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Proposed changes to Calgary’s pet bylaw would allow victims of trauma to keep unconventional emotional support animals within city limits.

Put forth by Coun. Jyoti Gondek, the notice of motion for Monday’s city council meeting would make provisions to allow residents to own and keep all sorts of comfort critters currently forbidden by the current bylaw.

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“According to the only bylaw we have that would allow for the flexibility for emotional support animals, we don’t have the tools as a city to allow for it right now,” she said.

“For me, this is an issue of health, and that’s why my notice of motion asks administration to work with AHS (Alberta Health Services) to have a proper categorization.”

Inspiration for the bylaw, Gondek said, came from the struggles of constituent Nikki Pike —in jeopardy of losing the three chickens she relies upon to deal with debilitating anxiety and depression.