained and they can’t run free. Just putting a license on a cat is no good, there is nobody to enforce it,” said Councillor Gean Chouinard. “Too many people say they own a cat, but they let it outside and only see it twice a year. If you are going to own a cat, then own it.”
“I think with the heavy response that we’ve gotten, and this is something that comes up quite regularly, I think it is worth it to try to go this route and treat cats the same way we do dogs,” said Councillor Krystal Cacka.
“This is a big problem,” said Mayor Kevin Zahara. “Licensing may be one aspect of it, but I really think we need to do a spay and neuter program. The status quo is not acceptable. You see cats roaming around at night more than you see people.”
Councillor Peter Taylor suggested that if Administration adds cat registration to the bylaw, that they also create a grace period to allow people to make the change.
While most respondents indicated a desire to set different limits for cat and dogs, there was no definitive consensus on the number of animals permitted. The survey did indicated that 69% of residents did not want livestock animals (sheep, meat pigs, turkeys, etc,) to be allowed within town limits. However, the feedback on allowing chickens was spilt almost 50/50.
“Chickens, fowl, I’ve come to the conclusion that those belong outside of town.” said Mayor Zahara. “Unless, you live in a more rural part of town in which you have the kind of property that can support those kinds of animals, such as on the western edges of our community. But in the more urban areas, I don’t think they should be allowed.”
Councillor Chouinard added that he liked the idea of allowing people to apply to council for chicken approval. “I don’t want to chase those who want chickens away, but they do need to ask special permission to own them.”
“Beyond items potentially included in a bylaw, respondents expressed a desire for stronger enforcement of existing animal control laws and supportive of responsible pet ownership, including spay/neuter programs, better shelter resources, and more effective communication with animal control,” added Christensen.
Mayor Zahara asked, “Is there a way in which we can design the program to reward those that are getting their animals spayed and neutered? Maybe like there is no fee to get them registered?”
“A spay and neuter program sounds good, but the cost doesn’t,” agreed Taylor.
The plan is to bring the bylaw back to Council as a draft bylaw, then for first and subsequent readings. If the bylaw is approved, then Administration will begin an education program.