Letting your pets roam freely outside in the tri communities could leave them dead, or injured, and you facing a fine.
Greater Moncton SPCA Director of Animal Welfare Nanette Pearl says in the City of Moncton and the Town of Riverview, all domestic pets must be kept indoors, including cats, while City of Dieppe bylaws only mention dogs.
“The cat itself can come across anything from people that will intentionally want to harm it, to crossing the road and dodging the traffic, to a neighbourhood dog, to wildlife, [and] other cats that are defending their territory,” says Pearl. “So there’s lots of physical threats to the cat.”
She goes on to say there are further concerns about your pet becoming a neighourhood nuisance.
“Not everybody wants a cat going to the bathroom in their garden, peeing on the side of their house, or sitting in the window tormenting their cat inside, it is the law [in Moncton & Riverview] to keep your cats on your property,” says Pearl.
Pearl says in Moncton’s case, the fine for your pet roaming at large is $50 for each instance; while in Riverview, the fine is $50 for the first offence, $75 for the second, and $100 for the third (and all subsequent) offence(s); while in Dieppe, if the animal is picked up at City Hall during business hours there is no charge, and outside business hours it’s $25, but can rise if the animal must be kept at a local vet.
Pearl says in the case of Moncton residents, they should call the SPCA as they handle animal control, but in Riverview and Dieppe there are specific numbers to call.
She says in their case, you can call the SPCA to report a loose animal, or if you are able to safely get your hands on the animal you can deliver it to the SPCA or have them pick it up.
Pearl says keeping pets indoors is about their safety, as well as respecting your neighbours and preventing your pet from becoming a nuisance.
She adds research shows indoor cats live longer and healthier lives than their brethren who are left to roam freely outside.
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(Photo Submitted: Injuries sustained after an encounter with an outdoor cat)
