ANIMAL STANDARDS OF CARE AD HOC COMMITTEE. THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF MISSISSAUGA ( WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, :10 PM

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1 MINUTES ANIMAL STANDARDS OF CARE AD HOC COMMITTEE THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF MISSISSAUGA ( WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, :10 PM COMMITTEE ROOM A, SECOND FLOOR, CIVIC CENTRE 300 CITY CENTRE DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5B 3C1 MEMBERS PRESENT Councillor Pat Saito, Ward 9 (CHAIR) Councillor George Carlson, Ward 11 Shane McNeil, Resident Patricia Frazier, Resident Lily Chan, Mississauga Humane Society MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Nando Iannicca, Ward 7 STAFF PRESENT ADVISORY Mickey Frost, Director, Enforcement Andrea MacDonald, Acting Manager, Animal Services Linda Dent, Public Education Officer Robert Genoway, Legal Counsel Richard Thompson, Zoning Examiner Catherine Monast, Senior Communications Advisor Sacha Smith, Legislative Coordinator Scott Sylvia, OSPCA Inspector Dr. Zaharchuk, Veterinarian *Barbara Johnstone, Executive Assistant, Ward 7 attended the meeting on behalf of Councillor Nando Iannicca*

2 Animal Standards of Care July 30, 2014 CALL TO ORDER 4:10 PM DECLARATIONS OF (DIRECT OR INDIRECT) PECUNIARY INTEREST Nil DEPUTATIONS - Nil MATTERS CONSIDERED 1. Approval of Minutes July 9, 2014 Minutes of the Animal Standards of Care meeting held on July 9, Approved (Councillor Carlson) 2. Review of Proposed Amendments to the Animal Care and Control By-law , as amended, regarding the Standards of Care for the Keeping and Housing of Dogs and Animals Councillor Saito provided a recap of the discussion at the July 9, 2014 meeting regarding the tethering of animals, animal enclosures, transporting animals and the seizure of animals. Shane McNeil noted that there should be more consideration for the tethering of dogs, because dogs would have to be brought in more often and it might be an issue in cases like a trailer. Discussion ensued with respect to exemptions to the by-law, as the by-law cannot cover every situation. Mickey Frost, Director, Enforcement explained that time restrictions for tethering and kennelling would be difficult to enforce. He noted that the clearer the by-law, the better it is to enforce and explained that Animal Services Officers do have discretion. Scott Sylvia, OSPCA Inspector, spoke to the good working relationship with the City and noted that he did not want City officers to be put in a situation of going beyond their purview. Robert Genoway, Legal Counsel advised that exemptions could be included in the by-law, however officers are already granted discretion. Discussion ensued with respect to an exemption process.

3 Animal Standards of Care July 30, 2014 Mr. Frost spoke to animal enclosures and defined it. Richard Thompson, Zoning Examiner advised that fenced in areas are not regulated in the Zoning By-law, but structures with a roof are regulated. Councillor Saito noted that it is important to not become too restrictive. Lily Chan, Mississauga Humane Society noted that dog pens/enclosures should be permitted providing they are appropriate. Mr. Genoway explained that dog pens could be separated from the enclosures in the by-law, and that it would require a specific amendment in the by-law that is consistent with the Zoning By-law. Discussion ensued with respect to the size and appropriate type of shade provided for a dog pen. It was explained that Communications staff would be working with Animal Services staff to provide educational material with options/choices. Ms. Chan and Shane McNeil expressed concern with the minimum number of hours dogs are required to be out of a dog pen. Councillor Saito noted that the by-law could be reviewed after one year for any issues that arise. Dorothy Litwin, Animal Behaviourist spoke to the issue of social isolation with respect to dogs in pens/enclosures. Dr. Zaharchuk, Veterinarian spoke to social isolation and noted that he was not sure what number of hours a dog must be out of a dog pen. Discussion ensued with respect to the number of hours dogs should be required to be out of a dog pen and that the by-law should be used as an education piece. It was noted that other By-laws such as the Noise and Property Standards By-laws could be used if there are dogs left outside for a while. Councillor Saito enquired about Animal Services Officers seizing animals. Mr. Genoway advised that seizure power is not provided in the Municipal Act for private property, only for animals at large. The City can perform action to correct remedial acts, but he was not positive that it would include seizing dogs and there are no examples in the courts. Mr. Sylvia explained that there has to be specific regulations to seize animals and it s handled on a case by case situation. He noted the issues that Animal Services Officers would be accountable for when seizing an animal which could include stolen property or damage to property etc. Andrea MacDonald, Acting Manager, Animal Services Shelter provided statistics from 2013 to 2014 and noted that majority of the calls relating to the care of dogs, the dog was not in immediate distress. She further noted that staff believe that the current powers and resources are sufficient.

4 Animal Standards of Care July 30, 2014 The Committee discussed the animals in vehicles section of the Report. Mr. Frost suggested that on Page 18, ending of paragraph 3 the following wording should be added: may cause the animal distress. Mr. McNeil expressed concern that a specific temperature was not included in the by-law. Mr. Frost spoke to extreme weather warnings and how other municipalities approach the matter when there is a weather warning. He provided the following information: A person having custody or care of an animal shall not allow the animal to remain outdoors during extreme weather, except for brief walks or brief periods of exercise, unless the animal has access to a dog house or shelter that will adequately protect the animal from the elements and extreme weather. For the purposes of the by-law extreme weather is defined as occurring when Environment Canada issues an extreme cold warning; extreme heat warning; or, other weather hazard or severe weather conditions such as winter storms, freezing rain, heavy rainfall, hurricanes, tornadoes and/or strong winds for their Mississauga/Brampton geographic area. There was a general consensus by the Committee that Environment Canada extreme weather warning should be included in the by-law. Ms. Chan spoke to the recommendations for the by-law and noted they were good steps for the City. Direction was given to Communications staff to work with Animal Services on an educational component to follow after the amendments to the By-law are enacted. A winter educational campaign is needed and once the by-law is passed there should be a media release that includes quotes from the Mississauga Humane Society. Councillor Saito explained that staff would prepare a report and new by-law for Council s consideration. She requested that the Legislative Coordinator distribute the report to the members once it is available to the public. Councillor Carlson suggested that staff provide a report to General Committee in a year on the enforcement activity and any issues with the by-law.

5 Animal Standards of Care July 30, 2014 Mr. McNeil requested that the by-law be re-named to Bud s Law. Staff explained that the discussions are for amendments to the Animal Care and Control By-law and that the By-law could not be re-named. ADJOURNMENT 5:50 PM