Proposed changes to pet bylaw is ‘for the birds’

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This article was published 21/09/2021 (1704 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Proposed changes to the city’s pet ownership bylaw have ruffled the feathers of Winnipeg bird enthusiasts.

On Aug. 10, the City of Winnipeg’s public engagement branch published a Responsible Pet Ownership By-Law review that includes changes to bird, reptile, amphibian and fish ownership in Winnipeg.

The city is proposing a cap a five birds per household, prohibiting the breeding of exotics and creating a list of “allowable animals.”

If given the green light by council, the bylaw amendment would mean only cockatiels and budgies could be owned in Winnipeg as early as January 2022. All other common parrots, like parrotlets, lovebirds, conures, caiques, quakers, amazons, cockatoos, African greys and macaws, would be illegal to own and rehome.

However, currently owned birds not on the “allowable animals” list would be grandfathered in.

The allowable animal list is a concern for Nancy Allan, a South Osborne resident and co-founder of the Manitoba Canary and Finch Club.

Allan has owned canaries for over 50 years and has been breeding the bird for about 35.

“It’s a passion,” Allan said. “The biggest joy I get is when I give someone a canary and they come back to me and say, ‘It’s my bird that gets me up in the morning, even when I want to stay in bed.’”

Allan’s main concerns, should the bylaw go through, include overbreeding with bloodlines getting too close and the limit of five rule not taking into consideration birds are flock animals.

“Education is what the focus should be on, not the limit of birds or even the type,” Allan said.

Allan said regulations could even begin with enforcing what sized cages can be sold at pet stores.

Zena Van Rooyen, a South Pointe Resident, owns three parrots: Tiggy and Toby, both cockatoos, and Crystal, a conure.

“They mention the budgies and cockatiels but they don’t seem to realize a bird is a bird,” Van Rooyen said. “You still need to feed them the same food. Personality-wise, they’re also all very similar.”

Bird ownership has become a family tradition; Van Rooyen’s mother and grandmother both owned a parrot, and her children also hope to continue owning birds as they grow up.

One of Van Rooyen’s biggest concerns about the proposed bylaw is the difficulties it would pose with giving her flock to her children should she ever be unable to take care of them herself.

Van Rooyen said a number limitation could make sense, but she thinks more training and education for those interested in purchasing a bird is a required.

“They are a lot of work, but I wouldn’t not have birds,” Van Rooyen said. “They’re your babies.”

Van Rooyen’s birds have a play area and their own separate caged spaces. Her parrots do training with colours and numbers and play games. They’re also always in the family room taking part in activities.

“It would be helpful if they could share a bit about the rational,” Van Rooyen said. “Birds are not a danger to community. Any pet that has a responsible owner will do fine.”

More information about the proposed bylaw can be found at www.engage.winnipeg.ca/responsible-pet-ownership-bylaw-review