The animal is not tethered for longer than 4 hours per day;

Be amended indicating:

The animal is not tethered for longer than 4 hours per day; and,

The animal is not tethered for longer than 15 minutes when Environment Canada has issued an extreme weather warning in the Windsor Area, which restriction would be enforced by the Human Society at no cost to the city in the same way as the four hour limit already approved by council.’

In February of 2014, Councillor Marra asked CQ5-2014 and a report was brought to council outlining a number factors relating to tethering and overall animal welfare, including studies of comparator municipalities. As a result, the current tethering provisions were introduced but the question of extreme weather was not decided.

The intent of this report is to provide Council the information requested in each of the above inquiries.

Discussion:

Discussion:

The City of Windsor has a long and positive history regarding the care and protection of domestic animals. Windsor was one of the first Canadian municipalities to introduce timed tethering by-laws. The City has also implemented outdoor shelter requirements for animals and a successful spay/neuter program for cats in the City. A number of reports and initiatives have come before council in the past and have resulted in an overall favorable climate for domestic animals in the City.

In regards to limiting the amount of time animals are outdoors during extreme weather events, as well as leaving animals in vehicles, a detailed review of existing legislation from multiple levels of government already show a great deal of protections in place. The City of Windsor’s ‘Keeping of Animals’ By-law includes language concerned with ensuring animals are treated humanely at all times as well as outlining guidelines for keeping animals safe while outdoors.

4. Any person who owns an animal shall:

(1) treat it in a humane manner;

(2) keep it so that,