This position paper defining effective and efficient bylaws was prepared by the National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC). The NCAC includes representatives from the Humane Canada (the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada (PIJAC), with participation from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The recommendations of the NCAC are very similar to the recommendations we make in our own municipal policy. The report reads in part, “Municipalities can address these problems by introducing bylaws that discourage breeding and that require cats to be licenced, permanently identified, and kept indoors unless in an enclosed area or supervised on a harness and leash. The implementation of effective municipal cat bylaws will result in reduced pound costs due to fewer cats roaming loose, increased revenue from licence fees and fines, a reduction in the cat population due to incentives to spay and neuter, and a reduction in conflicts between cats and the public.”

Read the full position paper.
Read more about our recommended bylaws and policies.