REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: March 13, 2019 Report No. CSS-19-006
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Blair McDonald, Director of Community Safety Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2014, No. 2839, Amendment [No. 8]
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council gives first, second and third readings to Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2014, No. 2839, Amendment Bylaw [No. 8], 2019, No. 2958
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2014, No. 2839, as amended
Animal Management Bylaw, 2014, No. 2841, as amended
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This Request for Decision does not align specifically with a Strategic Goal.
BACKGROUND:
As a result of investigations conducted by Victoria Animal Control Services in 2018, it became apparent that the fines for violations of the Animal Management Bylaw, 2014, No. 2841, were not appropriate to the seriousness of the offence involved. (Amendment [No. 1] Bylaw No. 2842, Schedule ‘N’ - Attachment #1). As a result, staff conducted a review of the Bylaw and the fine amounts set out in Schedule ‘N’ of the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2014, No. 2839. After a review of surrounding municipalities’ fines and consultation with Victoria Animal Control Services, the fines were adjusted to align with the seriousness of the offences and to be more in keeping with fine amounts in surrounding municipalities. Particular attention was paid to those sections that directly impact animal welfare or safety concerns.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
Current fine amounts do not reflect the seriousness of the offences involved.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no significant organizational implications.
3. Financial Implications
There are no significant financial implications.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
5. Communication & Engagement
The revised Bylaw and Schedule will be posted to the website if approved by Council.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council gives first, second and third readings to Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2014, No. 2839, Amendment Bylaw [No. 8], 2019, No. 2958.
2. That Council directs any amendments it considers appropriate to Bylaw No. 2958 prior to giving it first, second and third readings as amended.
3. That Council refers Bylaw No. 2958 back to staff to further revision.