Saskatoon is only one of two municipalities in the province that don’t regulate the number of animals a citizen can have in their home, and one city resident intends to change that.

Kelsey Stroeder spoke on the topic at today’s Planning, Development, and Community Services Committee meeting, encouraging members to review and make changes to the City’s animal bylaw.

“We allow unlimited by cause the bylaw’s unregulated, as long as the household can provide proper care. The problem is, APSS needs proof to do a wellness check in order to see if they are receiving proper care, so complaints go nowhere,” she stated.

She cited that North Battleford and Prince Albert have a limit of five animals, which aims to mitigate neglect and abuse that often comes with having larger numbers.

“I’m begging you to reconsider the bylaw, Normal citizens will not suffer from even making the number 10. Very few residents will be affected if we implement a number of only 10.”

She adds that it is easy to claim to be a non-profit rescue organization, and many citizens are taking advantage of that fact.

“Alberta SPCA just seized over 60 animals from people claiming to be a non-profit rescue. It’s easy to do. This is happening under our noses. Citizens have been trying to help this situation for years and are constantly being told there is nothing anybody can do.” Stroeder explained. “If we can’t change the animal rights laws, which I do intend to pursue later, let’s at least admit that zero regulation on this topic is irresponsible. A better standard needs to be set in place.”

Saskatoon’s General Manager, Lynn Lacroix, says the animal bylaw is something the City reviews annually, and it has great potential to be added to the list of requested bylaw changes later this year. The motion to review the bylaw and discuss limiting the number of animals allowed in a home was carried unanimously.