Cypress County: Change coming to which bylaw covers animal regulation
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on June 19, 2024.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com Cypress County council on Tuesday moved to change how it handles animal regulation. During a review of policy, including how the keeping of animals on parcels under 40 acres, administration looked at neighbouring municipalities, and it was found the majority choose to regulate the keeping of animals under an animal control bylaw or equivalent. Presently, the regulation of keeping domestic animals and livestock is covered under the Land Use Bylaw. It was proposed that this be removed from the Land Use Bylaw, and for administration to bring forward a replacement bylaw of consideration at a future meeting. Subcommittee to oversee Tri-Area Plan County council has directed administration to task the Intermunicipal Development Plan subcommittee with overseeing the review of the Tri-Area Plan. At the June 4 meeting, a letter was sent to the councils of the Town of Redcliff and City of Medicine Hat, requesting both to pass a motion to task their respective subcomittees with overseeing the review, drafting amendments and conducting consultation relating to the plan. This will include engagement with stakeholders, and must be completed by Nov. 1. The mood surrounding the decision is a need to get moving and get it done, said Reeve Dan Hamilton, which is encouraging for the county. Two meetings cancelled Due to a slower number of agenda items during the summer, the July 3 and Aug. 7 meeting dates have been cancelled. For the past several years, the county says it has experienced a noticeable summer slowing in correspondence and interaction from municipal, provincial and federal governments, and it is expected the packages will be significantly lighter during these months. A summer council meeting has been cancelled for the past eight years. 13-12
