New rules for dogs and cats could come to Ajax

The Town of Ajax is reviewing its Dog and Cat By-law which could result in some changes for pet owners in town.

The town has been considering the changes throughout the summer, first announcing their intent in June. The review is specifically looking at;

• edits to the definitions of “excessive barking”, “multi-use pathway”, “off-road trail”, “protective care”, and “shelter”;
• a maximum leash length to multi-use pathways and off-road trails;
• a new section regarding protective custody, and
• a section on signage prohibiting entry into parkland;
• restrictions of a dog on parkland within two meters of:
  • a playground or play structure;
  • a wading pool;
  • a spray pad; or
  • a splash pad

Currently, the by-law allows up to 20 minutes of continuous barking in an hour before it’s considered “excessive.” Numerous complaints indicate residents find this “too lenient.”

The town has also received several complaints about off-leash dogs getting into enclosed structures, playgrounds and sports fields and plans to put up more signs to inform pet owners this isn’t permitted.

Finally, “Over the last few years the Town of Ajax has experienced several instances where the Town has had to take custody over individuals’ pets for a multitude of reasons,” they wrote.

These could include unsheltered individuals who require medical treatment, individuals dying with dogs or cats, or people who have and are now incarcerated.

In these cases, the town tries to home the pets with friends or family, but this can be difficult to arrange. These situations have only grown more frequent in recent years, the town said.

As such Ajax “needs to have provisions in our By-law to address situations where should an owner not come back to retrieve their pet or have a family member or friend provide temporary shelter of the animal, that the animal will move from protective custody to the impounded process to ensure that the animal is
placed in the best environment for its well-being.”

A public engagement session is scheduled for September 3. It will be held in the council chamber in town hall and live-streamed. Residents need to register in order the participate. The full draft by-law is available online.