Regina pet professionals call for more time on animal bylaw review, cautioning against rushed decisions on dog breed bans and aggressive pet regulations.
Regina Weighs Animal Bylaw Updates
Regina is reviewing its animal bylaw for the first time in over a decade, and local pet industry professionals are urging the city to proceed with caution. A public consultation meeting on Friday drew veterinarians, pet service providers, and residents to share their perspectives, particularly on rules surrounding aggressive dogs and potential breed bans.
Gathering Insight from the Pet Industry
The city held the two-hour consultation at the Glencairn Neighbourhood Recreation Centre to gather feedback on Phase 1 of its bylaw review, which focuses largely on aggressive dogs. Pet industry experts highlighted the need for more time and research before implementing any regulatory changes. Carly Patryluk, owner of House of Paws Pet Boutique, said the meeting was intense but underscored the passion of professionals advocating for animals.
Concerns Over Breed-Specific Restrictions
Several pet experts voiced strong concerns about the possibility of a breed ban. Tanya Wilde, a dog photographer and long-time rescue volunteer, described such measures as “archaic and antiquated” and warned that fear-driven policies could unfairly stigmatize certain breeds. Experts emphasized that aggressive incidents represent a very small fraction of Regina’s dog population, and that responsible ownership and education are more effective than sweeping restrictions.
City Responds to Feedback
Dawn Schikowski, Regina’s manager of licensing and parking services, said the city values input from both residents and pet professionals. She confirmed no decisions on breed-specific regulations have been made and stressed that the bylaw review is being conducted in phases to ensure thorough consideration. Schikowski noted that future updates will include not only enforcement measures but also educational programs and clear standards for defining aggressive behaviour.
Next Steps in the Bylaw Review
The city launched a public survey earlier this month, which has already received more than 12,000 responses and will remain open until Oct. 3. Feedback from this survey, combined with insights from other Canadian cities such as Calgary, Winnipeg, and Edmonton, will inform recommendations to council in November. While Phase 1 focuses on aggressive dogs, future phases may explore cat and livestock regulations.
Experts Call for Thoughtful Approach
Pet professionals are urging council to take additional time to consult stakeholders and study best practices. Patryluk said, “Animals don’t have a voice. That means we have to have a really loud voice.” Wilde added that careful planning is critical to creating a sustainable bylaw that keeps the city safe while supporting responsible pet ownership.
