City of Greater Sudbury Ready to Provide Animal Shelter and Animal By-law Services

The City of Greater Sudbury has adopted the principles of responsible pet ownership for the well-being and safety of residents and animals in our community. Effective immediately, the municipality will enforce the local animal control by-law and operate a new shelter for dogs and cats found roaming at large in the community.

“We are pleased to announce the City of Greater Sudbury is ready to provide animal control services for local residents,” said Caroline Hallsworth, Executive Director of Administrative Services. “While the contract with our current service provider does not expire until October 31, it is in the best interest of animals in the care of both shelters to transition to municipal services immediately.”

Lost or homeless dogs and cats found in the City of Greater Sudbury as of Monday, October 24, will remain at the Rainbow District Animal Shelter. Under provincial legislation, an animal must remain in the care of a shelter for a minimum of three days, not counting the day of admission, before an assessment is made for suitability for adoption. Rainbow District Animal Shelter will remain responsible for adoption or fostering of dogs and cats in their care.

“Moving up the date for opening the Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter and enforcement of the municipal by-law will allow animals currently in the care of Rainbow District to remain in one place before they are adopted or fostered,” said Hallsworth. “Ultimately, this plan is less stressful for the animal and the well-being of these dogs and cats is the primary concern of both Rainbow District and Greater Sudbury animal shelters.”

Starting Tuesday, October 25, City of Greater Sudbury animal control officers will bring roaming or abandoned dogs and cats found locally to the Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter, located at 39 Kari Road in Wahnapitae. Shelter hours are Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents who have lost or found a pet may call 705-694-PETS (7387) during business hours or 3-1-1 after hours. Lost and found pet pages are also available on the City of Greater Sudbury website at www.greatersudbury.ca/animals

Greater Sudbury By-law Compliance and Enforcement Officers will work longer hours to follow-up on complaints about potential infractions of the municipal animal control by-law. Residents may dial 3-1-1 seven days a week to register a question or complaint.

An emergency line to report injured or potentially dangerous dogs and cats roaming at large is also available seven days a week by dialing 3-1-1.

Details about pet ownership and control of dogs and cats in the City of Greater Sudbury are available online at www.greatersudbury.ca/animals. Residents who do not have access to a personal computer may visit their nearest Greater Sudbury Public Library for assistance.

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