New bylaw amendments adopted by the City of Victoria will go a long way to protect animals from abuse and neglect.
The changes set limits on the number of animals permitted on a property to reduce the risk of hoarding, and new tethering restrictions
Amy Morris, BC SPCA manager of public policy and outreach says in the past many dogs have suffered from tethering for long periods of time, and now the new regulations demand that the owner be home while the dog is being restrained.
"So you have to be home with your dog if they are going to be tethered and you can have them on a tether for up to four hours, but after that point they need to come off the tether and come inside or be in a fenced area."
Further, the new protections prevent any person from physically abusing or provoking an animal, and owners must ensure pets don't endure unnecessary pain or suffering, including hypothermia and dehydration.