Lethbridge County Council has approved changes to the Animal Control Bylaw, allowing a certain number of livestock, like goats, on properties within hamlet boundaries. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge County Council approves changes to Animal Control Bylaw

Mar 7, 2023 | 10:14 AM

LETHBRIDGE COUNTY, AB – Changes to the Animal Control Bylaw in Lethbridge County have been approved by council. Hamlet landowners can now keep a limited number of livestock on their property.

Under the amended bylaw, the County said hamlet properties are permitted up to five animal units, depending on the size of the parcel:

• Under one acre: 0.25 units
• 1.0 – 1.99 acres: one unit
• 2.0-2.99 acres: two units
• 3.0-3.99 acres: three units
• 4.0 acres or larger: five units

The County explained that one animal unit is equal to:

• One horse, donkey, or mule over a year old
• Two colts up to one-year-old
• One llama/alpaca
• Two ostriches, emu, or other ratite
• One cow or steer over one-year-old
• Two calves up to one-year-old
• One elk or bison/buffalo
• 50 broiler chickens
• 15 chickens (layers)
• 10 ducks, turkeys, pheasants, geese, or other similar fowl or in combination thereof
• Three sheep or goats over a year old
• Two swine over a year old
• 20 rabbits or other similar rodents

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Prior to the changes, livestock were not allowed on properties within hamlet boundaries (Chin, Diamond City, Iron Springs, Kipp, Monarch, Shaughnessy, and Turin). In 2022, Lethbridge County Council received a request to review the Animal Control Bylaw to allow for a small number of livestock on properties.

A public survey was made available in early 2023 to gather residential feedback on the subject. The survey found that the majority of respondents were in favour of allowing these animals on properties.

READ MORE: Feedback sought on animals in Lethbridge County hamlets

Lethbridge County Reeve Tory Campbell said in a news release that feedback from the public ultimately led to the changes being approved.

Campbell stated, “We feel that allowing small numbers of livestock supports the agricultural identity of Lethbridge County by giving residents the choice to raise these animals while having parameters in place to mitigate any negative impacts on neighbouring properties.”

The County noted that property owners who want to keep livestock on their land are not required to obtain a permit. However, they have to ensure that manure is properly managed, and that animal bedding, feed, feathers, or fur do not blow onto other properties or create any type of nuisance for other residents. Violating the bylaw could result in fines.

The full bylaw is available to view at the Lethbridge County website.

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