This BC Town Passed A Bylaw Banning Pet Cats From Roaming Into Neighbouring Properties

Here, kitty kitty.

Senior Writer

If you live in Nanaimo, B.C. and own a cat, you'll definitely want to look at the new bylaw that just came into effect.

On September 21, the city council adopted the Animal Responsibility Bylaw, which provides new provisions for your feline friends.

Effective immediately, cats are prohibited from "running at large in a public place or another persons' property without their permission."

Mandatory identification has also been implemented for cats as well as mandatory sterilization for outdoor cats.

However, until January 1, 2023, all seizure and impound fees will be waived for any cat that is taken in, but has been sterilized and has identification

"Pets are beloved family members and bring an abundance of joy to our lives," said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog in the release. "This new bylaw focuses on protecting our pets through responsible and ethical care along with guidelines to ensure they are good neighbours."

There's also an update on the terminology used around dogs. The term "restricted dog" will no longer be used to prevent targeting certain animals and "vicious dog" will now be referred to as "aggressive dog."

The city said the main focus of this bylaw is to "emphasize the importance of animal safety and responsible pet ownership."

  • Senior Writer

    Sarah Rohoman (she/her) was a Senior Writer with Narcity Media. She has worked at BuzzFeed Canada, Yahoo Canada, and CBC Radio in news, lifestyle, ecommerce, and social media. She has an MA in Journalism from Western University and a BA from McGill. She loves libraries, alpacas, and all things witchy.

A burst of snow will bring up to 20 cm to Ontario this week before the cold snap ends

Temperatures will warm up but still be cold enough for "lingering" snow.

CSIS is hiring for these jobs and you can get paid up to $120,000 a year to be nosy

You'll help investigate threats to national security. 🔍

U of T is the only Canadian school in the top 10 of this new best universities ranking

It beat every Canadian university in all of these subject areas! 📚

Canada's 'most romantic town' is near Toronto and it's filled with European charm

It's the perfect place to visit with your favourite person.

Lotto 6/49 winners split a $5M jackpot with another ticket and didn't believe it was real

They checked the ticket online and at a store to make sure they really won the jackpot. 💸

6 cheap and safe Caribbean destinations to visit in 2026 if you're skipping Cuba

Turquoise waters, white sands, and no travel warnings. 😌🏝️