The animal control bylaw in St. Stephen will undergo a comprehensive review.
It is one of two municipal bylaws that council’s committee of the whole has directed town staff to take a look at.
A full review of the current bylaw has not been done in several years, CAO Jeff Renaud said in a report to the committee.
“A comprehensive review of the Animal Control Bylaw is warranted to ensure the bylaw reflects the current realities and expectations of the community,” Renaud wrote in the report.
Municipal staff and councillors have received inquiries and concerns from residents on many issues under the bylaw, he said.
That includes licensing and registration, control and confinement requirements, dangerous and aggressive animals, noise and nuisance complaints, enforcement mechanisms and penalties, and responsibilities of animal owners.
“Given these emerging and ongoing concerns, a structured review is both timely and necessary,” said Renaud.
The working group will review the current bylaw and enforcement practices, identify gaps or inconsistencies, and recommend changes to council.
As part of the process, it will consider input from the public, animal welfare organizations, enforcement officers and others.
“The working group could include representation from Council, staff, local animal welfare agencies, enforcement personnel, and community members,” wrote Renaud.
The next step is to identify members for the group and set a timeline for its work.
Traffic bylaw also being reviewed
Council also directed the CAO to create a working group to review the municipality’s traffic bylaw.
Renaud said the document has been updated periodically, but certain sections may no longer reflect current community needs, enforcement practices or emerging transportation trends.
“In recent months, feedback from residents, staff, and enforcement officers has highlighted areas within the bylaw that could benefit from clarification or modernization,” he wrote in a separate report to the committee.
That includes parking restrictions and enforcement, school zone safety measures, signage and traffic control devices, and accessibility considerations.
Renaud said the group will gather input from staff, enforcement officers, residents and community groups, research best practices and bylaws in other municipalities, and prepare recommended changes for council.
The working group may include councillors, municipal staff and a Public Works representative, as well as community stakeholders or residents with “an interest in traffic and mobility issues,” said Renaud’s report.
Renaud proposed that the group be created in August and report back to council with a preliminary report and recommendations within three months.
