Millet Town Council is deliberating on introducing cat licenses within the community. During the regular Town Council meeting on June 26, Bylaw Officer Stephanie Stav presented amendments to the Town’s Animal Control Bylaw, proposing a licensing system for cats over six months old, similar to the current dog licensing system.
Stav emphasized that implementing a cat license fee could help offset the costs associated with sheltering cats and promote responsible pet ownership. “When cats have a tag, it’s easier to find their homes and identify their owners,” Stav noted, highlighting numerous complaints about cats damaging flower beds, screen doors, and front mats. “Cats roam freely just like dogs, and there needs to be a way to track those belonging to residents.”
The costs for housing captured cats at shelters have been increasing. Chief Administrative Officer Lisa Schoening explained that the current cost for sheltering an animal is $45 per day for cats and $55 per day for dogs, plus a $45 release fee. The clinic charges the Town for a minimum of three days, extending up to ten days for certain breeds. “There can also be additional costs if the animal requires immediate medical aid,” Schoening added. “Whenever a resident turns in an abandoned or found animal, these costs are borne by the taxpayers.”
In 2023, the Town of Millet paid $1,123.50 in shelter fees. So far this year, the Town has already paid $1,139.25, with expected increases in daily and release shelter fees.
Other proposed changes include adding a section to the “Running at-large” portion of the bylaw, requiring pet owners to keep their animals confined while they are in heat. The number of dogs a person can have will be limited to three, and the number of cats to four, with special permission available for those who exceed these limits. Additionally, leaving pets in vehicles without proper protection from the elements or in a manner that places the animal at risk will be deemed an offense.
No changes were finalized last week. The new Animal Control bylaw, including the proposed license fees and other amendments, will be brought back to the Council for consideration at the July 17 meeting.
