Item - 2018.LS24.6
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Licensing and Standards Committee on April 10, 2018 and was adopted with amendments.
LS24.6 - Outdoor Animal Shelter Standards and Extreme Weather
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Licensing and Standards Committee:
1. Requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to report by the end of 2018 on measures to strengthen the provisions of Chapter 349 as they pertain to the shelter of animals outdoors within the City of Toronto, including during extreme weather events.
2. Requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to include in the report the potential of City Council requesting the Province of Ontario to amend legislation to enable Animal Services staff to enforce animal protection laws.
Origin
Summary
Over the past few months, my office has been working with Animal Services after receiving reports of two beagles being kept outdoors during recent extreme cold weather events. In some cases, temperatures dipped below 20 degrees Celsius and the animals remained outside overnight.
I was surprised to learn that this is permitted under the current By-laws in Chapter 349, Animals. I believe that the City needs to review this section of the By-law with particular attention to the welfare of animals during extreme weather events.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2018/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-113629.pdf
Communications
Speakers
Councillor Mike Layton
Motions
That the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, include in the report the potential of City Council requesting the Province of Ontario to amend legislation to enable Animal Services staff to enforce animal protection laws.