Hanna residents may soon be able to raise chickens in backyard coops, as Town Council considers adding a licensing program in the rewrite of the Animal Control Bylaw. The Town of Hanna’s Animal Control Bylaw makes owners responsible for their pets, helps return lost pets to their owners and ensures animals and pets are safe, healthy and a positive addition to the community.
The current Animal Control Bylaw was approved in November 1993 making it 30 years old. A renewal of the Animal Control Bylaw will ensure this bylaw continues to reflect the most current animal practices within the Town, including animal welfare, population management and husbandry. The bylaw renewal initiative will also review license conditions, fees, fines and offences to ensure they continue to contribute to public safety and align with public views, emerging trends in animal care, and the safe and healthy integration of animals into our communities.
In 2017 Council received a request to make the necessary changes to the animal control bylaw in order to permit residents to raise backyard chickens. Additional requests have come forward since then. A growing number of communities are embracing urban agriculture and as such, the residents enjoy the social, economic and environmental benefits of such activities.
Council directed Administration to prepare a draft bylaw, that updates the current bylaw and includes a section on urban hen-keeping. On May 14, 2024 Council gave 1st reading to Animal Control Bylaw 1035-2024.
“By providing first reading, the proposed bylaw is brought into a position of public scrutiny. In essence, it is saying to residents, Here is the proposed document as it is, now, let’s discuss changes for the next version.” states Mayor Danny Povaschuk.
“The Animal Control Bylaw currently restricts any type of fowl in the Town, to land that is zoned specifically for agricultural operations. To change the bylaw to permit hen-keeping, Council will need to be satisfied that these operations will not cause a nuisance to their neighbours and that anyone granted a license is able to properly care for their hens.” said Municipal Enforcement Officer, Tracy Raypold.
In the coming weeks, residents will begin to see and hear more about the proposed bylaw changes. Residents are encouraged to review the information, consider the impacts to the community and participate in the opportunities that will be available to provide their input. A couple of the main changes include the addition of urban hen-keeping and licensing and changes in fines and penalties.
Visit hanna.ca/animal-control for more information on the public engagement process and what residents can expect.