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VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
BYLAW # 2018 - 07
of the VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
in the PROVINCE OF ALBERTA
Being a bylaw of the Village of Myrnam, in the Province of Alberta to regulate,
restrain the running at large, the licensing, and the impounding of animals.
WHEREAS the Municipal Government Act, S.A. 2000, Chapter M-26, as amended, provides
that a Council may pass bylaws in relation to the regulation, restraining running at large,
licensing, and impounding of animals.
AND WHEREAS Council has deemed it necessary to regulate the restraining running at large,
licensing, and impounding of animals;
AND WHEREAS should any issue pertaining to procedure, process or regulation arise that is
not covered under this Bylaw, the MGA or any other enactment will take precedence. Failing
that it shall be decided by a majority of Council.
TITLE:
This bylaw may be cited as the "Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw".
PART I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 "Altered": means spayed or neutered;
1.2 "Animal": means any domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or
pleasure;
1.3 "Attack": means an assault or aggressive action by an animal towards a person or
other Animal, which results in bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, or death to a
person or other Animal;
1.4 "At Large": means any animal that is not under care and control of a person able to
control that animal, and not on a permitted leash, while off the property of its
owner;
1.5 "Bite": means a wound causing the bruising, piercing or laceration of skin with
teeth or mouth part of an animal;
1.6 "Bylaw Enforcement Officer": an employee or independent contractor appointed by
the Village of Myrnam to enforce all provisions of this and other Village of Myrnam
Bylaws, and includes any member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and
when authorized, a Community Peace Officer, appointed by the Alberta Provincial
Government. A Bylaw Enforcement Officer is a Designated Peace Officer for the
purposes of s. 594 of the Municipal Government Act;
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
1.7 "Care and Control": means
a. Exercising physical control or effective control of an Animal;
b. Having been given physical or effective control of an Animal by its owner for
the purpose of controlling the Animal for a specific period of time;
c. Where no one or more Persons with the knowledge and consent of the other,
has physical or effective control of an Animal, it may be deemed to be in the
control of all of them;
1.8 "Cat": means any member of the feline family;
1.9 "Contractor": means any person under the contract by the Village of Myrnam
to maintain and administer a pound facility or Animal Shelter;
1.10 "Dog": means any member of the canine family;
1.11 "Grievous Bodily Harm": means any wound inflicted on a person or Other Animal
by a dog, that would permanently disfigure or otherwise cause permanent injury or
loss of any body part.
1.12 "License Department": means the Chief Administrative Officer, for the Village
of Myrnam, or his/her designate;
1.13 "Minor Injury": means any physical injury to a person or other Animal, caused by
an animal that results in minor bleeding, bruising, minor tearing of skin, or any
other injury, that is not life threatening, disfiguring, or debilitating;
1.14 "Nuisance": means any form of disturbance or annoyance, as determined by the
Bylaw Enforcement Officers discretion, created by an Animal;
1.15 "Owner": means a person over the age of 18 who:
a. claims and receives custody of an Animal from the custody of an Animal
Shelter or a Bylaw Enforcement Officer; or
b. harbors or permits an Animal to be present on any property of the owner
or under that person's control; or
c. has been issued a license under Part II of this Bylaw; or
d. has the care, charge, custody, possession, or control of an Animal; or
e. owns or claims a proprietary interest in an Animal.
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
1.16 "Permitted Leash": means a leash that is not more than two (2) meters in length
and capable of restraining an Animal on it which it is being used;
1.17 "Private Property": means all property within the Village of Myrnam other
than property considered Public Property;
1.18 "Public Property": means all property owned by or under control and management
of the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, or the Village of Myrnam,
contained within the boundaries of the Village of Myrnam.
1.19 Run at large means:
i) any dog / cat that is off the property of its owner, and
ii) is not on a leash or lead and
iii) is not under immediate, continuous and effective control of its owner
1.20 "Tag": means a current metal or other Tag issued by the Village of Myrnam to an
Owner for each Animal he/she owns, and which bears the number corresponding
to a number in the master register book or database;
1.21 Vicious Dog means any dog which
i. shows propensity, disposition or potential to attack or injure, without provocation,
humans or other animals,
ii. is a continuing threat of serious harm to humans or other animals,
iii. without provocation, chases any person in a threatening manner,
iv. has inflicted as serious wound upon a human or upon a domestic animal without
provocation,
v. is deemed to be dangerous by a justice under the provisions of the Dangerous Dogs Act
vi. is owned or harboured for the purpose of dog fighting,
vii. is a guard dog; however,
A dog shall not be deemed vicious if it bites, attacks or menaces a trespasser on the
property of its owner or harms or menaces anyone who has tormented or abused it.
1.22 "Violation Tag" means a written notice, issued by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, to
advise a person that a violation of this Bylaw had occurred and that, by payment of
s specified amount to the Village of Myrnam within a set time period, that person
will avoid prosecution for the offence.
1.23 "Violation Ticket": means a ticket pursuant to Part 2 of the Provincial Offences
Procedure Act, R.S.A. 2000, c-9-34, as amended, and any regulations thereunder;
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
PART II
LICENSING OF ANIMALS
2.1 Every person, who owns, keeps, or harbors an Animal, for a period of fourteen
(14) days, which is three (3) months of age, or older shall pay the Village of Myrnam a
yearly license fee as set out in Schedule "B".
2.2 A maximum of two (2) dogs and two cats (2) - total of four (4) animals may be
housed on any single property with the Village.
2.3 Upon payment of the current yearly license fee, the Village of Myrnam or
its designate shall issue a License and Tag, with a number.
2.4 Where a license is required, and has been paid for by the tender of an uncertified
cheque, the license is automatically revoked if the cheque is not accepted and
cashed by the bank on which it was issued.
2.5 The Tag shall be securely affixed to a collar, harness or other device which shall
be worn on the Animal for which it was issued at all times, when off the property of
the Owner.
2.6 If a Tag is lost or destroyed, the Owner shall apply for a replacement, which shall
be issued upon payment of a specified fee.
2.7 The Tag is not transferable from one Animal to another and no refund will be made
for any issued tag.
2.8 The Owner, keeper, handler, or harbourer, of any type of Assistance Dog, Guide
Dog, or Police Service Dog, will be issued a license and Tag free of charge.
PART III
LICENSING OFFENCES
3.1 A resident of the Village of Myrnam who is the Owner of an Animal is guilty of
an offence if he/she fails to obtain a license for such Animal;
3.2 The owner of an Animal is guilty of an offence if he/she provides false or
misleading information to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Licensing Department,
upon completion of his/her Animal License Application form;
3.3 The owner of an Animal is guilty of an offence if he/she fails to ensure that the
Animal wears a collar and Tag while off the property of the Owner.
3.4 Any owner of an Animal residing in the Village of Myrnam for a period longer than
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
ninety (90) days in one year is required to have a current license for the Village of
Myrnam, unless the owner is visiting and has a current license for such Animal
within another municipality. In any prosecution or proceedings for a contravention
of this section, the onus of proof of length of time in the Village of Myrnam, shall
rest upon the owner of the Animal.
PART IV
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFENCES
4.1 The Owner of an Animal is guilty of an offence if such animal Runs at large;
4.2 The Owner of an Animal is guilty of an offence if; Such Animal defecates or
sprays on Public or Private Property and the Owner or person in care and
control of the Animal fails to immediately remove such defecation, other than
when on the Property of the Owner,
or;
a. He allows defecation to accumulate, on his property to such an extent that it
is reasonably likely to cause a nuisance or pose a health risk.
4.3 The owner of an Animal is guilty of an offence if he allows such Animal within a
site containing playground apparatus and/or sand play area located on Public or
Private Property other than the property of the Owner.
4.4 The owner of an Animal is guilty of an Offence if he allows such Animal to bark,
meow, howl, or otherwise make or cause a noise or noises so as to disturb the
quiet and repose of a person;
4.5 Any person who allows an Animal to damage any private or public property, other
than the property of the owner;
4.6 The owner of an Animal is guilty of an offence if such Animal is exercised while the
owner or person in care and control of such Animal, remains inside of a motor
vehicle, whether the vehicle is running or not.
4.7 The owner of an Animal is guilty of an offence if he leaves such Animal unattended
on Public or Private Property, including the property of the Owner, which the public
has access to. It shall be the responsibility of the Animal Control Officer to report
any apparent illness, communicable disease, injury, unhealthy condition or
otherwise distressful signs exhibited by any dog to a veterinarian or the S.P.C.A.
and to take the necessary action as recommended by the veterinarian or the
S.P.C.A. The owner or former owner, if known, shall be held responsible for all
charges resulting from any veterinarian examination, action or extended retention
to the dog in question.
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
4.8 The owner of an animal that has been grandfathered shall be allowed to continue
to license those grandfathered animals until such time as the animal shall become
deceased or is no longer the animal of the current owner. The owner will only be
allowed to replace a dog or cat if they have fewer than two (2) dogs and/or two (2)
cats and meet the other requirements of this Bylaw.
PART V
ANIMALS DISPLAYING THREATENING BEHAVIOR
5.1 The owner of an Animal is guilty of an offence, whether on or off the Owner's
Property, if the Animal:
a. Chases, lunges, or otherwise exhibits threatening behaviour towards a
bicycle or motor vehicle;
b. Chases, lunges, or otherwise exhibits threatening behavior towards any other
animal, or;
c. Chases, lunges, or otherwise exhibits threatening behavior towards a person.
PART VI
ANIMALS CAUSING INJURY TO PERSON OR ANIMAL
6.1 The owner of an Animal is guilty of an offence, whether on or off the property of
the Owner, if such Animal:
a. Attacks or Bites any person causing any injury or death;
b. Attacks or Bites any other animal causing any injury or death;
PART VII
IMPOUNDED ANIMALS
7.1 Except as otherwise provided herein, a Animal Control Officer or any person acting
under the authority of a Animal Control Officer is hereby empowered to carry out the
duties described herein and to enforce the provisions of this Bylaw.
7.2 An Animal Control Officer is authorized to periodically as circumstances dictate, to
conduct live trappings or capture of Cats found running at Large or deems to be a
nuisance within the Village, as a method of controlling wild, feral or stray Cats and all
Cats so trapped shall be impounded.
7.3 The Town appointed contractor shall keep all impounded Animals for a period of
no less than three (3) days, including the day of impounding. Sundays and
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
Statutory Holidays shall not be included in the computation of the three (3) day
period. During this period, any healthy Animal may be redeemed by its Owner,
upon payment to the Contractor of:
a. The appropriate license fee when an Animal is not licensed; and
b. Kennel boarding fees as per contract rate for every twenty four (24) hour period
or fraction thereof.
c. The cost of any veterinary treatment of any Animal that is found to be injured
when captured or injured in the process of capture;
7.4 At the expiration of the three (3) day period any Animal not redeemed becomes
the sole property of the contractor or the boarding facility who may:
a. Offer the Animal for sale;
b. Destroy the Animal in a humane manner; or
c. If not claimed or sold, release the Animal to a recognized humane society, free
of charge.
7.5 The Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Contractor shall report any apparent illness,
communicable disease, injury, or unhealthy condition of any Animal to a
Veterinarian and act upon his recommendation. The Owner, if known, shall be held
responsible for all expenses incurred.
7.6 The Bylaw Enforcement Officer may seize and impound:
a. Any Animal running at large;
b. Any Animal not wearing an Animal Tag while off the premises of the Owner;
c. Any female Animal in heat not confined and housed;
d. Any Animal that has caused or alleged to have caused Minor Injury, Grievous
Bodily Harm, or Death.
7.7 Any Owner attempting to claim an impounded Animal shall present government
issued identification to the Contractor or the staff at the pound facility.
PART VIII INTERFERENCE WITH OFFICER
8.1 Any person whether or not he/she is the owner of an Animal, who is present during
any type or during any time of an investigation being conducted by a Bylaw
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
Enforcement Officer, or whether or not he/she is the owner of an Animal which is
being pursued and or captured, is guilty if he/she:
a. Interferes with or obstructs an Officer who is attempting to capture, or who has
captured any animal, or obstructs the Officer from conducting any lawful
investigation;
b. Unlocks or unlatches or otherwise opens an Officer's vehicle in which animals
are captured for the impoundment have been placed, so as to allow or attempt
to allow any animal to escape;
c. Removes or attempts to remove, any animal from the possession of an Officer;
d. Refuses to provide identification (name, address, date of birth) and proof
thereof to an Officer upon request;
e. Provides any false or misleading information to an Officer;
f. Deliberately withholds or fails to disclose any pertinent information regarding
any open investigation an Officer is involved in;
8.2 NEGLIGENCE AND TORMENT
No person shall:
a. tease, torment or annoy a dog, or cat
b. drop off dogs or cats within the village with intentions of abandonment.
PART IX
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
9.1 Any person who contravenes any provision of this Bylaw is guilty of an offence and
is liable on Summary Conviction to a fine as set out in Schedule "A" herein and in
default of payment of any fine, to imprisonment for up to one (1) year.
9.2 Notwithstanding Part IX Section 1 of this Bylaw, any person who commits a
second or subsequent offence under this Bylaw may be liable to an increased fine
as set out in Schedule "A".
9.3 A Bylaw Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized and empowered to issue a
Violation Tag to any person whom the Bylaw Enforcement Officer has reasonable
and probable grounds to believe has contravened any provision of this Bylaw;
9.4 A Violation Tag may be issued to such person:
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
a. Either in person;
b. By mailing a copy to such person at his last known post office address; or
c. Upon retrieval of such persons Animal from the Village of Myrnam Pound or
the Contractors Pound.
9.5 The Violation Tag shall state:
a. The name of the Owner;
b. The offence;
c. The appropriate penalty for the offence as Specified in Schedule "A" of this
Bylaw;
d. The penalty shall be paid within twenty-two (22) days of the issuance of the
Violation Tag to avoid prosecution; and
e. Any other information as may be required by the License Department.
9.6 Where a Violation Tag is issued pursuant to this Bylaw, the person to whom the
Violation Tag is issued may, in lieu of being prosecuted for the offence, pay the
Village of Myrnam the penalty specified on the Violation Tag.
9.7 Nothing in this Bylaw shall prevent a Bylaw Enforcement Officer from immediately
issuing a Violation Tag.
9.8 The Bylaw Enforcement Officer may enforce the provisions of this Bylaw, and
where a Bylaw Enforcement Officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a
provision of this Bylaw has been contravened, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer is
authorized and empowered to immediately issue a Violation Ticket pursuant to
Part 2 of the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, R.S.A. 2000, c p-34, as
amended, to any person who the Bylaw Enforcement Officer has reasonable
grounds to believe is responsible for the contravention.
9.9 Where a Violation Ticket has been issued to a person pursuant to this Bylaw, that
person may plead guilty to the offence by submitting to a Clerk of the Provincial
Court the specified penalty set out in the Violation Ticket at any time prior to the
appearance indicated in the Violation Ticket.
9.10 The Violation Ticket shall be served upon the person who is believed to be
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
responsible for the contravention under the Bylaw in accordance with the
provisions of the Provincial Offences Procedures Act R.S.A. 2000, c p-34, as
amended.
9.11 Should any person be guilty of an offence for which no penalty is specified in
Schedule "A" herein, then such person shall be liable on Summary Conviction to a
fine not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00).
9.12 Subject to the entry notice provisions of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A.
2000 c.m.-26, a designated Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Peace Officer of the
Village of Myrnam, may enter upon any privately owned property, other than a
dwelling house for the purposes of enforcing the provisions of this Bylaw.
9.13 The purchaser of an Animal from the Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Pound, or
Contractor pursuant to the provisions of this Bylaw shall obtain full right and title to
it and the right and title of the former owner of the Animal shall cease there upon.
PART X
SEVERABILITY OF BYLAW PROVISIONS
10.1 Each and every separate provision of this Bylaw shall be deemed independent of all other
provisions, and if any provision of this Bylaw is declared invalid by any Court, all other
provisions shall remain valid and enforceable.
PART XI
REPEAL
11.1 Bylaw 06-06 and any subsequent amendment is hereby repealed.
PART XII
EFFECTIVE DATE
AND FURTHER THAT this Bylaw shall take effect on the date of third and final reading. READ
A FIRST TIME this 19 day of April A.D. 2018.
READ A SECOND TIME this 19 day o April A.D. 2018.
READ A THIRD TIME this 17 day of September A.D. 2018.
MAYOR EDWARD SOSNOWSKI
GARY DUPUIS
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
SCHEDULE "A" SPECIFIED PENALTIES
PART III
LICENSING OFFENCES
Section
Number:
Offence:
First
Offence:
Second
Offence:
Third
Offence:
3.1
Fail to obtain an animal license.
$75.00
$150.00
$200.00
3.2
Providing false or misleading
information on license application form.
$500.00
$1,000.00
$1,500.00
3.3
Fail to ensure collar and/or tag worn on
animal while off the property of the
owner.
$100.00
$200.00
$300.00
PART IV
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFENCES
Section
Number:
Offence:
First
Offence:
Second
Offence:
Third
Offence:
4.1 a.
Animal runs at large.
$150.00
$200.00
$300.00
4.2 a.
Fail to immediately remove defecation.
$100.00
$200.00
$300.00
4.2 b.
Allow defecation to accumulate, to such
an extent to annoy or pose a health risk.
$100.00
$200.00
$300.00
4.3
Allow Animal in playground apparatus
and or sand play area.
$100.00
$200.00
$300.00
4.4
Allow Animal to bark, meow, or howl so
as to cause a disturbance.
$100.00
$200.00
$300.00
4.5
Allow Animal to destroy public or private
property other than the property of the
owner.
$200.00
$400.00
$800.00
4.6
Exercise Animal while in a motor
vehicle.
$100.00
$200.00
$300.00
4.7
Leave Animal unattended on premises
where public has access.
$100.00
$200.00
$300.00
PART V
ANIMALS DISPLAYING THREATENING BEHAVIOR
Section
Number:
Offence:
First
Offence:
Second
Offence:
Third
Offence:
5.1 a.
Animal chases, lunges, or otherwise
exhibits threatening behavior towards a
bicycle or motor vehicle.
$200.00
$400.00
$800.00
5.1 b.
Animal chases, lunges, or otherwise
exhibits threatening behavior towards
another animal.
$200.00
$400.00
$800.00
5.1 c.
Animal chases, lunges, or otherwise
exhibits threatening behavior towards a
person.
$200.00
$400.00
$800.00
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
PART VI
ANIMALS CAUSING INJURY TO PERSON OR ANIMAL
Section
Number:
Offence:
First
Offence:
Second
Offence:
Third
Offence:
6.1 a.
Animal attacks any Person causing
minor injury.
$500.00
COURT
COURT
6.1 a.
Animal attacks any Person causing
grievous bodily harm.
COURT
COURT
COURT
6.1 a.
Animal attacks any Person causing
death.
COURT
COURT
COURT
6.1 b.
Animal bites any other Animal causing
minor injury.
$250.00
COURT
COURT
6.1 b.
Animal attacks any other animal
causing grievous bodily harm.
$750.00
COURT
COURT
6.1 b.
Animal attacks any other animal
causing death.
$1,000.00
COURT
COURT
PART VIII
INTERFERENCE WITH OFFICER
Section
Number:
Offence:
First
Offence:
Second
Offence:
Third
Offence:
8.1 a.
Obstructing an Officer, attempting to
obstruct an Officer, or obstructing an
officer who is attempting to or who has
captured an Animal.
$500.00
COURT
COURT
8.1) b.
Unlocking, unlatching, or otherwise
opening an Officers vehicle in which
animals are placed, so as to allow an
animal to escape.
$500.00
COURT
COURT
8.1 c.
Removing or attempting to
remove any animal from the
Officers Possession.
$500.00
COURT
COURT
8.1 d.
Refusing to provide identification
to an Officer.
$500.00
COURT
COURT
8.1 e.
Providing false or misleading
information to an Officer.
$500.00
COURT
COURT
8.1 f.
Withholding information from an
Officer, which is pertinent to any
investigation.
$500.00
COURT
COURT
8.1 f.
Withholding information from an
Officer, which is pertinent to any
investigation.
$500.00
COURT
COURT
8.2 a.
Tease, annoy or torment an animal
$100.00
$200.00
$500.00
8.2 b.
Drop off animals in the Village with
the intent of abandonment
$250.00
$500.
COURT
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
Schedule ``B``
License Fees
Annual License Fee between December 1st* and January 31st:
-
Unaltered Dog - $20.00
-
Unaltered Cat - $20.00
-
Altered Dog - $10.00
-
Altered Cat - $10.00
-
Would be prepayment for subsequent year licence fee.
License Fee after January 31st:
-
Unaltered Dog - $40.00
-
Unaltered Cat - $40.00
-
Altered Dog - $20.00
-
Altered Cat - $20.00
Replacement Tags:
-
Dog - $10.00
-
Cat - $10.00
There shall be no pro-rating on License Fees.
If an Owner is a new resident of the Village of Myrnam, the fee for the License shall not differ
from the fee`s listed above.
Impoundment Fees
Catcher's Fee
$35.00
Impoundment Fee (per day)
$30.00
Call out fee for releasing cats at any time outside of the
$50.00
regular Public Works Department hours
Veterinary Fees (Medical)
As Expended
VILLAGE OF MYRNAM
"Schedule C"
APPLICATION FOR VILLAGE PET LICENSE
Name of Owner
Property were Cat / Dogs (s) will be housed
Address of Owner
Box
Myrnam, AB
T0B 3K0
Phone Number Home
Work Number
Emergency Alternate Phone Number
1) Name of Pet ___________________ N / S - Y/N
Tag Number
Description of Pet (Color/Sex/Special Marks etc.) M / F
2) Name of Pet ___________________ N / S - Y/N
Tag Number
Description of Pet (Color/Sex/Special Marks etc.) M / F
3) Name of Pet ___________________ N / S - Y/N
Tag Number
Description of Pet (Color/Sex/Special Marks etc.) M / F
4) Name of Pet ___________________ N / S - Y/N
Tag Number
Description of Pet (Color/Sex/Special Marks etc.) M / F
Replacement Tag No. _________
Issued for Pet : 1, 2, 3, 4
It is understood that I am responsible for notifying the Village of Myrnam of any changes to the above
information. I also understand that I am responsible to ensure that my animal wears this tag. I also agree
that if my pet is impounded without its tag the Village may not be able to notify me. I was made aware of
the Animal Control Bylaw 2018-06.
Date
________ Signature of Owner
Renewal Date
Signature of Owner
Renewal Date
Signature of Owner
Renewal Date
Signature of Owner
Renewal Date
Signature of Owner
NOTE: A COPY OF THIS FORM IS TO BE GIVEN TO THE APPLICANT FOR THEIR RECORDS AND ALSO
IN CASE OF LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO THE ORIGINAL TAG.