Last year two prominent Not-For-Profit Rescues in Chatham-Kent received notices that they were in violation of the Animal Ownership By-Law.  This by-law speaks to the responsible ownership, licensing and the number of animals permitted to each residence.  There are specific limits in place for cats and dogs.  While we feel the by-law is important for the community to promote responsible ownership, we feel some changes need to be made to allow rescues to do the work they do.  

 Each year Chatham-Kent rescues fill the gap between the Municipal funded animal shelter (PAWR) and the public ownership of animals.  Many who are abandoned, lost, and feral are taken in by these rescues and found loving homes.  These rescues are funded exclusively by fundraising and donations, they do not receive government money of any kind.  All this work is done by volunteers and fosters in the community.  They are a driving force to love and care for these animals who would otherwise be nuisances or euthanized.  Many of these animals would be destined to live harsh lives - suffering neglect, cruelty, and sickness.  Life is not pretty for an animal on the street, eating garbage and suffering preventable diseases, often which are communicable.

If these rescues are forced to limit or discontinue their work the community would be facing a loss of immeasurable value.  Therefore, we are petitioning the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council to amend this by-law to exclude Not-For-Profit Rescues from section 5 of this by-law, Number of Animals.  

We, the undersigned, as citizens of Chatham-Kent and/or animal lovers support this request.