Dogs Running at Large
To report a found or lost dog, please call the Dog Control Officer, Kevin at 935-2385.
Found Dogs: None at this time.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 935-2385 to report a dog that is running at large or missing.
View the Dog Control By-law .
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.
