By Lexi McFarlane, Times Chronicle
After ten years in effect, a previous version of a Town of Osoyoos bylaw has been replaced with a newer version that offers more options for families with canine members.
The new Animal Care and Control Bylaw, adopted by Osoyoos Council at the April 28 Regular Council meeting, is the culmination of nearly three months of consultation, beginning with a public survey issued on February 6. A draft of the new bylaw was agreed to at a separate Council meeting back in March.
While not long in the tooth as far as bylaws go, the previous animal bylaw had multiple limitations. Primarily, dogs were not allowed in all parks between the “peak season” months of June to August. This created confusion for visitors, who thought it only applied to the beach areas of Osoyoos. Under the new bylaw, this will be reversed, so long as dogs are on-leash, and owners continue to be responsible.
There were also comments about the lack of clear definition and enforcement in the previous bylaw. Clearer definitions are included in the new version, and as part of its implementation, signage in parks will be updated to better outline what it permitted.
Concerns that had been raised within the survey will be addressed as part of the new bylaw’s implementation. Those concerns included owners not picking up after, and not having proper control over their dogs, as well as an indication from some respondents of not being comfortable around dogs.
With dogs now being allowed in parks, Bylaw Officers will take on an increased presence to provide education, and enforce rules surrounding dogs in parks.
The updated bylaw’s adoption, and repealing of the old Animal bylaw, was approved unanimously by Council with no additional discussion.
