I asked an insider why Calgary Alberta, with a simple and straightforward bylaw, has one of the most effective animal control programs in North America.

Here's the reply. 

Calgary has a 98% licensing rate.

Every dog that is licensed is also micro-chipped, so when a dog is picked up by the AC it is scanned and brought back to the owner, the owner is presented with their dog along with a notice of any fines.

Since the ACO's have scanners in their vehicles the dogs don't even make it
to the pound.

I might add that Calgary has one of the most efficient AC's on the continent, they are coming right out of university with degrees in Criminology, animal behaviour etc and  they also work with law enforcement.  They go with the police on a call, they go in first neutralize any dogs, without harm to the dog or the police.

The head of animal control told me they have not used a noose in seven years, the ACO's are trained in Canine Behaviour.  They have not had a bite incident in years either.

 

Calgary has a population of 1 million (approx - the city is growing rapidly), and has 22 ACOs.

Calgary has also an education department , where they teach bite prevention in schools,  to the police dept. postal workers , utility people etc. Ongoing public education. They also have constant, ongoing training for their ACOs.

Calgary has graduated licensing also, cheaper if your dog is altered, and you have a CGN, TT, and obedience training.

Here is the best part, the City of Calgary will send Bill Bruce (this is his brain -child ) to a city near you, to help set up the same system, or adapt it to the needs of your community...for a price of course , but not over-the-top expensive , well worth the investment.

Calgary's law pays for itself  from licensing fees and fines, no tax dollars are shelled out to support Animal Control

Talk about progressive government!