Various pit bull breeds are on the list of restricted breeds in Sexsmith

By Emily Keller

animal control bylaw

Sexsmith to hold public hearing on potential changes to restricted dog breeds

Jan 10, 2020 | 11:38 AM

The Town of Sexsmith will be hosting a public hearing next month about potentially removing restricted breeds from the Animal Control Bylaw.

At Town Council on January 6, Council discussed the bylaw and whether to keep restricted breeds in.

Sexsmith Mayor Kate Potter says there were mixed opinions on Council regarding the removal.

“The bylaw went ahead with the majority vote, it wasn’t unanimous, and when that happens we often recognize that there will be mixed opinions throughout our residents, and we want to make sure that we have heard from the residents to know if this is an important issue for them.”

Potter says council decided to look at the bylaw after concerns were raised by a resident in the summer of 2019.

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There are currently five breeds classified as restricted breeds in Sexsmith, including Pit Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Pit Bulls, American Staffordshires and Rottweilers.

While it is not against the law to own a restricted breed, Potter says those who own one usually means paying higher licensing fees and having liability insurance.

“It is a bylaw that a lot of municipalities have had in the past, and now we’re seeing a bit of a trend where a number have gone away from that and so, that’s why we said ‘okay, let’s at least look at this again’ and consider what is the best situation, and make sure we hear from the residents and the public on this, what their feelings are.”

Potter adds that there are a few options other municipalities have gone with when it comes to restricted breeds.

“Some have gotten rid of that restriction and have moved towards more of just a vicious dog designation for any animals that act out or are deemed vicious, and some sort of have a mix where there still are some restricted breeds but maybe some of the restrictions aren’t as strict as they’ve been in the past.”

The public hearing is to be held on February 3 at 6:30 p.m. in Sexsmith Town Council Chambers.