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Thornton-Joe said in cities where horse-drawn carriages have been banned, concern about horses working in extreme weather such as excessive heat has been a factor.

“Veterinarians have said that our weather patterns, the highs and the lows, have not reached that extreme. And the only time they would support and put their name behind (such a restriction) would be for racing horses who are exerting a lot of energy when they are running,” she said.

Councillors also supported changes to the Animal Control Bylaw, including renaming the bylaw the Animal Responsibility Bylaw. The changes will prohibit the sale of dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and rabbits at pet stores — a move that is moot given that no pet stores in the city sell any of those animals.

“Although we don’t have the issue right now, as this table often finds, there’s nothing worse than having to create policy when it’s a need right that second,” Thornton-Joe said.

The ban is aimed at reducing impulse buying and overpopulation of some animals, and to ensure pets are coming from reputable breeders.

Thornton-Joe won support for bylaw amendments patterned after ones enacted in Surrey and Duncan, and in a model bylaw prepared by the SPCA.

Changes seek to ensure dogs aren’t injured while tied up, that dogs not be tied up using choke collars, or with ropes or cords that might choke, and not tied up more than four hours in a 24-hour period.

Owners walking dogs deemed aggressive off their own property will be required to use a leash not longer than a metre, ensure the dog isn’t running at large, keep the dog muzzled when in an off-leash area and ensure the dog has permanent identification registered with the city.

There are also prohibitions against allowing animals to suffer from hypothermia, dehydration, discomfort or exertion causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury; teasing, tormenting, beating, kicking or provoking an animal; and training or allowing an animal to fight.

Councillors also supported regulations for keeping urban chickens and bees, specifying a maximum of 12 hens and limiting the number of beehives according to property size.