Centre Wellington council has approved a pay hike for its livestock valuers.
They are called when predators kill livestock or food animals or create damage. They estimate the value of the damage. If the livestock is killed by wild animals, the province pays the cost. If it is killed by domestic animals, the owner of that animal, if located, is billed.
The township is forced to pay the fee when owners of domestic animals, usually dogs, cannot be located.
A report from deputy-clerk Kerry O’Kane to committee of the whole March 5 stated “On July 1 2011, the new Ontario wildlife damage compensation program came into effect. The program provides financial assistance to producers whose livestock and poultry are injured or killed by predatory wildlife or when bee colonies, beehives, or beehive equipment are damaged by wildlife.”
O’Kane said significant changes to the program include:
– the list of eligible livestock is expanded to include non-traditional livestock such as llamas, bison, and ostrich, and predators not previously included such as weasels, cougars and birds of prey;
– the compensation levels have increased significantly to better reflect the actual cost of the animal; and
– the ability for the municipality to receive compensation for expenses associated with administrative and valuer costs.
She added clarification was also provided regarding deadlines and time lines for evidence to be submitted with applications, and the appeal process.
Livestock kills are significant in Centre Wellington, O’Kane said in an interview.
She said Jack Smeltzer and Lynda Richardson, the township’s valuers for many years, usually have more calls per year than places like Mapleton, Minto, and Wellington North. She added that coyotes are particularly bad in Centre Wellington, to a point farmers will hire hunters to get rid of them.
“Last year and the year before they [kills] were significant,” she said.
O’Kane added that sheep are usually the main target of predators and it has been some time since anyone claimed for a cattle kill.
The township pays the claims so the farmer does not have to wait, and then submits it to the province for reimbursement.
She wrote, “The township livestock valuers have received the necessary training from the ministry and are familiar with the new guidelines, the new forms, reporting requirements, and their new responsibilities.”
She said the township currently pays $50 per call and mileage of $0.52 per kilometre. “This rate has not increased in the last six-plus years and is low in comparison to other area municipalities.”
O’Kane said a recent survey of local municipalities indicated they were paying anywhere from $60 to as high as $135, plus mileage.
She said in light of the changes to the program by the province, staff recommend an increase to $80 per call plus mileage.
“This increase will not result in an impact tot he budget,” she concluded.
Councillors were unanimous in approving the increases.
O’Kane said spring is the time of year that predators seem to get busy attacking livestock.
