Animal Control wraps up 2025 with strong community support and stable operations

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: From dog and cat adoptions to responding to complaints about wildlife, Scugog Township’s Animal Control team handled another busy year, in 2025, maintaining stable animal populations while expanding community engagement. The department presented its year-end report to council, on Monday, February 2nd.

“Even with modest increases in dog impoundments and decreases in cat and wild animal calls, our animal populations remain well-managed,” said Hilary Williams, Director of Development Services, By-law & Animal Control. “Our focus continues to be animal welfare and keeping the community safe.”

Supervisor Jessica Pett highlighted the department’s emphasis on reunifications and adoptions. “Most cases are resolved through returning pets to their owners or finding them permanent homes. These numbers show our programs are working,” Ms. Pett said.

Mayor Wilma Wotten praised the team’s efforts. “Animal Control is essential to public safety and animal welfare in our township,” she said. “It’s great to see the community supporting these initiatives, through donations, adoptions, and volunteer involvement.”

Financially, the department reported strong results. Dog tag sales remained steady, at 1,670, while total revenues from Animal Control-related activities increased, from slightly more than $90,000, in 2024, to nearly $116,000 in 2025. Donations rose sharply, from approximately $28,000 to over $47,000, while pound fees, including adoptions, also increased.

“These numbers reflect both strong community support and responsible financial management,” Mayor Wotten said.

Operationally, the department saw shifts toward more proactive enforcement. Complaints increased from 156 to 196, charges laid rose from 13 to 23, and orders to restrain climbed from 8 to 14. After-hours calls decreased from 115 to 50, while patrol hours remained consistent, at just under 500. Fundraising events increased significantly, from three in 2024 to 11 in 2025.

“The statistics show our focus, on proactive enforcement and community engagement, is paying off,” Ms. Pett said. “We continue to balance public safety with responsible pet ownership initiatives across Scugog.”

The report also aligns with township priorities, such as: good governance, community well-being, inter-municipal collaboration, and efficient resource management. Council received the report for information, recognizing the department’s efforts in managing service demand, promoting animal welfare, and strengthening community ties.

“2025 was a year of progress for Animal Control,” Ms. Williams concluded. “We’re proud of the results and excited to continue improving services in 2026.”