City of Merritt amending Animal Control bylaw

The City of Merritt is working to amend the Animal Control bylaw to fix some recently identified problems.

The first issue came after City Council voted to approve the keeping of bees and hens in the City.

“Residents have subsequently contacted City Hall, noting inconsistencies in the effect of the revised Animal Control bylaw,” said Director of Corporate Services Greg Lowis.

The two issues surrounding the R3 zone, which was allowed to keep hens but listed as too small. The second was with regards to needing neighbour consent.

The second set of changes are required after the City switched to contractor Docupet to look after dog licencing.

“The existing version of the bylaw does not anticipate any of these, and refers to all license as City-issued, with a calendar year of tag validity,” added Lowis.

City Council approved the first three readings of the bylaw changes.