Calgary bylaw to curb effects of plant harmful to pets

The City of Calgary has amended a bylaw that will more effectively mitigate the potentially harmful effects of the Foxtail Barley plant.

The plant, also called Hordeum jubatum, is a perennial grass species native to North America.

And while it provides many benefits to the land that include erosion control, the city says the weed has “become a reported concern as it poses a danger to animals, especially dogs, when its seeds (also called awns) are ingested, inhaled or embedded in fur.”

The city says local veterinarians see injuries from Foxtail Barley, and it is a growing concern for many pet owners.

---

Read More: Calgary considers changes to manage weed harmful to pets

---

Under the Community Standards Bylaw, grasses or herbaceous plants over 15 centimetres in height must be controlled on nuisance properties.

It states a nuisance property is a residential property that shows signs of serious disregard for general maintenance and upkeep, which would negatively affect the health and safety of nearby residents.

Foxtail Barley is subject to the new requirement, and it was identified that mitigation before the plant reaches 15 centimetres is “crucial to prevent seeding and further spread.”

It also adds that nuisance property owners must control Foxtail Barley over eight centimetres before it poses a hazard to pets.

The fine is $500 per the bylaw.

“The bylaw amendment is not intended to eradicate Foxtail Barley in Calgary, instead it provides the ability to regulate the plant before it reaches maturity; an additional tool to address Foxtail Barley on properties where surrounding pets’ health and safety are adversely affected,” said Matthew Zabloski, Leader, Policy and Bylaw Development, Community Strategies.

More information on Foxtail Barley can be found on the city’s website.

-With files from Lauryn Heintz