Paws & reflect for phase two of the Animal Bylaw Review

The community is being asked for furrrr-ther feedback on animal regulations.

Phase two of the Animal Bylaw Review is underway with the launch of an online survey.

Phase one of the bylaw review included collecting public input which was conducted in late 2023. Residents were asked what topics or ideas were important to them when thinking about living alongside animals within the city.

“We received some valuable feedback during the initial phase of this project,” says Skylar Plourde, Director of Services and Enforcement with Community Animal Services. “It was important to learn what is important to the community to ensure those values and ideas are reflected in this next phase of public engagement.”

Input gathered during phase one has been used to formulate the survey questions, specifically targeting high-priority issues. Among these issues are the introduction of cat regulations and the question of whether residents should have the option of keeping backyard chickens.

“Information collected during the public engagement and survey phases, along with input from stakeholders and partner agencies, will be used to help draft the new animal bylaw,” says Plourde. “We want to create a modernized bylaw that reflects how our community wants to live with all creatures in Lethbridge.”

The phase two survey is open until March 25. Residents are invited to review early findings at the next Community Conversation, scheduled for April 25 at the ENMAX Centre.

The updated bylaw is expected to be presented to City Council for consideration by the end of September.

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