The Town of Cochrane’s new proposed animal bylaw passed first reading during council’s Dec. 10 meeting, bringing the probability that cat owners will soon have to license their pets closer to reality.
The move is intended to increase the chances of a lost cat being returned to its rightful owner, something that has been a challenge for bylaw officials with the absence of a cat licensing program.
As a comparison, dogs, which have to be licensed, have nearly a 95 per cent return rate when they are impounded, while cats find their way home 32 per cent of the time.
“Having a licensing program for cats ensures that municipal enforcement can return the cat home safely,” said Laurie Drukier, communications advisor for the town, “thereby minimizing the stress on the cats and the families.”
The current animal bylaw, which allows unleashed cats to be outside only on the owner’s property and leashed cats permitted off property, will not change under the new proposed bylaw.
The cost to license a cat will range from $15 (altered, or ‘fixed’) to $40 (unaltered).
