On Monday, September 14, North Glengarry Council approved an agreement allowing it to use the Township of Russell’s animal shelter for dog-control situations requiring kennel services. The arrangement is expected to cost North Glengarry approximately $20,000 annually, depending on usage.
The agreement is part of a hybrid approach to dog-control services that will see North Glengarry continue handling routine matters while using Russell’s facility for situations involving large or aggressive dogs, dogs that cannot be re-homed locally, and some after-hours and weekend calls.
North Glengarry’s Director of Building, By-law, and Planning Jacob Rheaume told council the agreement is the first of two arrangements being developed with Russell. The second, still being negotiated, will cover dog-catching services, including response, capture, and transportation.
Rheaume said the kennel agreement is expected to take effect later this month, once outstanding insurance requirements are resolved.
Mayor Jamie MacDonald noted that the Township has had success re-homing dogs through social media. Rheaume also said the Township has purchased a microchip scanner, allowing staff to identify chipped dogs without taking them to a veterinarian.
Deputy Mayor Carma Williams asked when the new arrangement would begin freeing up the Township’s by-law enforcement officer to focus on other priorities. Rheaume said the Township will have a better picture of the arrangement’s impact and costs by the end of next year.
Council unanimously adopted the agreement.
