His Worship Amarjeet Sohi and all members of the Council
As the President & Co-Founder of a foster-based CRA Registered Non-Profit animal rescue, I am bringing to your attention the ongoing review of the Edmonton Licensing and Control Bylaws. I respectfully urge the consideration of incorporating a clause that recognizes the essential role of foster homes in the operation of a rescue. Notably, Animal Care and Control routinely transfers unclaimed animals to local rescues, emphasizing the significance of this proposed addition.
The following points warrant consideration. Firstly, it is advocated that foster animals should not be subject to licensing requirements. Given the transient nature of fostering, where animals may frequently come and go, often including unaltered puppies, the fluctuating fees associated with licensing are both impractical and economically burdensome for volunteers or rescues to bear.
If an individual is fostering a dog, the dog should not be included in their household count. It's important to note that the dog's presence is temporary, and the rescues provide all medical care, food, and supplies. It's worth highlighting that both EHS and ACC are consistently operating over capacity. Additionally, rescues are encountering difficulties in securing foster homes, with the primary challenge being homes already at the legal limit.
It is imperative to establish clearly written guidelines for fosters within the bylaws. Presently, officers exercise their own discretion in interpreting the existing guidelines. This situation has resulted in instances of harassment, visits to the city courthouse, and the successful contestation of multiple fines. Regrettably, this has led to a waste of taxpayers' money.
Calgary Bylaws:
Limits on Cats and Dogs
9. (1) A Person must not own more than six (6) dogs and six (6) cats that are more than three months of age.
(2) A Person must not permit more than six (6) dogs and six (6) cats that are more than three months of age to reside in one dwelling unit.
The Director may issue Excess Animal Permits to:
(a) breeders;
(b) a Person fostering an Animal under the supervision of a not-for-profit organization that rescues and adopts out Animals; or
St Albert Bylaws:
Foster, Guide & Service Dogs
The City of St. Albert does not charge a licensing fee for foster, guide or service dogs. However, the caretaker/owner must apply for an exemption.
To consider dogs “in temporary foster care” for an exemption, the City requires a completed Foster Dog Application Form endorsed by an Animal Rescue Agency/Shelter every year.
The absence of active changes to these bylaws could lead to the closure of numerous rescues in Edmonton. This potential outcome would have a significant impact on both the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) and the Animal Care and Control (ACC) unit. Given that most rescues are currently operating beyond capacity and rely heavily on a foster-based system, failure to address these issues may result in an overflow of animals becoming an issue for the city to manage.
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