Stonewall's council is giving the town's dog and cat owners a bit of a break. Mayor Lockie McLean notes for years they were sending out pet license renewal notices, and those who didn't re-license their pets in time were given a fine. Then, a public hearing would need to be held where the pet owner could explain their reasons behind their late renewal. McLean says although the licenses cost $10 to $20, the fines would often be ten times as much.

McLean says administration first brought forward the idea of completely eliminating the licensing altogether. He says the idea makes sense, so Council has agreed to make the change.

"Over the years I've sat there as a councillor and now as the mayor, and saw someone being fined for being late a few days in registering their animal, and I've dug into my own pockets and paid their fines. From a personal perspective this feels good, it's long overdue."

He says pet owners can manage their own money, and they all care for their animals. McLean also notes that while they're eliminating the licensing, they're still working to ensure the town's animals are safe. He notes they've decided to keep immunization requirements in the by-law, to ensure pets are vaccinated.

"It's a credit to the administration for finally pointing out 'What are we trying to do with this animal control by-law?' All we were every trying to do was to make sure the animals, dogs, and cats were vaccinated. We're going to keep that portion in our by-law. If an unvaccinated animal is caught running at-large, the by-law officer will pick up that animal and then owners could get a fine."

He notes they've yet to hear feedback on the change, but expects many happy pet owners within Stonewall.