Animals and Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw No. C-1226 (Office Consolidation) — full text

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CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE OFFICE CONSOLIDATION BYLAW C-1226 A Bylaw of the City of Grande Prairie in the Province of Alberta Respecting Animals and Responsible Pet Ownership (As Amended by Bylaw C-1226A, C-1226B, C-1226C and C-1226D) THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE, IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, DULY ASSEMBLED, ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: TITLE This Bylaw may be cited as the "Animals and Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw" of the City of Grande Prairie. DEFINITIONS "ANIMAL" means any domestic cat or domestic dog. "ANIMAL SHELTER" means premises designated by the City for the impoundment and care of Animals. "ANIMAL TAG" means an identification tag bearing a distinctive number issued by the City for a specific Animal upon payment of a License fee, in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A" and intended to be worn on a collar attached to the Animal's neck. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) "ATHLETIC FIELD" means any field and/or land of natural and/or manmade composition that is used for athletic purposes to conduct organized or unorganized sporting activities including but not limited to a baseball field, soccer pitch, player or spectator bench and lawn bowling field, and excludes a Golf Course. "ATTACK" means an assault resulting in bleeding, bone breakage, sprains, serious bruising or multiple injuries. "BITE" means a wound to the skin causing it to bruise, puncture, or break. Deleted by Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025 "CHIEF BYLAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER" means a Person appointed under the provisions of Bylaw C-829, as amended, or designate. "CITY" means the City of Grande Prairie or the corporate limits of the City of Grande Prairie, as the context may require. Deleted by Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025 BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 2 "DIRECTOR" means the City's Protective & Social Services Director or a person or persons designated to carry out and exercise all or some of the Director's functions pursuant to this Bylaw. (Bylaws C-1226C - March 26, 2018 and C-1226D - July 1, 2019) "EXOTIC ANIMAL" means any Snake or Reptile. "HIGHWAY" has the same meaning as defined in the Traffic Safety Act. "HORSE OR CATTLE DRAWN VEHICLE" means a vehicle designed to be pulled or drawn by a horse or cattle including, but not limited to, a wagon or carriage. "IMPOUND" means lodgement and care of an Animal at a designated Animal Shelter. "INFECTIOUS PHYSICAL CONDITION" means any abnormal physical condition which is liable to be passed on to other Animals or humans by invasion of an organism emanating from the Animal suffering from the abnormal physical condition. "LEASH" means a line not exceeding two (2) meters in length capable of leading or restraining the Animal on which it is being used. "LICENSE" means a License issued by the City in accordance with the provisions of this Bylaw and, where the context permits, includes Vicious Animal License and Nuisance Animal License. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) "LICENSE FEE" means the applicable annual Fee, in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A" payable in respect of any License issued pursuant to this Bylaw. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) "LIVESTOCK" includes, but is not limited to: a) a horse, mule, ass, swine, emu, ostrich, camel, llama, alpaca, sheep, pig (including potbellied pigs), or goat; b) domestically reared or kept deer, reindeer, moose, elk or bison; c) farm bred fur bearing animals including foxes and mink; d) animals of the bovine species; e) animals of the avian species including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese or pheasants; and f) all other animals that are kept for agricultural purposes. but does not include a domestic cat or domestic dog. (Bylaw C-1226C - March 26, 2018) "MOTOR VEHICLE" has the same meaning as defined in the Traffic Safety Act. "MUNICIPAL TAG" means a tag whereby the Person alleged to have committed a breach of a provision of this bylaw is given the opportunity to pay a Specified Penalty to the City in lieu of prosecution for an offence. "MUZZLE" means a device of sufficient strength placed over an Animal's snout to prevent it from biting. BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 3 "NUISANCE ANIMAL" means an Animal in respect of which there have been three (3) or more infractions under this Bylaw and as determined by the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer. "OFF LEASH AREA" means an area designated by the City for the purpose of exercising and training of dogs while off leash. "OWNER" means a Person: a) who has the care, custody, possession or control of an Animal; b) who owns or who claims any proprietary interest in an Animal; c) who harbours or permits an Animal to be present on any property owned, occupied or leased by the person or which is otherwise under their control; d) who claims and receives an Animal from custody of the Animal Shelter or a Peace Officer; e) to whom an Animal License was issued for an Animal in accordance with this Bylaw. (Bylaws C-1226D - July 1, 2019 and C-1489 - July 14, 2025) "OWNER'S PROPERTY" means any property in which the Owner has a legal or equitable interest or which is otherwise under the control or is in the possession of the Owner, and which property shall include land, buildings and vehicles. "PATHWAY" means a multi-purpose thoroughfare controlled by the City for use by pedestrians, cyclists and Persons using Wheeled Conveyances, which is improved by asphalt, concrete or brick, whether or not it is located in a Park, and includes any bridge or structure with which it is contiguous. "PEACE OFFICER" means a sworn member of the Grande Prairie Police Service, a sworn member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a bylaw enforcement officer of the City, or a community peace officer of the City. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) "PERMITTED PROPERTY" means private property the Owner of which has given permission to the Owner of an Animal for the Animal to be there. "PERSON" means an individual or any business or other entity including a firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or society. "PLAYGROUND" means land controlled by the City upon which apparatus such as swings and slides are placed. "PROPERLY RESTRAINED" means the Animal is: a) being carried by a Person capable of restraining the size and strength of the particular Animal; b) being confined in a kennel or like container, properly latched or locked; or c) being restrained by a Person capable of restraining the size and strength of the specific Animal by means of a leash. "PUBLIC PLACE" means any place including privately and publicly owned or leased property, to which the public reasonably has or is permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise, within the City. BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 4 "PUBLIC PROPERTY" means any school ground, highway, park and recreation area, and includes any open space to which the public reasonably has or is permitted to have access. "RESIDENCE" means a place used by a person as a permanent private dwelling or a temporary residence, including any structure or land adjacent to the private dwelling or temporary residence that is used for the convenience or enjoyment of the occupants of the dwelling. "RUNNING AT LARGE" means an Animal which is not Properly Restrained upon property other than Permitted Property, or upon any Public Property, or Public Place which has not been designated as an Off Leash area. "RURAL SERVICE AREA" means the identified areas within the corporate limits of the City of Grande Prairie. (Bylaw C-1226C - March 26, 2018) "SCHOOL GROUND" means land adjacent to a school and is owned or occupied by any school district or private school and includes property owned or occupied with another party or the City. "SERVICE DOG" means a service dog as defined in the Service Dogs Act. "SEVERE PHYSICAL INJURY" includes any injury resulting from an Attack or Bite and further includes any other injury as determined to be severe by a court upon hearing the evidence. "SPCA" means the Grande Prairie Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "SPECIFIED PENALTY" means the penalty specified in Schedule "B" which may be paid in response to a Municipal Tag or Violation Ticket, for an alleged offence of any section of this Bylaw. "VETERINARIAN" means a veterinarian registered and licensed to practice. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) "VICIOUS ANIMAL" means any Animal, whatever its age, which has been declared a Vicious Animal under Section 6.2 of this Bylaw. INTERPRETATION 1.1 Each provision of this Bylaw is independent of all other provisions and if any provision is declared invalid for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions of this Bylaw remain valid and enforceable. 1.2 Nothing in this Bylaw relieves a Person from complying with any provision of any federal or provincial law or regulation, other bylaw or any requirement of any lawful permit, order or License. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) 1.3 Any heading or sub-headings in this Bylaw are included for guidance purposes and convenience only, and shall not form part of this Bylaw. BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 5 1.4 Where this Bylaw refers to another Act, Bylaw, regulation or agency, it includes reference to any Act, bylaw, regulation or agency that may be substituted therefor. 1.5 All the schedules attached to this Bylaw shall form a part of this Bylaw. LICENSING PROVISIONS ANIMAL LICENSING 2.1 A Person may own or keep an Animal within the City provided it is licensed under this Bylaw. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) 2.1A Cats located in the Rural Service Area are exempt from the licensing provisions of this Bylaw. (Bylaw C-1226C - March 26, 2018) 2.2 The City shall issue a License and an Animal Tag to an Owner following approval of an application for License and receipt of the License Fee, in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A". (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) 2.3 The Owner shall ensure the Animal wears the current Animal Tag purchased for it when the Animal is off the Owner's Property or off Permitted Property. 2.4 A Person shall affix, or permit to be affixed, an Animal Tag only to the Animal for which that Tag has been issued. 2.5 A License is valid for twelve (12) calendar months commencing on the first day of the month following the month in which the License application was approved. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) 2.6 A Person shall obtain a License for an Animal: a) on the first business day following the Animal reaching three (3) months of age; b) on the first business day after the Person becomes Owner of an Animal older than three (3) months of age; (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) c) where an Animal is found Running at Large, notwithstanding that it is under the age of three (3) months. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) NUISANCE OR VICIOUS ANIMAL LICENSING 2.7 A Person may own or keep a Nuisance or Vicious Animal within the City provided it is licensed under this Bylaw. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) 2.8 The Owner of a Nuisance or Vicious Animal shall ensure that their Animal wears the current Animal Tag purchased for that Animal, when the Animal is off the Owner's Property. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 6 2.9 A Person shall affix, or permit to be affixed, an Animal Tag only to the Nuisance or Vicious Animal for which that Tag has been issued. 2.10 Only one (1) Nuisance or one (1) Vicious Animal will be permitted at any premise with a municipal address in the City. 2.11 The Owner of a Nuisance or Vicious Animal shall: a) obtain a License for the Nuisance or Vicious Animal on the first business day after the Animal has been declared as a Nuisance or Vicious; or b) obtain a License on the first business day after the Person becomes Owner of the Nuisance or Vicious Animal; and (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) c) maintain the License current for the Nuisance or Vicious Animal. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) LICENSING REQUIREMENTS 2.12 When applying for a License under this Bylaw, the Owner shall provide the following: (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) a) a description of the Animal, Nuisance Animal or Vicious Animal including breed, name, gender and age; b) the name, address and telephone number of the Owner; c) where the Owner is a body corporate, the name, address and telephone number of the natural Person responsible for the Animal, Nuisance Animal or Vicious Animal; d) information establishing that the Animal, Nuisance Animal or Vicious Animal, is neutered or spayed; e) the annual License Fee, in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A" for Animal, Nuisance Animal or Vicious Animal; and (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) f) any other information a Peace Officer may require. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 2.13 A Person shall not give false or misleading information when applying for a License. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) 2.14 An Owner shall notify a Peace Officer within five (5) business days of any change with respect to information provided in an application for a License under this Bylaw. (Bylaws C-1226D - July 1, 2019 and C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 2.15 The Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer shall consider each application for a License and may: (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) a) reject the application and provide reasons; or b) approve the application, with or without any conditions authorized by this Bylaw. 2.16 The Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer may revoke a License if the: a) owner fails to comply with any condition of the License; b) license was issued on the basis of incorrect information or a misrepresentation by the Owner; c) license was issued in error; d) owner breaches a provision of this Bylaw; or e) animal is certified as a health risk by a Veterinarian. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 7 2.17 If the License application is rejected or a License that has been issued is subsequently revoked, the Owner shall remove the Animal from the City or turn it over to a Peace Officer for disposition under this Bylaw, within forty-eight (48) hours of being given written notice that the License application has been rejected or the License has been revoked. (Bylaws C-1226D - July 1, 2019 and C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 2.18 A Person shall not keep more than four (4) Animals that are three (3) months or older at any premise with a municipal address in the City. REPLACEMENT OF LOST ANIMAL TAG 2.19 In the event an Animal Tag is lost, an Owner shall obtain a replacement Animal Tag upon payment of the fee, in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A". (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) NON-TRANSFERABLE LICENSE 2.20 A License issued pursuant to this Bylaw is not transferable from one Owner to another Owner. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) LICENSE FEE 2.21 License Fee shall be paid, in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A". (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) 2.22 A License shall be issued free of charge to: (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) a) an Owner who utilizes a Service Dog; b) any police or emergency service utilizing a Service Dog; c) an Owner who is 65 years of age or older; and d) an Owner who resides in the Rural Service Area. (Bylaw C-1226C - March 26, 2018) 2.23 A Person shall not be entitled to a refund of a License Fee, in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A". (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) RESPONSIBILITIES OF ANIMAL OWNERS BASIC ANIMAL CARE REQUIREMENTS 3.1 An Owner shall ensure an Animal is provided with: a) potable water; b) food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal growth and the maintenance of normal body weight; c) clean and disinfected food and water receptacles that are located so as to avoid contamination by excrement; d) the opportunity for regular exercise sufficient to maintain good health; e) clean and sanitary shelter or yard as the case may be; and f) veterinary care when the Animal exhibits signs of pain, injury, illness or suffering. BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 8 OUTDOOR SHELTER REQUIREMENTS 3.2 An Owner may keep an Animal outdoors in a shelter, provided that the shelter: a) protects from wind, heat, cold, wet, and the direct rays of the sun; b) is appropriate to the Animal's weight and type of coat; and c) allows sufficient space for the Animal to turn about freely, easily stand at full height, sit and lie in a normal position. CONTROLLED CONFINEMENT 3.3 An incident of Animal Attack, Bite or Severe Physical Injury shall be reported as soon as possible to the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer. 3.4 An Owner of an Animal that has inflicted an Attack, Bite or Severe Physical Injury shall report the incident to the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer and the Animal shall be confined. 3.5 An Owner of an Animal suspected of having an Infectious Physical Condition shall immediately report the matter to the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer and the Animal may be confined. RUNNING AT LARGE 3.6 The Owner of an Animal shall ensure the Animal is not Running at Large. 3.7 Any Person who has a complaint about a cat Running at Large may obtain a Cat Trap from a Peace Officer for a fee, in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A". (Bylaws C-1226D - July 1, 2019 and C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 3.8 Any Person who has a set Cat Trap shall check the trap every hour. DOGS IN OFF LEASH AREAS 3.9 Notwithstanding Section 3.10, an Owner of a dog is not required to have the dog on a Leash in an Off Leash Area. 3.10 A Person shall comply with any sign that is posted identifying the rules for use of an Off Leash Area. 3.11 A Peace Officer may order that a dog in an Off Leash Area be put on a Leash or be removed from the Area. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 3.12 The Owner of a dog in an Off Leash Area shall ensure that the dog is under control at all times. 3.13 Whether a dog is under control is a question of fact to be determined by a Peace Officer, taking into consideration any or all of the following: (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) a) whether the dog is at such a distance from its Owner so as to be incapable of responding to voice, sound or sight commands; b) whether the dog responds to voice, sound or sight commands from the Owner; c) whether the dog Bites, Attacks, or does any act that injures a Person or another Animal; d) whether the dog chases or otherwise threatens a Person. BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 9 DOGS IN PROHIBITED AREAS 3.14 The Owner of a dog shall ensure the dog does not enter or remain in or on any area where dogs are prohibited by posted signs, or within five (5) meters of a playground, athletic field or school ground. 3.15 Section 3.14 does not apply to an Animal which is on Permitted Property. DOGS PERMITTED ON PATHWAYS 3.16 The Owner of a dog may allow the dog to pass along or across a Pathway only if the dog: a) is on a Leash and does not interfere with or obstruct other Pathway users; and b) remains on the right hand side of the Person on the Pathway at all times unless moving around other Pathway users. SWIMMING PROHIBITED 3.17 An Owner shall ensure the Animal does not enter any body of water unless signs are posted permitting the activity. UNATTENDED ANIMALS 3.18 An Owner shall ensure the Animal shall not be left unattended while tethered or tied in a Public Place. 3.19 An Owner shall ensure the Animal shall not be left unsupervised while tethered or tied on the Owner's Property or Permitted Property unless the Animal is in an enclosed space which may include a fenced yard. 3.20 An Owner of an Animal left unattended in a motor vehicle shall ensure it is properly restrained in a manner that prevents contact with a Person or Animal, and that the motor vehicle is appropriately ventilated. CYCLING WITH ANIMALS 3.21 A Person shall not operate a Wheeled Conveyance with an Animal attached on a Leash unless such person is in the Rural Service Area. (Bylaw C-1226C - March 26, 2018) 3.22 Section 3.21 shall not apply to Persons operating a device designed for Persons with disabilities. SECURING ANIMALS OUTSIDE VEHICLES 3.23 The Owner or Operator of a Motor Vehicle, or the Owner of an Animal shall not allow the Animal to be outside of the passenger cab of the Motor Vehicle on a Highway, regardless whether the motor vehicle is moving or parked. 3.24 Notwithstanding Section 3.23, a Person may allow an Animal to be outside the passenger cab of a motor vehicle, including in the back of a pick-up truck or flatbed truck if the Animal is: a) in a topper enclosing the bed area of a truck; b) contained in a ventilated kennel or similar device securely fastened to the bed of the truck; or BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 10 c) securely tethered in such a manner that it is not standing on bare metal, cannot jump or be thrown from the vehicle, is not in danger of strangulation, and cannot reach beyond the outside edges of the vehicle. DOGS IN HEAT 3.25 The Owner of a female dog in heat shall confine her within a building or kennel until she is no longer in heat. 3.26 The Owner of a female dog in heat may allow the dog to leave the building or kennel in order to urinate or defecate on the Owner's Property or Permitted Property if the Owner: a) keeps the dog on a leash; and b) immediately returns the dog to the building or kennel upon completion of the urination or defecation. NUISANCES REMOVING EXCREMENT 4.1 If an Animal defecates on any property other than its Owner's Property, the Owner shall remove the excrement immediately. 4.2 If an Animal is on any property other than its Owner's Property, the Owner shall have in their possession a reasonable means of facilitating the removal of the Animal's excrement. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 4.3 The Owner of any Property where an Animal is kept shall maintain such Property at all times in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition. NOISE 4.4 An Owner shall not allow the Animal to bark or howl: a) continuously for ten (10) minutes or more without significant periods of rest; b) sporadically for a cumulative total of fifteen (15) or more minutes within one (1) hour; or c) otherwise in such a manner as to cause a nuisance. THREATENING OR NUISANCE BEHAVIOURS 4.5 An Owner shall ensure the Animal does not: a) bite, bark at, chase, or threaten livestock, Animals, bicycles, motor vehicles, or any Person; b) cause damage to property; c) injure any Person or Animal; d) attack a Person; and e) attack a Person causing Severe Physical Injury; whether on or off the Owner's Property. 4.6 An Owner shall immediately restrain and remove the Animal upon it engaging in any of the activities listed in Section 4.5 (Threatening Behaviours), by putting the Animal on a Leash and removing the dog from the Off Leash Area. BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 11 4.7 An Owner shall not use or direct an Animal to attack, chase, or threaten a Person or another Animal. EXOTIC ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK EXOTIC ANIMALS 5.1 A Person shall not have an Exotic Animal in any Public Place or Public Property, except as permitted by Section 5.2. 5.2 The prohibitions set out in Section 5.1 do not apply to: a) the Grande Prairie & District SPCA; b) a veterinary clinic under the control of a veterinarian; c) premises operated by an institution of education for research, study or teaching purposes; d) an aquarium or zoological park operated by an organization accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums; e) retail premises where such animals are legally sold. LIVESTOCK 5.3 A Person shall not keep Livestock in the City except where the keeping of Livestock is permitted or approved as discretionary by the Land Use Bylaw or the Person has been issues a valid Livestock Exemption Permit from the Director. (Bylaw C-1226C - March 26, 2018) 5.3A A Livestock Exemption Permit issued by the Director may include terms and conditions of the permit that includes but are not limited to: a) the type of animals that can be kept; b) the location where the animals are kept; c) the maximum number of animals that may be kept; d) the manner in which the animals must be kept; e) restrictions on the sale or use of animal products; f) the term of the permit; g) minimum age of the applicant; h) mandatory training; or i) any other matter the Director determines is in the public interest. (Bylaw C-1226C - March 26, 2018) 5.3B A permit holder shall not contravene any term or condition of a Livestock Exemption Permit. (Bylaw C-1226C - March 26, 2018) 5.3C The Director may refuse, alter, suspend or revoke a Livestock Exemption Permit: a) if a Livestock Exemption Permit is refused, suspended or revoked the applicant or permit holder can appeal the Director's decision in accordance with the General Appeal Board Bylaw C-1469. (Bylaws C-1226C - March 26, 2018 and C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 5.4 A Person shall not lead, ride or drive Livestock within the City other than on the Owner's Property, a Permitted Property or on Public Property with a permit issued by the City. 5.5 Any Person desiring to operate a horse or cattle drawn vehicle within the City may make application for a permit to the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer. BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 12 5.6 If a permit is issued pursuant to Section 5.5, the Person to whom the permit was issued shall comply with the conditions outlined in the permit. OTHER ANIMALS 5.7 If a Person keeps an Animal Species other than those defined in this Bylaw, they shall not keep more than four (4) Animals of that species at a residence. 5.8 The prohibitions set out in Section 5.7 do not apply to: a) the Grande Prairie & District SPCA; b) a veterinary clinic under the control of a veterinarian; c) premises operated by an institution of education for research, study or teaching purposes; d) an aquarium or zoological park operated by an organization accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums; e) retail premises where such animals are sold; or f) a Person issued an exemption permit by the Director. (Bylaw C-1226C - March 26, 2018) VICIOUS ANIMALS DECLARATION AND APPEALS 6.1 If a Peace Officer believes on reasonable and probable grounds that an Animal has Attacked or Bitten a Person or other Animal, the Peace Officer may seize and impound the Animal. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 6.2 Upon receipt of a recommendation pursuant to Section 6.1, the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer may declare the Animal to be a Vicious Animal. 6.3 If the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer has declared an Animal to be a Vicious Animal, written notification of the declaration shall be provided to the Animal's Owner. 6.4 A Person who receives a declaration pursuant to Section 6.3 may appeal the declaration in accordance with the General Appeal Board Bylaw C-1469. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 6.5 Deleted by C-1489 - July 14, 2025 6.6 Deleted by C-1489 - July 14, 2025 6.7 A Vicious Animal Designation pursuant to this Bylaw continues to apply if the Animal is sold, given or transferred to a new Owner. 6.8 The Vicious Animal Designation may be rescinded: a) following a review no sooner than twenty-four (24) months from the date of Designation and upon the Owner's request; and b) been approved for the removal of the Vicious Animal Designation by the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer. BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 13 REGULATIONS 6.9 An Owner of a Vicious Animal shall within ten (10) days after the Animal has been declared Vicious, and prior to a License being issued: (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) a) have a Veterinarian tattoo or implant an electronic identification microchip in the Animal, if the Animal has not had this done; b) provide the information contained on the tattoo or in the microchip to the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer; and c) have the Animal neutered or spayed, if the Animal is in an unaltered state, provided the Animal is of appropriate age. 6.10 The Owner of a Vicious Animal shall: a) notify the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer within five (5) business days when the Animal is sold, gifted, or transferred; and b) remain liable for the actions of the Animal until formal notification of sale, gift or transfer is provided to the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer. 6.11 The Owner of a Vicious Animal shall ensure that the Animal does not: a) chase, injure, Bite, Attack or otherwise threaten a Person or other Animals; b) damage or destroy property; or c) Run at Large. 6.12 The Owner of a Vicious Animal shall immediately notify a Peace Officer if the Animal is Running at Large. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 6.13 The Owner of a Vicious Animal shall ensure that when the Animal is on the Owner's Property or on Permitted Property, the Animal is: a) confined indoors and under the control of a Person sixteen (16) years of age or older; b) is in a locked pen or other structure when outdoors, constructed pursuant to Section 6.14 in order to prevent the escape of the Vicious Animal and to prevent the entry of any Person not in control of the Animal; or c) securely muzzled, and under the control of a Person sixteen (16) years of age or older by means of a Leash. 6.14 The Owner of a Vicious Animal shall ensure that a locked pen or other structure to be used to secure the Vicious Animal when outdoors conforms to the following standards: a) have secure sides and a secure top, and if it has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides shall be embedded in the ground to a minimum depth of thirty (30) centimeters; b) provide the Vicious Animal with shelter from the elements; c) be of the minimum dimensions of one and one-half (1.5) metres by three (3) metres and be a minimum one and one-half (1.5) metres in height; and d) be situated more than one (1) metre of any property line or more than five (5) metres of a neighbouring dwelling unit. 6.15 The Owner of a Vicious Animal shall, within ten (10) days of the date of the Declaration, display a sign on the Owner's Property warning of the presence of the Vicious Animal in the form approved by the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer. BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 14 6.16 A sign shall be placed at each entrance to the Owner's Property where the Vicious Animal is kept and on the locked pen or other structure in which the Vicious Animal is confined, and shall be posted to be clearly visible and capable of being seen by any Person accessing the Property. 6.17 A Vicious Animal is not permitted in an Off Leash Area. NUISANCE ANIMALS DECLARATION 7.1 The Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer may declare an Animal to be a Nuisance Animal. 7.2 The declaration of an Animal as a Nuisance Animal shall be reviewed upon request of the Owner annually by the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer and may be removed. REGULATIONS 7.3 The Owner of a Nuisance Animal shall, within ten (10) days after the Animal has been declared Nuisance and prior to a License being issued: (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) a) have a veterinarian tattoo or implant an electronic identification microchip in the Animal if the Animal has not had this done; b) provide the information contained on the tattoo or in the microchip to the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer; and c) have the Animal neutered or spayed, if the Animal is in an unaltered state, provided the Animal is of appropriate age. 7.4 The Owner of a Nuisance Animal shall: a) notify the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer within five (5) business days when the Animal is sold, gifted, or transferred; and b) remain liable for the actions of the Animal until formal notification of sale, gift or transfer is provided to the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer. ANIMAL CONTROL OPERATIONS IMPOUND 8.1 A Peace Officer may capture and Impound any Animal: (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) a) found Running at Large; b) which has bitten, or is alleged to have Bitten or Attacked a Person or other Animal, pending the outcome of an investigation to declare the Animal to be a Vicious Animal; c) in respect of which there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that an offence under this Bylaw is being committed or has been committed; or d) which is required to be Impounded pursuant to the provisions of a Statute of the Province of Alberta, or any Regulation made thereunder. A Peace Officer is further authorized to enter upon any private or public property and take such reasonable measures as are necessary to subdue any Animal which is Running At Large, including the use of tranquillizer equipment and materials. If the Animal is injured, it may be taken to a Veterinarian for treatment and then Impounded. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 15 FOUND ANIMALS 8.2 A Person who finds an Animal Running At Large shall notify a Peace Officer within twenty-four (24) hours, provide information as may be requested, and surrender the Animal upon request. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) OBSTRUCTION AND INTERFERENCE 8.3 A Person, whether or not that Person is the Owner of an Animal which is being or has been pursued or secured shall not: a) interfere with or attempt to obstruct a Peace Officer who is attempting to capture or who has captured an Animal which is subject to impoundment; (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) b) open the vehicle in which Animals have been secured for impoundment; or c) remove, or attempt to remove any Animal from the possession of a Peace Officer. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 8.4 A Person shall not: a) untie, loosen or otherwise free an Animal which has been tied or otherwise restrained; b) negligently or willfully open a gate, door or other opening in a fence or pen in which an Animal has been confined and thereby allow an Animal to Run at Large; c) entice an Animal to Run at Large; d) tease, throw or poke an object at an Animal in fenced yard or pen. 8.5 Section 8.4 (a) shall not apply to a Peace Officer who is attempting to capture or who has captured an Animal which is subject to impoundment or seizure pursuant to this Bylaw. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 8.6 No person shall interfere with, hinder or impede an Animal Control Officer in the performance of any duty authorized by this Bylaw. RECLAIMING 8.7 The Owner of any impounded Animal may reclaim the Animal upon provision of photo identification or proof of ownership by: a) paying the costs of Impoundment; and b) obtaining the License for the Animal, where a License is required under this Bylaw. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF BYLAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER 8.8 The Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer may: a) receive an Animal for temporary Impoundment pursuant to fire, flood, or other reasons; b) charge the Owner, fees in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A" for costs of Impoundment; and (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) c) at the end of a five (5) calendar day period, if no other arrangements are made between the Owner and the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer, treat the Animal as an Impounded Animal. 8.9 The Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer may offer for sale, euthanize, or otherwise dispose of all unclaimed Animals which have been Impounded. BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 16 8.10 The Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer shall not sell, euthanize, or otherwise dispose of an Impounded Animal until the Animal is Impounded for not less than five (5) calendar days: a) after the Owner has received notice or is deemed to have received notice that the Animal is in the Animal Shelter; or b) if the name and address of the Animal's Owner is not known. 8.11 The prohibitions set out in Section 8.10 do not apply if an Animal is in distress. 8.12 The Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer may Impound an Animal for longer than five (5) calendar days if in their opinion the circumstances warrant the expense or they have reasonable grounds to believe that the Animal is a continued danger to Persons, Animals, or Property. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) FEE FOR EUTHANIZING 8.13 An Owner may request an Animal be euthanized and the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer may euthanize the Animal for the fee, in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A". (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) OFFENCES AND PENALTIES OWNER 9.1 If an Animal is involved in an activity in contravention of this Bylaw, the Owner of that Animal is guilty of an offence. GENERAL PENALTY PROVISIONS 9.2 An Owner who contravenes any of the provisions of this Bylaw by: a) doing any act or thing which the Person is prohibited from doing, or b) failing to do any act or thing the Person is required to do; is guilty of an offence. 9.3 A Person who is convicted of an offence pursuant to this Bylaw is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.00, and in default of payment of any fine imposed, to imprisonment for not more than six (6) months. VIOLATION TICKETS AND PENALTIES 9.4 Where a Peace Officer believes that a Person has contravened any provision of this Bylaw, the Peace Officer may commence proceedings by issuing a municipal tag or a summons by means of a violation ticket in accordance with the Provincial Offences Procedure Act. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) 9.5 The Specified Penalty payable in respect of a contravention of a provision of this Bylaw is the amount shown in Schedule "B". 9.6 Notwithstanding Section 9.5, where a Person has been convicted of a contravention of the same provision of this Bylaw: a) two (2) times within a twelve (12) calendar month period, the specified penalty payable in respect of the second conviction is double the amount shown in Schedule "B"; and BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 17 b) three (3) or more times within a twelve (12) calendar month period, the specified penalty payable in respect of the third or subsequent conviction is triple the amount shown in Schedule "B". CONTINUING OFFENCES 9.7 In the case of an offence that is of a continuing nature, a contravention constitutes a separate offence in respect of each day, or part of a day, on which the offence continues and any Person guilty of such an offence is liable to a fine in an amount not less than the amount shown in Schedule "B" for each day. MANDATORY COURT OR INFORMATION 9.8 This Section shall not prevent any Peace Officer from issuing a violation ticket requiring the court appearance of the defendant, pursuant to the provisions of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act, or from laying an information in place of issuing a violation ticket. (Bylaw C-1489 - July 14, 2025) LIABILITY FOR FEES 9.9 The levying and payment of any fine or the imprisonment for any period provided in this Bylaw shall not relieve a Person from the necessity of paying any fees, charges or costs, in accordance with Bylaw C-1395, Schedule "A" from which the Person is liable under the provisions of this Bylaw. (Bylaws C-1226D - July 1, 2019 and C-1489 - July 14, 2025) ORDERS BY A JUSTICE 9.10 A Justice may, after convicting an Owner of an offence under this Bylaw, if the Justice considers the offence sufficiently serious, direct, order, or declare that: a) the Owner prevent the Animal from doing mischief or causing the disturbance or nuisance complained of; b) the Animal is a Vicious Animal; or c) the Owner be prohibited from owning any Animal for a specified period of time. PROOF OF LICENSE 9.11 The onus of proving a Person has a valid License is on the Person alleging the existence of the License. (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) 9.12 The onus of proving the age of an Animal is on the Person alleging the Animal's age. 10. TRANSITION (Deleted by Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 18 READ a first time this 30th day of September , 2013. READ a second time this 30th day of September , 2013. "B. Given" (signed) Mayor "A. Cerny" (signed) Acting Corporate Services Director READ a third time and finally passed this 12th day of November , 2013. "B. Given" (signed) Mayor "S. Walker" (signed) Acting Corporate Services Director CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE BYLAW C-1226 SCHEDULE "A" Deleted by (Bylaw C-1226D - July 1, 2019) CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE BYLAW C-1226 SCHEDULE "B" FINES (Bylaws C-1226A - March 24, 2014 and C-1489 - July 14, 2025) SECTION OFFENCE SPECIFIED PENALTY 2.1 Unlicenced Animal $150.00 2.7 Unlicenced Nuisance or Vicious Animal $500.00 2.8 Nuisance or Vicious Animal not wearing issued Animal Tag $250.00 2.13 Give false or misleading information when applying for a Licence $250.00 3.4 Owner of an Animal fail to report a Severe Physical Injury inflicted by their Animal $250.00 3.5 Fail to confine an Animal $500.00 3.6 Animal running at large $100.00 4.4 Animal bark or howl in such a manner as to cause a nuisance $150.00 4.5 (b) Animal cause damage to property $250.00 4.5 (c) Animal does any act that injures a Person or Animal $250.00 4.5 (d) Animal attack a Person $750.00 4.5 (e) Animal attack a Person, causing Severe Physical Injury $1,500.00 4.7 Owner use or direct an Animal to attack, chase, or threaten a Person or Animal $500.00 6.10 (a) Fail to notify the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer that the Vicious Animal has been sold, gifted or transferred $500.00 6.11 (a) Vicious Animal chase, injure, Bite, Attack or threaten a Person or other Animal $2,000.00 6.11 (b) Vicious Animal destroy or damage property $1,000.00 6.11 (c) Vicious Animal Running at Large $1,000.00 6.12 Owner fail to notify Peace Officer of a Vicious Animal Running at Large $500.00 BYLAW C-1226 PAGE 21 6.13 (a) Fail to keep Vicious Animal under proper indoor confinement $1,000.00 6.13 (b) Fail to keep Vicious Animal in controlled confinement $1,000.00 6.13 (c) Fail to keep Vicious Animal muzzled and properly secured on a Leash $1,000.00 6.15 Fail to post Vicious Animal Sign $1,000.00 7.4 (a) Fail to notify the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer that the Nuisance Animal has been sold, gifted or transferred $500.00 8.3 (a) Interfere or Obstruct a Peace Officer $500.00 8.3 (b) Open a vehicle in which Animals have been captured for impoundment or seizure $500.00 8.3 (c) Remove or attempt to remove any Animal from the possession of a Peace Officer $500.00 8.4 (a) Untie, loosen or otherwise free an Animal tied or otherwise restrained $250.00 Section not specified - any other section to which a fine has not been specified $100.00