While it is a little early to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions, Mapleton residents may want to keep one in mind: watching their pets a little more closely.
Last week Mapleton council renewed an agreement with Jo-Alan Animal Care Services – effective Jan. 1 – complete with across-the-board fee increases as high as 22%.
All Jo-Alan fees are charged directly to the township, but when pets are returned to their owners, those individuals are responsible for reimbursing the municipality.
The fee changes approved in the new bylaw include:
– a 15% increase, from $65 to $75, for weekday service calls;
– a 13% increase, from $80 to $90, in service calls during any other time;
– boarding fees are up by 22% from $18 to $22 per day;
– quarantine fees up 12% from $25 to $28;
– court costs up 20% from $25 to $30 per hour;
– kennel inspection costs up 13% increase from $75 to $85; and
– there is a brand new fee of $45 for delivery to the Humane Society.
In addition to these recoverable costs, the township will also pay a monthly “standby fee” of $500. There is no defined term for the new agreement, though both sides must provide three months notice of either wishes to terminate it.
Council voted 3-1 in favour of the new agreement, with Whale opposed. Councillor Bruce Whale was opposed to the agreement because of the size of the fee increases.
