New bylaw limits Penticton residents to owning six pets

Penticton residents are allowed a maximum of six pets following the adoption of a new animal control bylaw in the city earlier this week.

That's assuming they're not the same species, because there’s also a cap of three dogs and five cats, according to the new bylaw adopted Tuesday, Nov. 15. Puppies born in a household can stay for eight weeks and kittens get 12 weeks before it's time to go.

For dog lovers, that's lenient compared to Kamloops, where each household is only allowed up to two canines. Kamloops residents who currently own more than three dogs, five cats or six pets don’t have to get rid of them, but they are asked not to replace their dead pets until the total number is below the legal amount.

The new Penticton bylaw replaces the city’s former dog control bylaw and applies to more animals including rabbits, bees and hens.

Elizabeth Bigg, the city’s animal control officer, told council that without regulations, residents could legally own 50 cats or rabbits.

“We had bunnies running up and down the road,” Bigg said.

City councillor James Miller asked if it’s really the city’s business to be regulating the number of pets owned by a citizen.

“When you have the line drawn at six, are we being unfair perhaps to the responsible pet own who can handle that?” Miller asked.

Tina Mercier, Penticton’s bylaw services manager, responded by saying the bylaw will be applied on a case-by-case basis.

“The goal is not to be ticketing those that have the ability to safely care for,” she said.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.