Iqaluit city council passes 'Responsible Pet Owner' bylaw

A new 'Responsible Pet Owner' bylaw in Iqaluit will mean big fines for people who neglect their animals, have aggressive pets, or don't properly license their animals.

The bylaw passedthird reading at city council last night.

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The legislationwill require all cat and dog owners to have a licence for their pets. Fineable offences include leaving your pet loose and unattended, not reporting a suspected case of rabies, and allowing your animal to disturb the peace.

For animals that are deemed to be vicious, there would be even greater penalties. The fines range from $100 for a loose animal to $2,000 for a vicious animal attack.

The bylaw will also provide guidelines on what constitutes neglect and maltreatment.

Council removed wording about livestock from the bylaw, agreeing that it wasn't relevant in Iqaluit.