Cranbrook City Council conducted a quick first, second and third readings of two bylaw amendments at Monday night’s regular meeting. These amendments to the Animal Control Bylaw allowed for a new fee structure to be put in place.
The first three readings took the old fee structure off the books (Bylaw 3760), the second three readings implemented the new fees (Bylaw 3761).
Increased dog license fees are intended to off-set the cost of bylaw enforcement related to animal control. A portion of the revenue will also assist in the creation of a future off-leash dog park in Cranbrook.
The main change to the animal control bylaw is to the following dog licenses (Schedule C in the bylaw):
• A license for a female dog, which came to $50 in 2012, will increase to $60 in 2013 and 2014.
• A license for a sterile female dog will go from $33 (2012) to $37 in 2013 and $40 in 2014.
• A license for a male dog will go from $55 (2012) to $60 in 2013 and 2014.
• A license for a sterile male dog will go from $33 (2012) to $37 in 2013 and $40 in 2014.
According to the updated Schedule C in Bylaw 3761, the license for a pitbull remains the same at $1,025 a year. The license for a “vicious dog,” except a pitbull, is $225 a year. A wild animal license is $100 a year.
Mayor Wayne Stetski pointed out at the meeting that the dog license fee is discounted by $25 if it’s renewed early, prior to Feb 28 of each year.
