The owner of a local pet services business is confident something can be done about the town’s burgeoning stray and lost pet problem.
Angie Parsons met with Deer Lake councillors Monday night in an in-camera session prior to the regular public meeting.
Parsons — who owns the Royal K9 Pet Spa, Resort and Training Centre — expressed her gratitude after councillors listened to her idea for a pilot project to help stray or lost dogs and cats in the area.
In recent months, Parsons said, more strays have been found in the area and she wants to set up a project to help those who find them have a place to take the animals after hours.
“They heard me, now they have to decide on it. I have a good feeling that the town can partner with me on this issue,” she said.
“It’s a pilot project, for all I know they might tell me (they don’t want to be part of it) at the end of the year, but I believe I have some solutions in mind.”
Parsons stressed recently that the project would not be part of her business and she is not looking to profit.
In the face of the stray animal issues in the community, she said, something needs to be done.
For those nervous about funding, she suggested a fee on animal licenses, which are currently being given away free of charge. Impound fees, she said, could also be discussed.
Deputy Mayor Sandra Pinksen said she liked what Parsons had to say and indicated support for the project.
“I see her point, I think the town needs to work with (Parsons) to find solutions to this problem,” she said.
“We don’t want it to be a burden for anybody. We’re still in the talking stage at the moment, but I like her ideas.”
Pinksen said she would also support ideas for funding, stating that if she let her own dog roam and get lost, she’d have to pay to get it from a dog catcher.
Parsons predicted a rocky start should she ultimately receive approval, and said a database would be required.
She hopes to hear an answer by the next council meeting in less than two weeks.