US woman charged for letting cat out. Here are Canada's laws
A Utah woman received a pair of misdemeanor charges Monday after she let her cat lie outside on her front lawn, according to a Fox News local affiliate.
Kate Anderson told the news outlet she was served a citation by animal control officials.
“He’s got a cat door, so he just comes and goes and is a cat,” Anderson told Fox 13 Salt Lake City, adding the animal is vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped.
Kate says her cat Milo let himself out and was lying on the front lawn when someone took a photograph and reported it.
She has been given a court date and cited for having an 'animal at large' (i.e., not on a leash) and for ‘not having an animal license attached.’
WHAT ARE THE RULES IN CANADA?
Rules vary by province and city, but several Canadian municipalities do not allow pets to roam 'at large':
In the city of Burlington, Ont., for example, any pet that leaves your private property must be on a leash and "led by a competent" person.
"Failure to do so may result in a fine," the city's website says.
File photo of a cat lying in the grass. Courtesy: Pixabay
PET LICESNING
When you adopt an animal, Toronto Pet Services advises contacting your municipality to see if a pet license is required, as regulations vary by city.
In many jurisdictions, licenses can be purchased online and must be renewed annually.
"Dogs and cats go missing every day," Toronto Pet Services told The Weather Network in an email via spokesperson Lyne Kyle.
"A licence helps to bring them home ... 100 percent of the funds raised from licensing go to support the animals in our care. This includes feeding and sheltering stray animals, veterinary care for lost and homeless animals, and spay and neutering initiatives."
Kyle says the focus of Toronto Animal Services enforcement revolves around education.
"Our Bylaw Enforcement Officers work with the public to help them understand the importance of a licence, and how to comply with the bylaw," she says.
"If the issue continues, Officers can issue a set fine of $240 under the Animals Bylaw."
Sources: Fox | City of Burlington | Toronto Animal Services