Animals and Livestock
Lost/Found Dogs
To report a found or lost dog, please call the Dog Control Officer, Kevin at 708-2049.
Found Dogs: None at this time.
Finding a Dog: A resident who finds a dog running at large or trespassing shall encourage the dog to leave the property. If the dog is aggressive, the non-emergency number for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is to be called to report the dog. If the dog has attacked a person or animal, the OPP is to be called. Contact neighbours in the area, to attempt to find the owner of the dog, as well as notify the Dog Control Officer that a dog has been found. If the dog owner is found, notify the Dog Control Officer. If after twenty-four (24) hours of notifying the Dog Control Officer the dog is still running at large or trespassing, and the owner has not been found, or the dog has not been claimed by the owner, the Dog Control Officer may be called to seize the dog in order to be impounded.
Missing Dogs: An owner who is missing their dog shall make every reasonable effort to locate the dog and contact the Dog Control Officer to report the missing dog. An owner who reports a missing dog to the Dog Control Officer, that is subsequently found to be running at large or trespassing, and has proven to the Dog Control Officer that every reasonable effort had been taken to prevent the dog from running at large or trespassing, on a first offence, shall not be considered to be in contravention of any provision of the by-law. The 12 hour time limits for claiming the dog once found still apply.
Dogs Roaming at Large
Council has enacted By-law #2010-656, a by-law for the control of dogs running at large or trespassing, known as the Dog Control By-law. Under this by-law, every owner of a dog shall prevent such dog from running at large or trespassing. A dog shall be deemed to be running at large or trespassing when found in any place other than the premises of the owner of the dog; and not under the control of any person. A dog shall not be considered to be running at large or trespassing if on the owner’s property; or under the control of any person by being connected to that person by a leash; or “at heel” beside a person and is obedient to that person’s command.
Impoundment: Dog owners will be given first and second offence warnings that their dog is reported to be running at large or trespassing. Third and subsequent offences shall result in the dog being seized by the Dog Control Officer and impounded at the City of Thunder Bay Animal Services. To claim a dog from impoundment, a fee of $125 for first offences and $175 for second and third offences, is payable at the Municipal Office, together with the fees for the dog’s keep. All fees must be paid prior to claiming the dog. All dogs are held a minimum of three days (excluding the day the dog was impounded and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays).
The owner of a dog who has been notified that their dog has been found running at large or trespassing, shall claim their dog within twelve (12) hours after notification from the Dog Control Officer.
Dog Control Officer: Kevin Turnbull has been appointed as the Dog Control Officer to enforce the provisions of the Dog Control By-law. He may contacted at 708-2385 to report a dog that is running at large or missing.
Barking Dogs
Barking Dogs: There are currently no laws that allow the Township or the OPP to control barking dogs. If you are having a problem with your neighbour’s dog(s) barking, please discuss the situation with your neighbour to work out a solution.
Aggressive Dogs/Dog Bites
If a dog on your property is aggressive toward you or other animals on your property, or a dog has bitten a person or attacked another animal, call the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.
Cats
There are no licensing requirements for cats, or any by-laws pertaining to cats roaming at large.
Livestock Roaming at Large
Under the Ontario Pounds Act,as an owner of livestock it is your responsibility to ensure that your livestock are securely fenced from roaming at large. As a livestock owner, you are responsible for any damage that roaming and trespassing livestock may cause to another person's property.
Livestock Predation and Compensation
Under the Ontario Protection of Livestock and Poultry from Dogs Act and the Ontario Wildlife Compensation Program, livestock and poultry producers are entitled to make claims to their local municipality for livestock losses attributable to attacks by wildlife and dogs.
Program Eligibility - Farm Business Registration Number and Premises ID Number
Preventing Livestock Predation
If you require the services of the Livestock Evaluator, please call:
John Meijaard at 475-8325.
If John is not available please call Renata Thiboutot at 577-7343.
For damage to honeybees and hives caused by bears, an Ontario Bee Valuer is to be called and you may receive compensation through the Ontario Damage to Honeybee Colonies by Bear Compensation Program.
