October 1, 2007

Delegations
Jaimie McEvoy rose on behalf of the Royal City Human Society to support the Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Williams and to suggest the formation of an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. He outlined some of the initiatives such a committee could contribute to.

Stacy Ashton representing the Royal City Humane Society, rose to support the Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Williams. She supported the volunteer program contained in the motion and pointed out that such programs exist in other communities and help to improve services and encourage compassionate care for pets while socializing the animals in care. She added that volunteer programs also open up funding opportunities.

Roslyn Cassels submitted correspondence which was circulated to members of Council (and will be added to the Agenda package) Ms. Cassels spoke of the benefits of requiring cats to carry identification but did not support their registration. She urged that Council create a moratorium on killing animals in New Westminster until a policy can be established in the city. She pointed out that the current animal control bylaw permits the destruction of certain animals and suggested that this is discriminatory. Rather, she urged the rehabilitation of animals. Ms. Cassels made a number of additional suggestions and refered Council to a number of articles for additional information on pets and other matters she raised during her presentation.

Donna Liberson representing the Animal Rights Coalition, rose to praise Council for its animal policies. She noted that New Westminster does not have a problem with pet overpopulation. She added that it costs nothing to have a "no kill" policy and noted that punitive legislation costs more and increases killing rates. She outlined a number of concerns if the proposed notice of motion is adopted. She spoke of community volunteers who operate in the community. She suggested an independent consultation to make proposals to deal with the animal population. She asked for a moratorium on all animal killing except in circumstances of mercy. (Ms. Liberson submitted her October 1, 2007 statement in writing, which will be added to the Agenda package.)

Cheryl Rogers representing the Royal City Humane Society, rose to encourage a spay/neuter bylaw for the city especially for cats. However, she urged that a low cost or no cost program be implemented for cat identification. She described the conditions where exemptions would be needed. A spay/neuter bylaw helps to control problems that might occur in the community. Education and public pressure could be used to encourage pet owners to comply. Ms. Rogers noted that the Shelter has been operating a no-kill policy. As well, she noted that Animal Control already has an identification policy. She suggested that more staff is required at the Animal Shelter. Ms. Rogers concluded by supporting all aspects of the Notice of Motion and the suggested amendment for an Animal Welfare Committee.

Carmina Gooch rose on behalf of the Rabbit Advocacy Group of BC and Pets in Need Society, to ask that rabbits be included in the proposed Notice of Motion. Microchips and sterilizing rabbits before their adoption will improve the welfare of the rabbits of New Westminster. She offered to be available to discuss programs for rabbits and referenced a report that has been submitted to the Corporate Officer for circulation to Council.

Judy Stone representing Animal Advocates Society, rose and described the plight of yard animals and the need for humane treatment. She voiced concern that the suffering of these animals has not been relieved over the years in New Westminster despite reports to Animal Control and the SPCA. Ms. Stone referred to problems in other Animal Control Bylaws and urged that the issue of yard dogs be addressed in New Westminster.

Bonnie Lilley representing Fur and Feather Rescue, rose and noted that very little is done to protect wildlife. She urged that wildlife be included in any animal mandate adopted by New Westminster. She spoke of the need for volunteers to work as drivers and for training for people to rescue injured wildlife and birds. She offered to meet with anyone interested in such work. Ms. Lilley noted that bylaws regulating dogs at large are not effective after working hours. Pets at large after hours are struck by vehicles. A network and program with volunteers are required for after hours rescue.