Idling bylaw shouldn’t trump city’s responsibility to protect animals
On Nov. 6, 2005, I approached city council with a proposal to ban the permanent chaining and isolation of dogs and the use of industrial guard dogs in St. Albert. Over 1,000 petition signatures, hundreds of letters of support and numerous calls from citizens to the mayor’s office showed just how important this issue is for so many in the community.
In October, 2006, I was informed by the mayor’s office that this issue was not a priority for 2007 and might be brought forward again in 2008. I was also told the city only allows the implementation of two new bylaws each year. However, it appears that Coun. Neil Korotash intends to go out with an environmental bang by pushing through a bylaw that would clamp down on idling vehicles in St. Albert.
Korotash stated there are many template bylaws to use as examples for idling vehicles in other communities. I provided councillors with templates of bylaws that outlaw or restrict chaining in 11 municipalities in British Columbia and an additional 80-plus municipalities across the U.S. In fact, I offered to help draft a bylaw specifically for St. Albert.
It seems that idling cars are given priority treatment to living, sentient beings that are confined to years of being left chained and isolated in back yards and garages in St. Albert. Mr. Korotash, you could have done so much for animals in our community by putting your energies into making a difference in their sad lives and providing a bylaw that would attach a financial penalty for the cruel treatment of animals. Instead, you focus on idling cars. You can rest assured that while folks idling their cars will drive off long before bylaw officers are able to ticket and tag their vehicles, chained dogs in our community will continue to suffer in quiet desperation, many dying at the end of a chain. What a sad legacy you and the other council members have left behind for man’s best friend.
Ghandi said, "The moral nature of a nation depends on the way it treats its animals." For those who are concerned about animal welfare in your community, when prospective candidates vie for your votes in the upcoming election in October, ask them what they propose to do about the hundreds of "pets" in St. Albert that continue to live unheard and unseen in back yards. Remind them that dogs deserve so much better and your vote will go to compassionate candidates.
For more information about this issue, including my presentation to council on Nov. 6, 2005, please see www.voiceless.ca.
Vera van Diepen, St. Albert