This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot 4b2c8ce9a314 · verified 2026-06-08 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Village of Barons
Bylaw #743
A BYLAW OF THE VILLAGE OF BARONS, IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, TO REPEAL
BYLAW NUMBER #675 AND TO ESTABLISH A BYLAW TO REGULATE AND CONTROL DOGS
WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY.
Whereas, under the authority of the Municipal Government Act of Alberta, being Chapter M-26 of the Revised
Statutes of Alberta, R.S.A. 2000 and amendments thereto, Section 7(h), the Council of a municipality may pass
bylaws to regulate and control domestic animals and activities in relation to them.
And Whereas the Council deems it expedient to pass a bylaw pursuant to Chapter M-26 of the Municipal
Government Act, Revised Statutes of Alberta and amendments thereto,
Now Therefore the Council of the Village of Barons enacts as follows:
1.
Title
This bylaw may be cited as the "Dog Control Bylaw".
2.
Definitions:
In this bylaw unless context otherwise requires:
a)
"Animal" indicates dog, either male of female
b)
"Animal Service Centre" means the facility established for the holding of impounded animals as
set out in this Bylaw
c)
"Bark Excessively" means a Dog that barks, howls or makes any other loud noise for a continuous
period of one half (1/2) hour, so as to unreasonably disturb the peace and tranquility of the
neighborhood.
d)
"Dog Control Officer" means the Administrator, Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Peace Officer or
RCMP appointed by the Village pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Government Act.
e)
"Dog Fanciers License" means an additional license issued annually to an owner permitting the
keeping or harbouring, on land or premises occupied by the owner, up to four (4) licensed dogs
over the age of six months
f)
"Fees and Charges Schedule" means the Enforcement Service Fees and Charges Schedule
approved by Council.
g)
"Former owner" means the person who at the time of impoundment was the owner of the animal
which has subsequently been sold or destroyed
h)
"Leash" means a chain or other material capable of restraining the dog on which it is being used
and shall not exceed three (3) metres in length.
i)
"License Tag" means a metal tag issued by the Village of Barons to an owner for each dog owned
and which bears a number corresponding to a number in a register file
j)
"Owner" means any person over the age of 18 and includes any person who has possession or
custody of the animal, either temporarily or permanently, or harbours the animal, or allows the
animal to remain on his premises.
k)
"Park" means any public space used for rest, recreation, exercise, pleasure, amusement and
enjoyment and includes but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, campground and cemeteries
l)
"Running at Large" means:
-
Any dog or dogs that is off the property of the owner or harbourer and is not on a leash or lead
and under the control of a responsible or competent person capable of controlling the Dog.
The dog(s) or are actually upon property other than the property in respect of which the owner
of the dog or dogs has the right of occupation, or upon any highway, thoroughfare, street, road,
trail, avenue, land, alley, square, bridge, causeway, trestleway, sidewalk (including the
boulevard portion of the sidewalk) park, or other public place; or
m) "School Grounds" means any public or private school and surrounding property that is controlled
by the school, school boards and/or the Village of Barons.
n)
"Vicious Dogs" means any dog, whatever its age, whether on public or private property, which has:
-
Any Dog which, without provocation has chased, injured or bitten any other domestic animal
or human; or
-
Without provocation, damaged or destroyed any public or private property; or
-
Without provocation, threatened or created the reasonable apprehension of a threat to other
domestic animals or humans and which in the opinion of the Administrator, Bylaw Officer,
Peace Officer or RCMP presents a threat of serious harm to other animals or humans;
-
Is a continuing threat of serious harm to other animals or humans.
-
Has been previously determined to be a vicious dog under this bylaw.
o)
"Village" means the Village of Barons in the Province of Alberta
All schedules attached to this bylaw shall form a part of this bylaw.
3.
Licensing of Animals:
a.
A resident of the Village of Barons who is the owner of any animal aged six (6) months or
older shall obtain a license for the animal from the Village Office as per Schedule "A";
b.
The owner of every animal shall, annually, on or before January 31st, renew the license for the
animal by submitting to the Village the annual licensing fee, as set out in Schedule "A", along
with any other information as may be required by the Village. A license shall be valid only for
the year for which it was issued, regardless of actual date upon which the license was
purchased;
c.
In addition to individual animal licensing, each owner having more than two (2) animals shall,
annually, on or before January 31st, renew the annual Dog Fancier's license as set out in
Schedule "A" along with all information as may be required by the Village. The license shall
be valid only for the year for which it was issued, regardless of the actual date upon which the
license was purchased.
d.
Obtain a license for an animal notwithstanding that it is under the age of three (3) months,
where the animal is found running at large;
e.
Upon initial payment of the license fee for each animal, a tag shall be issued to the owner with
a number corresponding to the number assigned to the animal in the registry. This tag will be
valid until such time as the animal is disposed of or dies or until the tag is misplaced or lost;
f.
Every owner shall provide his/her animal with a collar to which the owner shall affix the tag
for such animal and the owner shall ensure that the collar and tag are worn during those
occasions when the animal is not on the owner's premises;
g.
In case a tag is lost or destroyed, a replacement will be issued by the Village upon payment of
the fee as set out in Schedule "A" and provided the owner can provide proof of payment of the
license fee for the current animal license year or the Village administration records indicate
such payment was made;
h.
Licenses and tags are non-transferable from one animal to another and no refund shall be made
on any paid animal license fee because of death or sale of the animal or upon the owner's
leaving the Village before expiration of the license period;
i.
Any person who becomes the owner of the animal registered under this bylaw shall report the
change of ownership to the Village Office and the Village shall transfer ownership of the
license to that person, but no additional license fee shall be owing by that person to the Village
for the year for which the license was purchased;
j.
A registered Guide Dog owned by a blind, deaf, wheelchair assist, or search dogs person shall
be issued a license, free of charge;
4.
Offences and Responsibility of Owner:
a.
The owner of an animal is guilty of an offence if such animal:
i.
runs at large;
ii. is without a collar and tag while off the premises of its owner;
iii. is a female in heat and is not confined and housed in the residence of the
owner during the whole of the heat period;
iv. defecates on any Public or Private Property other than the property of its owner and
the owner or person in control of the animal fails to immediately remove such
defecation. This provision shall not apply to a registered guide dog while it is
assisting a blind person;
v. is on school property unless otherwise permitted or allowed by the School Board;
vi. is within a site containing playground apparatus and/or sand play area located on
public or private property other than the property of its owner;
vii.barks or howls excessively (see definition) so as in the opinion of the Bylaw
Enforcement Officer based on information gathered to cause an unreasonable
disturbance given, but not limited to, location, circumstances, and time of day;
viii.upsets or tears up any garbage bags or waste receptacles;
ix. damages public or private property;
x. chases any person, animal, bicycle or motor vehicle;
xi. bites any person or animal;
xii.attacks or injures any person or animal.
b.
The owner of an animal is guilty of an offence if they allow any fecal matter to remain on their
property or to accumulate to such an extent as to, in the opinion of a Bylaw Enforcement
Officer, constitute a nuisance by way of odour, unsightliness, or detrimental impact on the use,
enjoyment and value of nearby properties.
c.
No more than two (2) dogs shall be harboured, suffered, or permitted to remain upon or in any
land, house, shelter, room or place, building structure, or premises within the Village unless:
i.
The premises are lawfully used for the care and treatment of animals operated by and
under the charge of a registered veterinarian;
ii. The Owner is the holder of a valid and subsisting development permit to operate a
kennel, animal hospital, shelter, pound or other animal operation as authorized by the
Land Use Bylaw;
iii. The animals in excess of the limit are under eight weeks of age and the offspring of a
licensed animal residing at the same location.
iv. The Owner has obtained a Dog Fancier's License.
5.
Interference with Dogs
No person shall:
a)
Untie, loosen or otherwise free a Dog which has been tied or otherwise restrained; or
b)
Tease or torment a Dog or to otherwise provoke a Dog to bark, bite, attempt to bite, chase or
otherwise threaten any person or dog; or
c)
Negligently or willfully open a gate, door or other opening in a fence or enclosure in which a
Dog has been confined and thereby allow any dig to run at large in the Village.
6.
Nuisance
No person shall allow a Dog to:
a)
Howl or bark excessively (see definition) or in a manner to unreasonably interfere with the use
and/or enjoyment of another person's property.
b)
Bite or attempt to bite, bark at, chase or otherwise attempt to threaten any person or household
pet off the owner's property.
c)
Upset any waste receptacles or scatter the contents thereof on public property or any private
property not belonging to the owner; or
d)
Do any other act which causes harm, damage or injury to another pet or property.
7.
VICIOUS DOGS
a.
Only the Administrator, Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Peace Officer or RCMP have the authority to
declare a Dog to be a vicious dog. Intimidation behavior exhibited by a dog does not necessarily
mean that the animal is vicious.
b.
A dog shall not be deemed vicious if:
1.
It attacks or bites a trespasser whether it be another dog or human on the property of the owner
or the property controlled by him/her as the case of a renter.
d.
The Owner of a declared Vicious Dog shall ensure that, without provocation, such dog does
not:
i.
chase, injure or bite any other domestic animal or human;
ii. damage or destroy any public or private property;
iii. threaten or create the reasonable apprehension of a threat to other domestic animals or
humans;
iv. present a continuing threat of serious harm to other animals or humans.
e.
When a vicious dog is on the property of the owner, the owner shall ensure that:
i.
such dog is confined indoors and under the control of a person over the age of
eighteen (18) years;
ii. when such dog is outdoors it is in a secured enclosure which means a locked building,
cage or fenced area of such construction to prevent the escape of the vicious dog by
jumping, climbing, digging or forcing their way out and capable of preventing the
entry of any person not in control of the dog;
iii. the locked pen or other structure shall have secure sides and a secure top, and if it has
no bottom secured to the sides, the sides must be imbedded in the ground to a
minimum depth of thirty (30) centimetres;
iv. the locked pen or other structure shall provide the vicious dog with shelter from the
elements and be of the minimum dimensions of one and one-half (1.5) metres by
three (3) metres and be a minimum or one and one-half (1.5) metres in height;
v. the locked pen or other structure shall not be within one (1) metre of the property line
or within five (5) metres of a neighbouring dwelling unit;
f.
When a Vicious Dog is not on the property of the owner, the Owner shall ensure that at all
times the vicious dog is:
i.
muzzled;
ii. harnessed or leashed on a lead which length shall not exceed one (1) metre in a
manner that prevents the vicious dog from chasing, injuring or biting other domestic
animals or humans as well as preventing damage to public or private property;
iii. under the control of a person over the age of eighteen (18) years;
iv. the vicious dog is not running at large.
g.
Additionally, the owner of a vicious dog shall:
i.
immediately notify the Village Office and/or the Bylaw Enforcement Officer if the
vicious dog is running at large;
ii. remain liable for the actions of the dog until formal notification of sale, gift or transfer
is given to the Village Office.
h.
An Owner of an animal suspected of having rabies shall immediately:
i.
report the matter to Agriculture Canada, Veterinary Inspection directorate or to the
Bylaw Enforcement Officer;
ii. confine or isolate the animal, in such a manner as prescribed so as to prevent further
spread of the disease;
iii. shall keep the animal confined for not less than ten (10) days at the cost of the Owner.
i.
An owner of an animal that does not comply with the provisions of Part 4 shall be subject to a
penalty as provided in Schedule "B" of this bylaw for each consecutive demand made by the
Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
5.
Handicapped Owners:
a.
Notwithstanding Section 3(a) of this bylaw, where the Village of Barons is satisfied that a
person who is handicapped is the owner of an animal trained and used to assist such
handicapped persons, there shall be no fee payable by the owner for a license under Section
3(a), however, a tag must be obtained and the animal must be registered at the Village Office.
6.
Dog Fanciers License
a.
The maximum number of dogs in a single family dwelling or household shall be restricted to
two (2) dogs over the age of six (6) months, except in the case where an owner is in receipt of
a Dog Fancier's License.
b.
Any person requesting a Dog Fancier's License shall submit an application to the Animal
Control Officer which shall disclose;
i) location of property upon which the dogs will be housed;
ii) purpose;
iii) breed and sex of dogs;
iv) type of facilities;
v) consent of adjacent landowners;
c.
The Animal Control Officer shall not issue a Dog Fancier's License if, in his opinion, the site
or conditions are unsuitable.
d.
Any person who is refused a Dog Fancier's License may appeal the decision of the Animal
Control Officer to Council provided such appeal is submitted in writing within fourteen (14)
days of the Animal Control Officers decision.
e.
Any approved license shall be issued upon payment of the fee specified in Schedule "A" of this
Bylaw. Upon satisfaction that each animal is individually licensed, a Dog Fancier's License
shall be issued pursuant to Section 2 and/or 3 of this Bylaw.
f.
The Animal Control Officer may remove the Dog Fancier's License upon receipt of bonafide
complaints from two or more neighbors residing within sixty (60) meters of the residence of
the licensee.
7.
Responsibility of Village Administration:
1.
The Village of Barons shall arrange for a kennel to be established for the keeping and
impounding of animals and may do so by entering into an Agreement with a Contractor. A
Contractor or any such kennel may make rules and regulations for the operation and
management of the kennel, provided they are not inconsistent with this Bylaw.
2.
The Bylaw Enforcement Officer may seize and impound any animal found at large.
c.
In the active pursuit of any animal while the animal is at large, any Bylaw Enforcement Officer
empowered to apprehend animals under this part is hereby authorized to enter upon any lands
surrounding any building at all reasonable times.
d.
No Person, whether or not he is the Owner of an Animal which is being or has been pursued
or captured shall:
i.
interfere with or attempt to obstruct a Bylaw Enforcement Officer who was
attempting to capture or who has captured any animal in accordance with the
provisions of this bylaw;
ii. unlock or unlatch or otherwise open the motor vehicle in which animals captured for
impoundment have been placed, so as to allow or attempt to allow any animal to
escape there from;
iii. remove or attempt to remove any animal from the possession of the Bylaw
Enforcement Officer.
e.
The Village of Barons shall provide notice by letter or by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer
indicating that an animal or animals have been deemed to be Vicious Animal(s). If this
determination is contested, this may be done so at the Provincial Court. Any said costs
associated with this proceeding would be solely the responsibility of the Owner.
8.
Impounded Dogs
a
If a Bylaw Enforcement Officer knows or can ascertain the name of the owner of any impounded
animal, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer shall serve the owner with a copy of the Notice in Schedule
"C" of this bylaw, either personally or by leaving it, or by mailing it to the last known address of
the owner.
b. An owner of an animal to whom a notice is mail pursuant to subsection 6(a) is deemed to have
received the notice within forty-eight (48) hours from the time it is mailed.
c. The Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Contractor shall keep all impounded animals for a period of no
less than three (3) days, not including the day of impounding. Sundays and statutory holidays shall
not be included in the computation of the three (3) day period. During this period any healthy
animal may be redeemed by its owner, upon payment to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer of:
i.
the appropriate license fee when an animal is not licensed;
ii. kennel boarding fees as per contract rate for every twenty-four (24) hour period, or
fraction thereof;
iii. fines levied as per Schedule "B" of this bylaw.
d.
Where an animal is claimed, the owner shall provide proof of ownership or the animal prior to
the animal's release.
e.
At the expiration of the three (3) day period, any animal not redeemed may be destroyed or
sold.
f.
The Bylaw Enforcement Officer may, before selling an unclaimed animal, require that the
animal be spayed or neutered.
g.
The purchaser of an animal from the Bylaw Enforcement Officer pursuant to the provisions of
this section shall obtain full right and title to the animal and the rights and title of the former
owner of the animal shall cease thereupon.
h.
When the Bylaw Enforcement Officer agrees to put an animal to death, the owner shall pay to
the Village a fee as set out in Schedule "A" of this bylaw.
i.
The Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Contractor shall report any apparent illness, communicable
disease, injury, or unhealthy condition of any animal to a veterinarian and act upon his/her
recommendations. The owner, if known, shall be held responsible for all expenses so incurred.
9.
Penalties
a)
Any person who contravenes any provision of this bylaw is guilty of an offence and is liable
on summary conviction to a penalty as set out in Schedule "B" herein;
b.
Notwithstanding Section 8(a) of this bylaw, any person who commits a second or subsequent
offence under this bylaw within twelve (12) months of committing a first offence under this
bylaw, may be liable to an increased fine as set out in Schedule "B"
c.
A Bylaw Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized and empowered to issue a Violation Tag to
any person who the Bylaw Enforcement Officer has reasonable and probable grounds to
believes has contravened any provision of this bylaw
d.
A Violation Tag may be issued to such person:
1.
either personally;
2.
by mailing a copy to such person at their last know Post Office address; or
3.
upon retrieval of such person's animal from the Village's assigned pound.
e.
The Violation Tag shall be in a form approved by the Chief Administrative Officer and shall
state:
i.
The name of the owner;
ii.
The offence;
iii.
The appropriate penalty for the offence as specified in Schedule "B" of this
bylaw;
iv.
That the penalty shall be paid within twenty-two (22) days of the issuance of the
Violation Tag to avoid possible persecution; and
v.
Any other information as may be required by the Chief Administrative Officer.
f.
Where a violation tag is issued pursuant to this bylaw, the person to whom the Violation Tag is
issued may, in lieu of being prosecuted for the offence, pay the penalty specified on the
Violation Tag.
g.
Nothing in this bylaw shall prevent a Bylaw Enforcement Officer from immediately issuing a
Violation Tag.
h.
The Bylaw Enforcement Officer may enforce the provisions of this bylaw, and where a Bylaw
Enforcement Officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a provision of this bylaw has been
contravened, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer is authorized and empowered to immediately
issue a Violation Ticket pursuant to Part 2 of the Provincial Offences Procedures Act R.S.A.
2000, c. P-34, as amended, to any person who the Bylaw Enforcement Officer has reasonable
grounds to believe is responsible for the contravention.
i.
Where a Violation Ticket has been issued to a person pursuant to this bylaw, that person may
plead guilty to the offence by submitting to a clerk of the Provincial Court, the specified
penalty set out in the Violation Ticket at any time prior to the appearance indicated on the
Violation Ticket.
j.
The Violation Ticket shall be served upon the person who is believed to be responsible for the
contravention under the bylaw in accordance with the provisions of the Provincial Offences
Procedures Act, R.S. A. 2000, c. P-34. as amended.
k.
Should any person be guilty of an offence for which no penalty is specified, then such person
shall be liable upon summary conviction to a fine of not more than five thousand ($5,000)
dollars and not less than five hundred ($500.00) dollars.
10.
Severability
a.
Should any section or part of this bylaw be found to have been improperly enacted, for any
reason, then such section or part shall be regarded as being severable from the bylaw and the
bylaw remaining after such severance shall be effective and enforceable as if the section found
to be improperly enacted had not been enacted as part of this bylaw.
11.
Effective Date
This Bylaw shall come into force and effect on the final date of passing thereof.
Read a first time this 11th day of October, 2022
Read a second time this 11th day of October, 2022.
Unanimous consent to hold a third and final reading this 11th day of October, 2022
Read a third and final time and finally passed this 11th day of October, 2022.
_________________________
_________________________
Mayor
Administrator
Village of Barons
Bylaw #675
Schedule "A"
Fees
License Fees - Non-Vicious dogs
Neutered Male Dog
$10.00/year
Spayed Female Dog
$10.00/year
Non-Spayed Female Dog (over six months of age)
$50.00/year
Non-Neutered Male Dog (over six months of age)
$50.00/year
Dog Fanciers Annual License Fee
$100.00/year
License Fee - Vicious Dogs
Neutered Male Dog
$250.00/year
Spayed Female Dog
$250.00/year
Non-Spayed Female Dog (over six months of age)
$500.00/year
Non-Neutered Male Dog (over six months of age)
$500.00/year
Replacement Tags
$5.00/each
Impoundment Fees
As set out by the Shelter
Veterinary Fees
Amount Expended
Village of Barons
Bylaw #675
Schedule "B"
Fines and Penalties
Infraction
First
Offence
Second
Offence
Subsequent
Offence
Part 3
Sec. 3 (a)
Fail to obtain an animal license (non-vicious dog)
$75.00
$150.00
$300.00
Sec. 3 (a)
Fail to obtain an animal license (vicious dog)
$150.00
$300.00
$600.00
Part 4
Sec. 4 (a) (i)
Runs At Large
$150.00
$200.00
$250.00
Sec. 4 (a)(ii)
Fail to ensure collar and current tag worn on
i
l
$50.00
$100.00
$200.00
Sec. 4 (a) (iii)
Fail to confine animal in heat
$250.00
$300.00
$350.00
Sec. 4 (a) (iv)
Fail to immediately remove animal defecation
$100.00
$200.00
$400.00
Sec. 4 (a) (v)
Animal on School Property
$300.00
$350.00
$400.00
Sec. 4 (vi)
Animal in Playground or Sand Area
$300.00
$350.00
$400.00
Sec. 4 (vii)
Animal barks or howls so as to disturb any person
$150.00
$200.00
$400.00
Sec. 4 (viii)
Animal upsets or tears up garbage or waste
t
l
$100.00
$200.00
$400.00
Sec. 4 (ix)
Animal damages public or private property
$150.00
$300.00
Court
Sec. 4 (x)
Animal chases any person, animal, bicycle or
motor vehicle
$200.00
$400.00
Court
Sec. 4 (xi)
Animal bites any person or animal
$500.00
750.00
Court
Sec. 4 (xii)
Animal attacks or injures any person or animal
$500.00
750.00
Court
Sec. 4 (b) (i)
Fail to provide identification
$100.00
$150.00
$200.00
Sec. 4 (b) (ii)
Providing false or misleading information
$200.00
$400.00
Court
Sec. 4 (c)
Allows animal fecal matter to accumulate on
t
$250.00
$400.00
$500.00
Sec. 4(d)
Harbouring, suffering or permitting more than
two dogs at a residence without a Dog Fanciers
Li
$250.00
$300.00
$400.00
Sec. 4 (e)(i)
Vicious Dog chases, injures or bites any other
domestic animal or human
$1,000.00
Court
Court
Sec. 4 (e)(ii)
Vicious Dog damages or destroys any public or
private property
$500.00
$1,000.00
Court
Sec. 4 (e)(iii)
Vicious Dog threatens any other domestic animal
or human
$500.00
$1,000.00
Court
Sec. 4 (e)(iv)
Vicious Dog presents a continuing threat of
serious harm to other animals or humans
1,000.00
Court
Court
Sec. 4 (f)(i)
Vicious Dog confined indoors and not under
control of a person over eighteen (18) years of
$250.00
$500.00
$750.00
Sec. 4 (f) (ii)
Failure to confine a Vicious Dog out of doors in
an appropriate pen or other structure
$1,000.00
$1,500.00
Court
Sec. 4 (f) (iii)
Failure to maintain a pen or other structure for
containing a Vicious Dog in the prescribed
$1,000.00
$,1500.00
$2,000.00
Sec. 4 (f) (iv)
Failure to provide adequate shelter for a vicious
d
$1,000.00
$1,500.00
$2,000.00
Sec. 4 (g) (i)
Failure to muzzle a vicious dog
$500.00
$1,000.00
Court
Sec. 4 (g) (ii)
Failure to harness or leash a vicious dog
$500.00
$1,000.00
Court
Sec. 4 (g) (iii)
Failure to have a vicious dog under control of a
person over eighteen (18) years of age
$500.00
$750.000
Court
Sec. 4 (g) (iv)
Vicious Dog running at large
$1,000.00
1,500.00
Court
Sec. 4 (h) (i)
Failure to notify authorities of vicious dog
running at large
$1,000.00
$1,500.00
Court
Village of Barons
Bylaw #743
Schedule "C"
Notification of Contravention
You are hereby notified that an animal known to have been under your control at your
lands (location) ________________________________________ on __________________,
20___ pursuant to the provisions of Bylaw #743 of the Village of Barons and that unless
the said animal is claimed and all impound charges, fines and fees are paid on or before
______________________________, 20 ____, the said animal will be sold, destroyed or
otherwise disposed of pursuant to said Bylaw.
You will be held liable for all boarding, impoundment and/or penalties incurred by
having this animal impounded.
Bylaw Officer
Village of Barons