Thank you to everyone that participated in the public survey. The survey has now been closed and a new bylaw has been passed, incorporating the feedback Council received.

Council has given all three readings to Bylaw No. 2313, the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.

This bylaw puts a focus on pet care and ownership responsibility, regulates the number and types of animals allowed per household, establishes restraint regulations, clears up definitions for “vicious dogs”, establishes parameters for addressing nuisance, aggressive, or dangerous dogs, and clarifies the complaint mechanism with clear penalties for non-compliance.

Many of the changes stem from our public consultation done in 2024, as well as best practices pulled from many communities across Alberta.

While there are many adjustments in the new bylaw, here are some highlights.

• Limits for dogs and cats - Residents are allowed a maximum of 4 animals, with no more than 3 of each species (dog/cat). This means you can own combinations such as:
  • 3 dogs and 1 cat.
  • 2 dogs and 2 cats.
  • 3 cats and 1 dog.
• Animal fostering is allowed, but an over limit permit will be required if it takes you over the animal limits. Form can be found at www.edson.ca/enforcement.
• Cat Licensing - Both cats and dogs are required to have a licence renewed yearly. Cat licensing is new, effective June 17, 2025. Cat licences will be free for the remainder of 2025. The Animal Licence form can be found at at www.edson.ca/enforcement.
• No changes to backyard hens. Only allowed by special resolution of Council.