In rural municipalities across Manitoba, a concerning trend is emerging, putting increased strain on local animal services. Authorities report a rise in the abandonment of unwanted pets beyond city limits, prompting urgent measures to address the issue. The Rural Municipality (RM) of Ste. Anne, in particular, has witnessed such a surge in animal abandonment that the council recently passed a new bylaw in an effort to curb this troubling practice.
Randy Eros, the deputy reeve of Ste. Anne, emphasized that the problem of animal abandonment is not a recent development but rather an ongoing issue faced by many rural communities. In an interview on Monday, Eros commented, “People who have animals that they no longer want to care for take the opportunity to drive away from home and drop the animals off unattended in rural communities.”
The surge in pet ownership during the pandemic has contributed to overflowing animal shelters, as individuals who acquired pets during lockdowns may no longer wish to care for them now that life has returned to normal. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the RM of Ste. Anne has introduced a bylaw aimed at discouraging residents from engaging in this harmful behavior.
“We have chosen to apply the highest fine that we can under provincial legislation,” explained Eros. The bylaw imposes a substantial $1,000 fine per offense, signaling the municipality’s commitment to addressing the problem and ensuring responsible pet ownership.
To gain a deeper understanding of the newly enacted bylaw and the challenges posed by pet abandonment, refer to the video above for additional information. Local authorities are hopeful that these measures will serve as a deterrent and help protect the well-being of animals in rural communities.
