Cat at large bylaws are enacted to encourage people to keep their cats on their own properties. In many municipalities a cat is considered "at large" when they are off their property, unleashed and not controlled by an owner. Cats are known to have a much longer lifespan when not allowed to roam freely throughout the neighbourhood as they are less likely to get into fights with other animals and are less likely to be hit by cars. Roaming cats also have the potential to acquire diseases, like rabies, from neighbouring animals they may come in contact with including other cats, racoons, and skunks and later introduce disease to their families other household pets and people. Unaltered roaming cats also contribute to the ongoing pet overpopulation issue.
At large bylaws are also in place to appease neighbours who do not enjoy cats on their own property. Cats, when allowed outdoors, are known to defecate in gardens, kill small wildlife (birds, rabbits etc.), urine spray on inanimate objects, and create a large amount of noise yowling, spitting and crying when fighting or in heat causing a disturbance in the neighbourhood. Keeping your cat on your property and not allowing it to be "at large" will prevent any strain on your neighbourly relationships.
Bites/attacks
Most municipal animal control bylaws have provisions for animals that bite or attack. Owners who have animals that bite/attack are held responsible for their pet's actions both under their municipal animal control bylaw, and in some cases provincial legislation like DOLA (Dog Owners Liability Act) in Ontario. Animals can cause serious harm to people and animals including debilitating wounds, infection and disease spread when animals are not controlled by an owner and are allowed to bite. Bite/attack bylaws help to protect the public by allowing documentation and investigation of bites/attacks caused by animals within the City.
Animal control bylaws are put into place to allow for a harmonious existence between residents in a community and the pets living alongside them. In most cases, if someone is in contravention of a bylaw a complaint will be made by a member of the public to an animal control service. The animal control service will then, in response, investigate the complaint, educate the animal owner about their municipal animal control bylaw and levy the appropriate warning or fine. Fines can be given in most cases for failing to abide by the bylaws in your area and repeated offences may warrant a summons to court.
Part of pet ownership is being a responsible pet owner and this includes knowing what your municipal animal control bylaw is. Don't wait to have an animal control officer appear at your door before you fully understand what is required of you as a cat owner in your community. Contact your municipal offices to obtain the most current copy of your City's animal control bylaw.
