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DEPUTATION CONCERNING MOTION 21-G-041, AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LICENSING BY-LAW REGARDING SALE OF ANIMALS
The following Deputations were provided concerning motion 21-G-041, Amendment to Business Licensing By-law regarding Sale of Animals:
1. Donna Power advised that she is speaking on behalf of an advocacy group named for Paws-4-Ontario. She provided on overview on the organization such as being in existence since 2014, has over 1000 members and their goal is to defend and improve the lives of domestic animals through by-laws and legislative changes.
Ms. Power advised that their focus has been to ensure that domestic pets sold in pet shops are sourced from municipal animal shelters, humane societies, registered shelters, or community rescue groups. She discussed the organization’s ask for pet stores to take the necessary steps to ensure they are selling healthy ethically bred animals and establish transparent relationships to guarantee nothing is held back and the consumer knows exactly what they are buying.
Ms. Power summarized the steps that ethical breeders take such as registering their business with the Canadian Kennel Society, typically only breed one type of dog, usually one litter per year per dog, do genetic testing to ensure that there are no deformities or diseases in the bloodline, and often the adopter is interviewed for suitable homes for the dogs.
In conclusion, Ms. Power advised that since Paws-4-Ontario initiative to protect pets has resulted in 17 Ontario municipalities updating their by-laws to state that dogs, cats, and rabbits (domestic pets) are to be sourced only from municipal animal shelters, humane societies, registered shelters, or community rescue groups.
Councillor, G. Harvey asked questions to Ms. Powers and received responses.
2. Lindsay Fitzgerald, owner of Doogan’s Pet Centre advised that she has worked very hard to operate her business in and that she only purchases pets from local breeders. She noted that most are licensed kennels and that these breeders operate under the rules and regulations of the municipalities and are subject to regular inspections. Ms. Fitzgerald discussed that the standards that she requires of her breeders and that she has built long term relationships with them to make sure the puppies are healthy and meet certain standards.
Ms. Fitzgerald acknowledged her understanding of Council possibly changing the By-law as the situation can be controlled this way, however she noted that it does not address the real concern of online sale of dogs. Ms. Fitzgerald addressed the online issues being that the sales are not regulated, many people have fallen victim to online scams, and it is near impossible to hold someone accountable for the problems with online underground sale of animals.
Ms. Fitzgerald suggested that working together with licensed breeders, registered rescues and educating the public instead of banning the sale of puppies altogether in pet stores. She advised that her business works very hard to follow the rules and regulations to keep animals safe.
In conclusion, Ms. Fitzgerald commended that Council has an opportunity to make a positive change, even if it is not the same change that other municipalities have done. She requested that if staff investigate the need to change the By-law that they can consult her at their convenience.
Members of Councillor asked a number of questions to Ms. Fitzgerald and received responses.
3. Kim LeBlanc spoke on behalf of the Barrie Kennel and Obedience Club. She provided an overview on her background and accomplishments as a breeder of purebred dogs since 1973, a breeder owner of dog show winners nationally and international, bred Canada's Top Dogs in 2020 and 2019 and the only Canadian dog confirmation judge to judge at two world dog show events. Ms. LeBlanc advised that she is a former Director of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Director for the region and a member of the Barrie Kennel and Obedience Club.
Ms. LeBlanc provided an overview on the Barrie Kennel and Obedience Club that was incorporated in 1978 and presently has members that have been long-time breeders for purebred dogs. She provided examples of the types of dogs bred such as companions, guardians, herders, hunters, trackers, therapists, and exterminators of vermin dogs bred with a purpose that helps farmers. Ms. LeBlanc advised that the Club is registered and falls under the by-laws of the Canadian Kennel Club and are mandated to promote responsible pet ownership in the Community. She discussed the classes offered at the Club such as training and evaluation in canine good neighbor and temperament testing, volunteer at the library and pet exposed to promote responsible dog ownership, the sponsor health clinics, where owners and breeders can come to complete health test for their dogs at a reduced cost.
In conclusion, Ms. LeBlanc advised that the Barrie Kennel and Obedience Club supports adoption and reselling of dogs through rescue organizations, however she noted that they do not support rescue for revenue. She suggested that Barrie City Council use the Club as a resource for any issues or questions regarding the breeding and selling purebred dogs within Canada.
Members of Council asked a number of questions to Ms. LeBlanc and received responses.