Omineca Express Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Express
Kitty bylaw
NEWS
www.ominecaexpress.com A5
BC SPCA your first adoption option!
Sam Redding Omineca Express
Northside ski trip
Left: Nolan, Darren, Kylie, Ethan, MarySkye and Steffannie. Right: Kyle Dyck. Skiiers and snowboarders from Northside Christian school have a fun day at Murray Ridge.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADOPT DIGGER OR NEED MORE INFO PLEASE CALL
250-562-5511
“This is something that we haven’t really faced before and I don’t think the cat bylaw is going to be the bylaw that straightens up all our problems,” said Mayor Gerry Thiessen. “What it will do is bring an awareness and an education to the public that they have a responsibility for, not only dogs, but all their animals.” The animal control bylaw will require that all dog and cat owners obtain a license for a fee of $10 for a spayed or neutered animal to $30 for an unaltered animal. This fee will be waived for those dogs trained as guides or assistants to disabled persons. The municipality will keep a registry of all
the licensed pets with the current address and names of everyone written down in it. The bylaw would also require owners to keep their dogs and cats on a leash of some sort if they leave the owner’s property. Any animal caught wandering at large will be impounded for a minimum of 72 hours unless claimed by the owner, then it will become municipal property and may be sold for adoption or euthanized. Some of the problems raised with this is that cats are almost completely free to roam outside wherever they please. Councillor Steve Little brought up the fact that the municipality can license cats all they want
but good luck to anyone on catching any unlicensed cat that doesn’t want to be caught. An addition some members of the public would like added to the bylaw would be to post a notice of impoundment, which could include a picture of the animal, when it will be euthanized, and where it can be adopted. Another criticism brought forward by the public is the notion that untrained cats will not accept a collar so other forms of identification, such as microchipping, might be required. To deal with these issues, the municipal council created a task force that includes members of the public, ani-
The recent reconfiguration of our local schools has left families wondering what educational options are available for their children.
Mapes Elementary
HOME of the SILVERBACKS
Has a lot to offer Quality education Leading edge technology Strong Parent and Community support
Please join us for an Open House February 11, 2014 12pm -2:00 pm: Learning in Action come see how our small school functions, visit our classrooms and meet our education team. PAC members will be available to answer any questions you may have as well as give you a personal tour of the school and grounds. 5:00pm- 7:00pm: Come tour Mapes Elementary School, speak with our Teachers and see what our amazing school is all about. Starting at 6pm hear presentations from the school district Technology department, (Mapes elementary is blazing a trail with new technology) Maintenance Department and PAC COME hungry between 5 and 6pm Mapes PAC will be serving Hamburgers & Hotdogs by donation all proceeds will go to the Prairedale Elementary School PAC to help them reach their goal of continuing to provide a bursary for the next 13 years; until this year’s kindergarten class graduates from high school. This bursary is for students to use towards their college/university education. For more information please contact Katie Rempel 567-9394 kwrempel@hwy16.com
mal control and District of Vanderhoof workers. Council will be looking to them to provide feedback and suggestions for dealing with the various issues.
HOLISTIC ALTERNATIVE THERAPY BY MAGDALENA SAITO
Several Vanderhoof residents are concerned over the growing feral cat population so council debated an addition to the pet bylaws that could control them. Mayor and council didn’t pass the bylaw yet but it will be debated at future council meetings and ratified once all options have been examined. The bylaw was originally worded to just deal with dogs in Vanderhoof but it has changed to have cats treated the same as dogs which require a license and are subject to being impounded if found roaming by themselves. Lila-Jean Morris is a concerned cat owner who spoke to mayor and council about the amount of abandoned cats and the lack of resources for them. She has three cats of her own as well as strays that she tries to look after. “I’m very emotional about this,” said Morris when she started her presentation to council. “I very strongly feel that we need help in this area too.” Morris talked about how she couldn’t keep one particularly beautiful cat in the veterinary clinic over night until she could take him to Prince George. She also spoke out on when she and others found out someone had dumped some kittens in the garbage where she lives. “It’s terrible to think that people are like that,” she said. “How would we all feel if we had to live on the street? Can’t we have a soft spot where we can take these kitties to the shelters?” The bylaw contains many rules on the proper treatment of any pets and the responsibilities of owners. One part prohibits anyone from owning more than three dogs and/or three cats unless they’re licensed as a kennel. Anyone found committing an offence against the bylaw could be fined between $250 and $2,000.
This is Digger. He is a 3 year old Brown Tabby. Digger loves belly rubs and his cat post. Nothing makes him happier than hanging out in his post. He has been getting along really well with the other cats in the shelter, and his easy going personality makes him a hit with all the volunteers. Digger is neutered and ready to be adopted, he will be great addition to any family. If you are interested in Digger please contact the North Cariboo BC SPCA at 250.562.5511
This ad is sponsored by
FUR BABIES PET BOUTIQUE Jodi Carlton
2421 Burrard Ave, Vanderhoof
250-567-4646
In part with Omineca Express
The Sweetest Thing Local Honey Buying local food means: supporting your local economy, community, friends and neighbours, reduce your carbon footprint , protect the environment and build a stronger community. If you have any additional questions then call the producer, and if you also provide this service but are not listed in the Nechako valley food directory give them a call at 1-866-279-973 HONEY Sweet Nechako Honey – Jon & Susan Aebischer, 250-567-5037, www.sweetnechakohoney.ca *Get it locally at one of these locations: farmers market (V), Ave Maria (PG), Rose Bowl (V), Brookside Resort, Chilako Meats, Spruceland News, HobbyBrews, Ventins Vitamins and they also deliver to different areas as far as Burns Lake and more. Not only can you buy honey by the jar or bucket, you can also get your own container filled (call to arrange this, or find out when). You can also purchase local beeswax, beeswax candles, and bee pollen (local pollen is a great addition to your food NOW if you suffer from seasonal allergies). If you are interested in learning more about the craft, come as a volunteer , or if you love it and want to work, they are looking for part time or full time depending on skill level. Spring Lake Farm in Ft. St. James – Charlotte Croquet and Sandra Willick, 250-996-7869, croquet@Telus.net * Meet them at the farmers market in Ft. St. James - Bread and lots of baking, veggies with more and more variety ever year – honey- small jars and buckets, (depending on season and harvest). People can pick up, just remember to phone in advance * There is also some beef available- a few steers in the fall, mostly spoken for, if you are interested call and order in advance to be assured some great beef. May have burger, patties and sausages at the market in limited quantities- grass feed, all natural everything. JM farm - Michelle Roberge – 250-570- 8560 – www. bioscapefarm.ca – facebook-bioscape * A honey supplier that’s starting out. Honey in the fall, sold by the jar. Call for availability and more information. Also see other articles on more details as to what is offered at the JM Farm.
Magdalena Saito Holistic Health Practitioner
250-524-0333 -- www.HalcyonHolistic.com
Young Living Essential Oils Distributor & Reflexologist