Caring for Our City’s Pets and Their People

I officially started door-knocking for this campaign last weekend, and one of the most delightful parts so far has been meeting so many dogs at the doors. Whether it’s a cheerful bark through a window or a tail wagging just inside the screen door, it’s clear that pets are an important part of many households in Ward sipiwiyiniwak.

Pets are part of our families. They offer comfort, joy, protection, and companionship. In return, cities like Edmonton have a responsibility to ensure we have the right infrastructure, regulations, and services in place to support responsible pet ownership and help people and animals live safely and well together.

A Growing Conversation About Safety

Last week, Edmonton City Council discussed increasing fines and penalties related to dog bites and attacks. The current animal control bylaw is decades old, and conversations are underway to modernize it. You can read more about these developments here:

• CityNews: Council Looks to Increase Fines

• Edmonton Journal: Animal Bylaw Update

The proposed fines include:

• $250 for chasing a person or animal (up from $100)

• $500 for a first-time bite or attack

• $1,000 for a second bite or attack offence

• Higher penalties for attacks that cause serious injury or death

Safety is paramount. No one should feel at risk when enjoying public spaces, and at the same time, pet owners deserve clear, fair rules that help them meet their responsibilities and care for their animals properly.

The City’s Role in Supporting Pet Ownership

While pet care is largely a personal responsibility, the City of Edmonton provides a range of supports and services to make that possible. This includes:

• Licensing: All cats and dogs over six months old must be licensed. This helps return lost pets home more quickly and supports animal-related programs. Learn more here.

• Animal Control and Welfare: The city enforces pet-related bylaws, supports humane treatment of animals, and works to reduce aggressive or dangerous incidents through education and enforcement.

• Dog Parks: Off-leash areas help pets get exercise and socialize in a safe, designated space. Laurier Park, one of the most well-known off-leash parks, is right here in Ward sipiwiyiniwak, and there's the Callingwood dog park. There are off-leash trails in Patricia Ravine and by the Westridge stairwell leading to Fort Edmonton Park. In some communities, residents are taking creative steps too. Over a year ago, Elmwood repurposed one of their outdoor skating rinks into a year-round enclosed off-leash dog area, helping local residents who don’t live near the river valley or a major park. Others like Meadowlark and West Jasper Place - Sherwood, have their rinks serve as a summer off-leash dog area.

• Public Education: Programs help residents understand pet behaviour, prevent conflict, and promote good relationships between pet owners and non-pet owners.

More information about city pet-related services is available here:👉 City of Edmonton – Pets

My Commitment as a Councillor Candidate

As someone who has witnessed how deeply people care for their pets, and how much our neighbourhoods are shaped by that love, I believe that the City has a critical role to play in balancing the needs of pet owners, other residents, and public safety.

If elected to council, I will:

• Support further updates and modernization of animal bylaws so they reflect current realities and community needs.

• Advocate for investment in more well-maintained and accessible off-leash dog areas, especially in neighbourhoods far from existing dog parks.

• Encourage community-led innovations, like enclosed rink conversions, that respond to local needs with creative solutions.

• Push for clearer public education campaigns so that all residents know their responsibilities and how to access city supports.

• Ensure that safety concerns are addressed without placing undue burden on responsible pet owners.

• Continue listening to concerns from both pet owners and non-pet owners to find fair and respectful solutions.

Whether it’s about respecting leash laws, cleaning up after pets, or ensuring aggressive behaviour is managed appropriately, these are shared responsibilities. They are also important to our shared enjoyment of public space.

Pets bring life and warmth to our homes. When cities are built to support both pets and people, we create communities that feel welcoming, responsible, and safe.

Let’s continue building that kind of city, together for all of us!