There was a lot of emotion as people walked to the Colchester municipal building, holding signs high and chanting, at noon on Tuesday.
About 100 residents took part in a protest against Colchester County’s proposed kennel bylaw. The group walked from Central Nova Animal Hospital to the municipal building, where they remained for about an hour. They continued to speak out against the bylaw, with chants such as ‘Hey, hey! Ho, ho! This bylaw has got to go!’ and ‘Vote No!’ Many vehicles driving past honked their horns in support.
“We’re here because we’re all concerned about the proposed bylaw that will be going to its second reading on August 30, which is this Thursday night,” said Kim Pennie, who organized the protest.
“This is a bylaw that attacks not just dog owners kennel owners but pretty much anyone in Colchester County- if you use a doggie day care, if you use a groomer, if you use a boarding kennel or if your neighbour uses these services. It’s going to affect retail services and veterinarians. This is a bylaw that’s going to potentially have an effect on a lot of people.”
She said she’d like to see council meet with people that can help them create a bylaw that will help residents, not impede them.
“We want council to know we want this defeated. We don’t want it amended, we don’t want it tabled, we want it defeated.”
Second reading of the proposed bylaw is scheduled for Thursday evening. At that time council can decide whether to adopt it, reject it, amend it or send it for revision.
Another protest is planned for the parking lot of the municipal building at 6 p.m. Thursday evening, shortly before council meets.
The draft bylaw can be seen at the county building, on the corner of Queen and Church Streets, or online at www.colchester.ca, under ‘Latest Documents.’
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