Proposed Kennel Development Bylaw in Colchester, NS

As you may be aware, the Council of the Municipality of Colchester has drafted a new Kennel Development By-law that will severely impact the way in which CKC member breeders will be able (or forbidden) to own multiple dogs and operate hobby or professional kennels.

The council will consider the second reading of Chapter 15 – Kennel Development By–law, at Council Meeting Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

We would like to draw your attention to the following section:

Section 1.3 of the By-law states: ” This By-law shall apply to all Kennels including those existing prior to the effective date of this  By-law.”

Section 2.1 of the By-law states: “This By-law is intended to prohibit any kinds of Kennels for the boarding of dogs in the Municipality of Colchester.”

This proposed By-law is short-sighted and undemocratic, and would:

• greatly reduce the bottom line of many Colchester commercial enterprises such as veterinary hospitals, pet supply and feed stores, building supply stores and tradespeople etc.
• force associated businesses such as trainers and grooming shops to close
• mean county residents wishing to travel, or who are ill and need to board their companions, would be forced to take their business to facilities outside Colchester
• force legitimate breeders of quality, healthy dogs out of business (many of whom will move out of Colchester county) leaving the consumer to look elsewhere for companions.

The Cobequid Dog Club, based in Truro, is spearheading local efforts and has contacted the Mayor/Council to reinforce their opposition and offered to work with the Council in a public consultative process to help address the issues which are of concern to Council.

We ask that you contact the Mayor, Christine Blair at mayor@colchester.ca and Council via https://www.colchester.ca/councillors regarding the above concerns and ask for the bylaw to be rejected at the second reading.  

For more information, please contact Emily Gratton, spokesperson for the Cobequid Dog Club and member of the CKC Communications Committee at sftgratton1@gmail.com.