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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday August 2, 2008 - 19 Is your pet breaking the law? What do leashes, licences, barking, scooping, biting, identification, vaccinations, zoning, rabbits, exotic pets and pigeons all have in common? These are all subjects at the centre of local laws that impact you as a pet owner. The Town of Oakville has a number of animal bylaws that protect local citizens and their pets. Domestic animals are the focal point of many of these bylaws, the majority of which are monitored by Animal Protection Officers (APOs) at the Oakville & District Humane Society (ODHS): a charitable animal protection service contracted by the Town of Oakville. As agents of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA), the ODHS can enforce the OSPCA Act. "People may not be aware of the many animal bylaws that are in place in Oakville," noted Rob Bauer, Manager of the APS Department. "We work hard to help maintain a positive quality of life for both animals and people in Oakville. The laws help to ensure that." Town of Oakville animal bylaws are readily available on the Town's website at www.oakville.ca or through the Bylaw Enforcement Department at the municipal offices located at 1225 Trafalgar Road. The Animal Protection Officers work out of the Oakville & District Humane Society, located at 445 Cornwall Road. Disregard for animal bylaws could result in fines ranging up to $5,000. To avoid an infraction learn about the laws that could affect you, including: Mandatory Annual Dog Licences, Number of dogs owned ­ bylaw 1982145: Licence must be purchased within seven days of ownership and renewed annually. Owners are permitted to keep three dogs only unless they obtain kennel status. Leashes/Running at large ­ Bylaw 1977-20: Dogs must be on leash at all times, unless on your property or in a designated leash free zone. Poop Scooping ­ Bylaw 1998-147: Pick up after your pet. Biting Dogs ­ Bylaw 2003-67: Any dog that bites or attacks a person or domestic animal may be declared a biting or potentially dangerous dog. There may be restrictions and requirements that go with this designation such as muzzling and length of leash requirements. Mandatory Cat Identification ­ Bylaw 2001-83: Cats must wear identification at all times. Cats left outdoors that wander off of their property may be picked up and taken to the shelter. Keeping of Farm Animals ­ Bylaw 1963-017: Farm animals are not allowed to be kept in areas designated residential or commercial. Rabbits/Ferrets ­ Bylaw 1980-18: Pet owners are permitted to keep two rabbits or ferrets (one animal per cage). Ferrets must be spayed or neutered. Pigeons ­ Bylaw 1982-149: One pigeon is permitted as a pet. The bylaw identifies provisions for more than one if you are part of a racing group and have proper housing and zoning. Exotic Pets ­ Bylaw 1976-153: Exotic pets identified in this bylaw (including lions, tigers, elephants, and many reptiles and amphibians) are not permitted to be kept in Oakville. Prior to obtaining an exotic animal, check the bylaw. Bylaw 1981-97 regarding animal or bird sounds that disturb the peace and quiet of any individual is monitored by the Town of Oakville. Complaints must be made to the Bylaw Enforcement Department directly. Provincial laws impacting owners include the Dog Owner's Liability Act (an owner is liable for any damages caused by their dog to any person, animal or property). Included in this Act is Regulation 132 which places restrictions on any existing pit bull type dogs and prohibits new pit bulls Humane Society looking for donors to take up the challenge Show you care in 2008 as the Oakville and District Humane Society reaches out to the community by launching its new monthly giving program. This year's challenge is to recruit a team of 1,000 caring individuals who will demonstrate their compassion for animals by signing up. A gift of $10 a month will make a difference. Monthly supporters of the shelter will help provide a profound impact on the animals in the society's care. It will help save lives, provide protection, security and a second chance for a loving future. To join the 2008 Challenge and make monthly donations to the Oakville and District Humane Society contact the humane society at 445 Cornwall Rd., or 905-8451551. PET OF THE WEEK: Lorraine is a true cat lover's cat. For more information on the animals available for adoption, visit www.oavkillehumane.ca from entering Ontario. The Health Protection and Promotion Act RRO 1990, regulation 567 requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated for rabies. "Enforcement is an important part of our role in the community," states Bauer, "but education plays an equally important role in our day-to-day work. There are so many laws that affect pet ownership. It's your responsibility to make sure you know them. Take the time to visit the Town's website or to contact the Humane Society to find out more." For more information about local pet bylaws, contact the Town of Oakville municipal offices at 905-8456601 or the Oakville & District Humane Society at 905-845-1551. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society If you have a news tip or story idea, call the Oakville Beaver at 845-3824. SPACE AGE SHELVING The Storage Specialists In Home Consultation CARRIERS WANTED The Oakville Beaver The Oakville Beaver is looking for newspaper carriers in your neighbour hood! Support your local carrier Apa tm ts Apartments p tme t Home f es Home Offices ome Pan ry Pa try Garag Ga age a ag Lau dr La ndry a C ose s M rro Closets & Mir or Doors se ro 3350 Fairview Street between Walkers & Guelph Line 905-333-1322 2555 Erin Centre Mississauga 905-542-0353 www.spaceageshelvingburlington.com www.spaceageshelving.ca New to the Community? Welcome to the neighbourhood. We have free information & gifts reserved for you. The free service is provided Th f d d by the civic-minded businesses of this community. Our representative visits as a guest in your home, with an aim to help and welcome, without obligation. For further information contact: Join our carrier club Earn extra money and win prizes Many routes still available Call immediately for more information 1-866-283-7584 www welcomewagon ca www.welcomewagon.ca 905-845-9742