Failing to properly care for your pets is now illegal and it will cost you.
Vernon city council approved amendments to the Animal Regulation and Animal Pound bylaws at their meeting on Monday.
The changes hold pet owners responsible for failing to provide basic care.
“We’re so pleased on behalf of animals in our community to see these changes be approved,” says SPCA Vernon & District branch manager Chelsea Taylor.
Under the newly approved regulations pet owners can be fined if they leave their animals in a hot car and if they do not provide adequate food, water, or shelter .
The bylaws will also discipline owners if their pets are lacking medical care or if they are tethered for more than four consecutive hours.
The fines range from $100-$500 per offense.
“Having bylaws in place that address animal welfare means that animal abusers face real penalties and provides additional support for cruelty investigations,” says SPCA manager, policy and companion animals Amy Morris.
The SPCA requested an update to the city’s bylaws after it conducted a review of municipal animal bylaws in B.C., which revealed that Vernon lacked regulations regarding standards of care and housing for animals.
