Cobourg announces new animal control contract
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg has announced a five-year renewable agreement with the Northumberland Humane Society to provide certain animal-control services, effective Jan. 1.
“The Town of Cobourg and the Northumberland Humane Society will continue to actively promote and provide a safe and healthy environment for all animals within the community, while maintaining and providing an exceptional level of Animal Control Services to Town of Cobourg residents,” Municipal Clerk Brent Larmer said in the announcement.
“On behalf of the town, I am pleased to be entering into an agreement with a non-profit that provides an essential community resource dedicated to all animals in need.”
The agreement outlines the Town of Cobourg’s quarterly financial commitment to the Northumberland Humane Society of $36,000 plus HST, which results in a $68,000 reduction in Animal Control costs to ratepayers from the town’s previous Services Agreement, for the provision of the following services:
Providing animal shelter that meets all applicable standards of the town and provincial or federal standards for such shelters.
Remaining open and staffed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Operating and maintaining the shelter, including collecting any impound fees or other fees as set forth in the Animal Control By-Law.
Participating in community activities to promote a better understanding of animal-control problems.
The Town of Cobourg will be responsible for providing the following animal-control services:
Providing By-law Enforcement Officers for the purposes of enforcing the Animal Control regulations, including issuing tickets or laying charges relating to offences under the Animal Control Bylaw and any other applicable provincial legislation.
Delivery of domestic animals to the shelter.
“The Northumberland Humane Society is pleased to have the opportunity to be of service to the town and the residents of Cobourg,” Humane Society chair Frank Mastinsek said.
“The services we will be providing are an extension of our day-to-day responsibilities, which are devoted to animal care, and all can be assured that the animals brought to us as a result of this agreement will be looked after and well cared for.”
The Northumberland Humane Society is located at 371 Ward St., Port Hope. It is currently closed to the public in accordance with the Province of Ontario’s regulations, due to the ongoing pandemic, and is operating on an appointment basis. Staff continue to care for shelter animals.
For those in need of surrendering a pet or interested in adoption, email info@northumberlandhs.com or call 905-885-4131.
Animal Control Issues
For those requiring assistance from an Animal Control Services Officer for regarding an animal-related incident (including but not limited to a lost or found pet, sick or injured stray animal, animal-related by-law infraction, or other animal-related emergencies), call 905-372-4301 or email bylaw@cobourg.ca.
Animal Licensing and DocuPet
The Town of Cobourg is responsible for its own animal licensing, as well as enforcement of (which requires residents to purchase a dog tag every year. Visit the DocuPet webpage for more information.
For a complete list of provisions as outlined within the Town of Cobourg and Northumberland Humane Society agreement, visit the Animal Control Services webpage.
