The City of St. John’s will soon have the power to issue tickets on the spot for offences involving pets.

Currently, the city can only lay charges for violations, described as a “cumbersome and lengthy process” which can take months of time and resources before a trial.

That’s if they get to provincial court at all, after civil and traffic matters were suspended back in December.

Inspectors with Humane Services will be able to issue $100 tickets for “minor” violations of the Animal Control Bylaw, which runs the gamut from leash laws to humane care, excessive noise, and even poop and scoop.

The proposed amendment to Section 9 of the bylaw will come before the city’s committee of the whole later today, when more details are expected, such as what would constitute a “minor” violation.

The change will then go before a full vote of the council the following week.