From dog attacks to feral cats: Edmonton introduces updated animal care and control bylaw

Edmonton animal welfare officials are celebrating an updated city bylaw on animal control, saying it could help bring down the population of Edmonton’s 70,000 feral cats.

The city says the update includes new rules for trap-and-neuter programs for feral cats to help mitigate the devastating impact on local wildlife.

“Especially bird populations, we do know that cats are instinctual hunters, meaning that even if they are well fed, they still hunt,” explained John Wilson, the director of Animal Care and Park Rangers with the City of Edmonton.

Officials say not only are the programs a humane way to control the population of feral cats, but add it will help the shelter with capacity issues.

In 2023, animal care and control was forced to pause the intake of dogs after an increase in people surrendering their animals.

“Because we’re going to able to plan for these cats to come in on a schedule to be spayed and neutered, so this program and return to field program are in support for our capacity to care,” said Tracy Bauder, the manager of Animal Care and Control.

Other changes

Pet owners will see a $1 per year increase to their pet licence fees for cats, dogs and pigeons over the next three years.

The update includes increased fines for dog attacks, with the city explaining they have seen a 15 per cent increase since the pandemic.

There are also new rules to protect animals left alone in hot or cold cars.

The new bylaw comes into effect in May 2026.