Be a good neighbour – stoop and scoop!
Image
Not
only is it the right thing to do, it’s also the law
Warmer weather is around the corner and many people are going
outside to enjoy some fresh air, but that can quickly take a turn when you come
across pet waste along the way. The City of Vaughan is reminding pet owners to
be good neighbours by picking up after their dogs. Not only is it the right thing
to do, it’s also the law!
By-laws are in place to
keep the community safe and clean. You must pick up after your pets, whether on
public or private property. The fine for failing to do so is $300. To
report pet waste on public property, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281
or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
As well, there are
health implications to consider. The primary route of parasite transmission
between pets is through ingesting infected eggs/larva in the environment, which
can be found in animal feces. Excrement may also contain bacteria and parasites
that can affect humans and can attract wildlife, such as coyotes.
While you are out and
about this spring, it is also important to be mindful of other wildlife.
Coyotes
Coyote sightings in
cities and rural areas are common and should not be cause for alarm. The City
understands that their presence can become a challenge in residential areas,
and they can also be intimidating to some people. If you encounter a coyote,
keep your distance and keep pets on a leash. If the coyote approaches you
directly:
- Stop: Pick up children and small pets, if necessary.
- Stand still: Never run from a coyote, fox or domestic dog.
- Make yourself big: Wave your hands above your head.
- Be loud and assertive: Shout, stomp your feet and clap your hands.
- Use a noisemaker: It could be your voice, a party horn, pots and pans banged together, a shaker can (such as a pop can filled with pebbles), a plastic bag (pull it out of your pocket and snap it around), or an umbrella popping open and closed.
- Slowly back away: Be assertive as you leave, so the animal knows it is not welcome.
Other wildlife
Vaughan is home to many
types of wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, birds and foxes. With
understanding and some simple precautions, you can learn to safely coexist with
wild animals.
Here are some simple
tips to keep in mind to help manage urban wildlife:
Do not feed wildlife
Directly or
unintentionally, feeding a wild animal will increase its tolerance to people
and pets. Reconsider bird feeders as they attract small mammals, which
encourage larger wild animals to visit yards. Do not leave food out for
animals.
Be wildlife aware
Know your wildlife
neighbours. Enjoy outdoor surroundings but keep a safe and respectful distance
from wild animals.
Do not invite unwanted
houseguests
Keep your home properly
sealed to exclude wildlife. Remove things that may attract them by securing
garbage/compost containers, picking up dog feces and cleaning outdoor grills.
Be a responsible pet
owner
Free-roaming pets are
vulnerable to a multitude of dangers. Almost all conflicts between wildlife and
domestic dogs occur when dogs are off-leash or left unattended. Dangers include
conflict with raccoons, skunks and birds of prey, among others. Always keep
dogs on a leash when outdoors – including when out for a walk, in parks and on
trails – or accompanied when in your secured back yard and keep cats indoors or
in a secure outdoor enclosure.
Here are some
additional services offered by Vaughan Animal Services:
Pet adoption
As a precautionary
measure in response to COVID-19, the Vaughan Animal Shelter remains closed to
the public; adoption and pet recovery services are available by appointment
only. Book your appointment by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing animal.services@vaughan.ca. Visit the City’s website for details on the animals
available for adoption.
Pet licensing
All dogs and cats in
Vaughan must wear a licence (numbered tag), purchased from the City, at all
times. Online
pet licensing is available.
Lost pet
If your pet gets lost,
contact Vaughan Animal Services immediately at 905-832-2281; staff will help reunite
you and your pet as safely and quickly as possible.
To report a sick or
injured wild animal, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. For more information,
go to vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.
For
updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the
official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
- 30 -