Animal Welfare Questions for Mayoral Candidates - Ryan Mennie

I’m happy to share that we have received another response to our animal welfare questions! Ryan Mennie has shared the following responses.

What role do you believe the City should play in supporting animal welfare and the human–animal bond in our community?

The City’s role is to be a leader and a partner. It must provide the foundational support that allows our community’s experts—like PAACT and other local rescues—to thrive. This includes maintaining fair and effective bylaws, providing access to public spaces like dog parks, and championing a culture of responsible pet ownership.

How do you plan to strengthen collaboration between the City and local nonprofits working on animal welfare?

My leadership style is built on direct collaboration. As Mayor, I am committed to bringing groups like PAACT and other front-line rescues to the table for regular meetings. This is about getting your direct, unfiltered feedback so that we can co-develop practical strategies for the challenges we face.

Housing insecurity is a major reason people surrender pets. Would you support policies that encourage or incentivize pet-friendly housing in our city?

Yes, absolutely. Keeping families and their pets together is crucial. As Mayor, I will support a review of our city's bylaws to identify and remove any outdated barriers that might discourage landlords from offering pet-friendly housing, and I am open to exploring voluntary incentive programs.

What is your position on humane strategies (like TNR—trap, neuter, return) to address the stray and feral cat population in Lethbridge?

I have direct, and frankly, challenging experience with this issue. In Campbell River, we had a persistent issue with a large feral cat colony. We tried Trap-Neuter-Return, but as a standalone strategy, it was not enough to control the population. That experience taught me that while humane strategies like TNR can be part of a solution, they are often ineffective without being paired with a much broader approach. We need strong public education and, most importantly, effective bylaws that promote responsible pet ownership to stop the problem at its source.

In cases of natural disasters, housing displacement, or domestic violence, pets are often left out of emergency planning. How would you ensure pets are included in municipal crisis response plans?

This is a critical public safety issue. As Mayor, I will direct our Emergency Management team to conduct a full review of all municipal crisis response plans to ensure they include clear, practical provisions for the temporary shelter and care of companion animals during an emergency.

Lethbridge is significantly lacking in bylaws surrounding responsible cat ownership, how do you, if at all, plan to address this issue?

I support addressing this directly. The lack of a modern, comprehensive responsible cat ownership bylaw is a major gap. As Mayor, I will support the development of a new bylaw based on common-sense measures, broad community consultation, and a focus on responsible ownership.

Do you have any plans to address the crippling pet overpopulation crisis that we are currently facing?

Yes. This crisis requires a multi-pronged approach, led from the Mayor’s office. My plan is to champion a modern responsible cat ownership bylaw, support effective and humane population control strategies, and, most importantly, foster a true partnership with our local rescue groups who are on the front lines.

Do you have any plans to approve support for local rescue and animal support groups?

Yes. I see our local rescues as essential partners. As Mayor, I will explore new models for partnership, which could include "fee-for-service" agreements where the City can partner with and compensate rescue groups for the specific, valuable services they provide to our community. This is a fiscally responsible way to support the experts.

How will you make space for these voices when making applicable decisions?

Through regular, direct meetings with groups like yours. My door will always be open, and I will be a Mayor who actively seeks out and listens to the people who are doing the hard work on the ground every single day.