Town of Hanna looking to re-home six dogs

Stu Salkeld

The Town of Hanna council heard that staff are looking to re-home six
dogs from a situation that’s currently in violation of the municipal
bylaw. The discussion was held at the May 28 information meeting of
council.

Readers should note information meetings are essentially “discussion
only” meetings and any resolutions to be passed are usually held for
the next regular council meeting.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Matthew Norburn, during his regular
report to council, described issues the town is facing regarding problem canines. “We’re constantly dealing with the dogs,” said Norburn to council. “It’s a daily thing.”

In his written report Norburn stated that the Town of Hanna had
responded to multiple resident complaints about barking dogs and the
municipality had been talking to Saving Grace Animal Rescue to help
out.

During discussion it was stated a local resident currently has or had
eight dogs on her property, which violates the Town of Hanna's animal
control bylaw by quite a few canines. Norburn stated he was hoping
Saving Grace would be coming soon to take some or all of the extra
dogs, but that hasn’t happened.

In fact, the charity called back to say they couldn’t come because their facility is full and they can’t take any more dogs.

Norburn clarified there are six dogs that need to be re-homed and at
this point he doesn’t know how that will be done.

The CAO stated that it appears the dog owner wants to keep two dogs
and let the remaining six be adopted.

Coun. Sandra Murphy observed that the dog owner in question is
violating the town’s bylaw and Murphy didn’t think the dog owner's
input should be a primary factor. Murphy stated that she also felt
that tickets or charges could be in order.

Mayor Danny Povaschuk suggested that if charges such as animal cruelty are considered an investigator such as the SPCA should be involved, not the town.

Coun. Murphy asked why the Town of Hanna has an animal control bylaw if the rules aren’t enforced.

The CAO responded that the rules can be enforced by a peace officer
who may write a ticket or lay a charge, but that the bylaw can also be
seen as a set of expectations that the community has for behaviour
that meets community standards.

Coun. Sandra Beaudoin asked if there was a way to get the information
out to the public that these dogs are available; Norburn stated that
has been attempted through animal rescue charities but it appears
there is little to no interest in these dogs.

He described them as blue heeler cross dogs between six and 11 months
in age, and all have been described as friendly.

Coun. Angie Warwick noted that blue heeler dogs are usually thought of
as good farm or working dogs.

Those interested in adopting one or more of the dogs should contact
the Town of Hanna at 403-854-4433.

Councillors accepted Norburn’s report as information.