On October 9, Ritchot’s council held a special public meeting to consider a tender from a Manitoba company to operate as the municipality’s animal control officer. By the end of the meeting, council voted unanimously in favour.
“After reaching out to a few companies, RAMS responded with a clear and timely proposal,” says assistant CAO Dominique Lemoine. “We’re pleased they were able to step in quickly, as we’ve been working to replace our ACO since 2022.”
Based out of Anola, Rural Animal Management Services (RAMS) provides specially trained personnel who work within a municipality’s animal control bylaws.
According to the RAMS website, they will investigate citizen complaints and concerns regarding domestic and livestock animals. They issue warnings and citations to animal owners and impound lost, stray, and dangerous animals.
While they won’t conduct regular patrols, Lemoine says they will be available to respond to situations on a per complaint basis. Residents will soon be provided with information necessary so they can contact RAMS directly when needed.
“To start, this is absolutely needed,” Mayor Chris Ewen told council. “The amount of calls I’ve been getting and the influx [of incidents] over the last year especially has increased dramatically and I think a necessary part of having enforcement in the municipality of Ritchot is animal control.”
Councillor Janine Boulanger seconded Ewen’s sentiment, indicating that municipal staff have been working hard at this for some time.
When asked whether Ritchot would be collaborating with neighbouring municipalities on this animal control initiative, Lemoine said not at this time.
The monthly cost to the RM for animal control services will come to $4,500.
