A revised Quispamsis animal control bylaw is heading into the hands of Quispamsis council.
Much of the ire surrounding the controversial bylaw has been because of the wording, including what actually constitutes a so-called fierce or dangerous animal.
That’s one of the changes included in this revised bylaw along with owner liability, what’s described as strict conditions for euthanasia, and the introduction of an animal control appeals process where a committee will hold a hearing into the issue.
Under the revised bylaw, an animal control officer can only recommend that an animal be deemed fierce or dangerous if they have enough evidence under the written definition. The way it’s written now, it appears the officer can make their own judgement call.
When it comes to euthanasia, the revisions include what’s said to be stricter conditions for the most extreme incidents, that it be directed by a veterinarian and also be legally directed.
Under the revised bylaw an animal declared fierce or dangerous whose owner isn’t able to or is unwilling to comply will go to an SPCA shelter or another shelter where they’ll determine if the animal can be adopted — instead of getting euthanized.
The town of Quispamsis has its own animal control officer which uses the services of the Greater Moncton SPCA, which is considered to have a ‘high-kill’ rate versus the Saint John SPCA, which is considered to be a ‘low-kill’ shelter.
Council meets on Tuesday evening at 7pm at town hall.
