Mackenzie Porter, Policy Writer, Better Laws for Paws, provided a presentation to Council on the bettering of and/or improvement of animal control and welfare by-laws and suggested amendments to the current legislation. She noted recommendations regarding the hiring of animal control workers, regulations for crates and kennels, standards of care, and additional regulations for dog licensing. Ms. Porter further spoke to Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Code of practice guidelines and recommended regulations pertaining to Dog kennel operations which included such matters as standards for flooring, ceilings, roof of enclosures, exposure to humidity as well as temperature stipulations. She asked that these recommendations be considered for any new policy and/or by-law amendments.
Ms. Porter stated that the Town of Essex by-laws are conductive to the proper animal welfare but asked that Essex help other municipalities throughout Windsor-Essex to ensure that all animals are protected under municipal legislation.
Councillor Bondy suggested that Administration seek feedback from the public through an online survey and discuss this topic at the next Roundtable Council meeting.