Animal Law
- 1. Carriage Horse Protection in New York City
- 2. New York Beats Animal Abuse
- 3. Beware of Breed Bans
- 4. Calgary's Animal Laws Win the Gold
- 5. Animal Welfare Law in New York
- 6. Lab Animal Protection Under Fire
- 7. Humane Law Enforcement in Illinois
- 8. Legal Rights for Animals
- 9. Dangerous Dog Legislation
Calgary's Animal Laws Win the Gold
Robin Flinchum
In 2000, the former Olympic city of Calgary, Alberta, boasted an 87 percent success rate in returning impounded dogs to their owners. Compared to the average 17 percent success rate in most American cities, this is an astounding achievement. Though roughly 90,000 canines call Calgary home, its animal services shelter is never full to capacity, and fewer than 200 dogs were euthanized there last year. Again, compared to most major cities, where several thousand animals are killed each year, this is a staggering success.
According to public education advisor Tracy Gauson of Calgarys Animal Services department, the citys achievement is the result of a massive public relations campaign. Education is the key, Gauson says. And from a very early age. We go out to kindergarten classes and educate children about responsible pet ownership. We advertise in local papers, weve done billboards and bus shelters, were at every community event. Its important that people understand that were not the bad guys.
Far from it. In fact, a licensed dog picked up by Calgarys animal services is driven straight home (for a small fee). The vehicles used by the animal services workers are equipped with a computer system that allows the workers to find and communicate with the animals owner directly and return the animal while still in the field. This saves time and money for everyone involved.
An unlicensed animal, however, will be taken immediately to the shelter. Before the dog can be released to its owner, licensing requirements must be met and the owner is fined $250. Repeat offenders face penalties that increase in $250 increments per violation. While educating the public is key, as Gauson says, sometimes money is the strongest motivator.
The citys animal shelter programs are entirely funded by the collection of these fines and by the animal licensing fees. Because so few pets remain in the shelter, Calgary can maintain a policy of never killing an adoptable animal. Statistically speaking, 87 percent of dogs impounded were returned, a little over nine percent were adopted out and slightly more than three percent were euthanized in 2000. Gauson maintains that of those killed, all were either sick or hurt beyond recovery, or too aggressive to be placed in homes.
Keep It Simple
Another component of Calgarys program is convenience. A dog owner can apply for a new license or renew an existing license on the Internet, through the mail, in person or by phone. Calgarys animal services website only recently began accepting e-commerce, but Gauson says the number of applications received online is increasing every day.
Every fall, the city declares a six-week period during which the $250 fine will be waived if the owner of an unlicensed, impounded dog secures a license within 48 hours of being notified. Gauson says theres an increase in license applications at this time every year, and as a public relations tool, the waiver helps emphasize the fact that the city does have a heart. Every now and then, she adds, animal services will find itself with an animal whose guardian is unwilling to come forward because of the fee. Though this aspect of the program is much less widely publicized, the city is willing to work with offenders who truly cannot afford to pay. She believes, The most important thing is getting the animal home.
Gauson admits that Calgarys approach to education, convenience and the enforcement of stiff penalties works well because the population is mostly affluent and pets are often as well cared for as children. Not to mention that the city boasts 300 off-leash dog runs, many times more than the average American city. But this doesnt mean the basic secrets to Calgarys success wouldnt work in less pet-friendly cities. Inundate the public with information, she advises. Enact the laws to make a positive program possible, but concentrate on education before you focus on enforcement.
Of course, the appropriate local statutes and a municipal government that makes animal issues a priority are essential ingredients in the formula. Calgary, for example, hired Gauson exclusively to wage their animal services educational campaign. It is her job to win the hearts and minds of the people of the city and convince them that licensing their dogs is the right thing to do. And so far, it seems to be working. More than 90 percent of dogs living in Calgary today are licensed. Youre never going to get them all, she says. But were working on it.
Robin Flinchum is a freelance writer based in Death Valley, California. Her work frequently appears in Las Vegas Life.
© 2002
ASPCA Animal Watch - Spring 2002
Courtesy of
ASPCA
424 East 92nd St.
New York, NY 10128-6804
(212) 876-7700
www.aspca.org
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