The ink is barely dry on New Tecumseth's brand new Canine Control Bylaw and already council is making changes.

The chair of the Simcoe County branch of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency Leah Riddell wrote a letter to council asking it to exempt livestock guardian dogs from the licensing guides. The bylaw allows for three dogs in urban areas and five in rural areas. Exceeding the limit warrants a $500 fee for each additional dog.

Livestock guardian dogs protect sheep flocks from predators and stray dogs. With an increase in coyote attacks on livestock in the past two years, Riddell's letter said these dogs are being used to guard herds.

New Tecumseth has six farms eligible for livestock guardian dogs. Should the dogs be given the exemption, councillors want to ensure there is proper signage. Because some of the farms are 100 acres or more, Mayor Mike MacEachern said they are thinking along the same lines as how hunting signs are posted.

"At least neighbours will be notified dogs are on the abutting property," said Coun. Barbara Huson.

Town staff are in favour of exempting the livestock guardian dogs. The changes to bylaw will be voted on at the July 14 council meeting.