The District of 100 Mile House is hoping to update its Animal Control and Pound Operation Bylaw to prohibit the feeding of feral cats and deer.
During the regular council meeting Oct. 22, council discussed Animal Control and Pound Operation Amendment Bylaw No. 1430 and gave it the first three readings.
The amendment seeks to add to existing Bylaw No. 1131, which "provides for the control and licensing of animals and the operation of pound facilities in the municipality" with a prohibition on feeding or leaving food out for feral cats or deer within the District of 100 Mile House.
Mayor Maureen Pinkney said it has been proposed to give the district the ability to enforce the prohibition on not feeding wildlife.
"By adding it, it gives us the leverage that we need to be able to go and see people that are known to be feeding it - if they don't stop, it gives us the ability to fine them, ticket them in hopes they will stop," Pinkney explained. "It's really for the betterment of the animal."
The proposed penalties in case anyone breaks the amendment will be the same as in Bylaw No. 1131 - anyone who contravenes the bylaw could face up to a fine of not more than $2,000 - as well as the costs of prosecution if they are summarily convicted under Part 13.
Feral cats and deer are merely a small part of a greater problem for the District of 100 Mile House. As 100 Mile House is located in the middle of the country, Pinkney stated, adding deer and bears often travel through the district.
"So we have sightings of them, quite often."
As for the cats, Pinkney said there is a group of feral cats known to the district.
"They're just wild cats that no one wants to take ownership of. Probably belonged to someone at some point," Pinkney elaborated.
During the discussion on the bylaw amendment, Coun. Dave Mingo brought up the provincial Wildlife Act, which prohibits any feeding of animals in B.C. and asked whether or not the district wants to duplicate the law.
Mayor Pinkney said it never hurts the district to have its own bylaw.
"If it's within the district boundaries and we don't have a bylaw, we can't act upon it, and then we are relying on conservation officers that are really too busy in the outlying areas to come in." Pinkney added.
There is no word as to exactly when the bylaw amendment will be adopted.
