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# Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw
Enforcement Services works to provide a safe and pleasant community for our residents and their pets. Our department is here to educate our residents and enforce Parkland County's Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.
Our peace officers investigate complaints such as:
* dogs at large
* barking dogs
* dog attacks/bites
* dog licensing
* animal health and wellness
Enforcement Services encourages responsible pet ownership. The Responsible Pet Ownership Brochure aims to answer any questions or concerns about animal care and control.
## Responsible Livestock Ownership
Owning livestock or horses comes with important responsibilities. In Alberta, the **Animal Health Act** helps protect animals and people by stopping the spread of disease. Some animal diseases must be reported right away under the **Reportable and Notifiable Diseases Regulation**.
If you own livestock or horses, you must also register your property under the **Premises Identification Regulation**. This is called **Premises ID**. It helps track animals during disease outbreaks or emergencies, so they can be protected quickly.
Parkland County also supports safe and responsible animal care through local rules. Learn more in the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, which includes information for properties with livestock and horses.
These rules help keep livestock and horses healthy and protect our community.
### Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Owning chickens, ducks, or other birds is a big responsibility. Healthy birds mean healthy farms and communities. Here are some important rules and tips to help you protect your flock and stop the spread of disease.
Why this matters
Bird diseases like Avian Influenza (bird flu) can spread quickly and harm many birds. Avian Influenza is a reportable disease under Alberta's Animal Health Act, which means you must report it right away if you suspect or confirm it in your flock. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) leads the response, with help from Alberta's Chief Provincial Veterinarian. But you play a big part too!
Your responsibilities
Alberta has laws to keep animals healthy. Here's what you need to do:
* Animal Health Act: Report sick birds or unusual deaths immediately.
* Reportable and Notifiable Diseases Regulation: Avian Influenza is reportable--report it to the proper authorities.
* Premises Identification (PID) Regulation: Register your property where birds live. This helps officials contact you fast during an emergency.
* Disposal of Dead Animals Regulation: Dispose of dead birds safely so disease doesn't spread.
* Biosecurity Regulation: Keep germs out! Clean hands, boots, and equipment before and after visiting your birds.
How to keep your flock safe
Keep your birds safe!
* Limit visitors to your birds.
* Wash your hands and boots before and after handling birds.
* Keep wild birds away from your flock.
* Clean and disinfect cages, feeders, and waterers often.
* Separate new birds from your flock for at least 30 days.
* Watch for signs of illness like coughing, runny eyes, or sudden death. Report these right away.
Register for a Premises Identification (PID)
Why should you register for PID?
If there's an outbreak, officials will notify poultry owners in the risk area. If you don't get a notice, your PID account might be missing details like:
* Poultry species
* Email address
* Updated contact info
* Register or update your info on the Premises Identification Program website.
During an emergency
If emergency crews (fire, police, ambulance) come to your farm, let them know if you have biosecurity rules or if your farm has had a detection of Avian Influenza. This helps them protect your flock and prevent the spread of disease while they do their job.
Additional resources
* Avian Influenza in Alberta
* CFIA - Bird Flu Information
* Owners of Small Flocks, Birds and Pets: Avian Influenza
* Avian Influenza and Small- Flock Poultry
* Toolkit for Poultry Producers: Bird Flu
Questions? Contact Alberta's Chief Provincial Veterinarian:
* [email protected]
* 780-427-3448
### EHV-1 Alert: What Horse Owners Need to Know
Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a virus that can make horses very sick. Sometimes, it causes a serious illness called Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which affects the horse's brain and nerves.
EHM is not a federally reportable disease in Canada, but in Alberta, it must be reported to the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (OCPV). The OCPV tracks cases to watch for trends but does not put movement restrictions or quarantines in place.
Recent cases
In Alberta, there have been several recent cases:
* 2023: 4 cases
* 2024: 1 case
* 2025: 1 case (recently reported)
The newest case happened on November 8, 2025. An 11-year-old horse in Alberta showed signs like trouble walking and problems urinating. The horse was treated at an equine hospital and is getting better but still has mild nerve problems. This horse had been vaccinated, which shows that while vaccines help, they do not guarantee full protection. Good biosecurity practices are very important to stop the spread of EHV-1.
As of November 21, there have been 15 cases reported in the United States. Some horse shows are being cancelled to reduce the risk. If you plan to attend an event, check with organizers about safety measures.
What you can do
* Follow biosecurity rules at home and at events.
* Talk to your vet about EHV-1 vaccination.
* Stay informed about outbreaks before traveling with your horse.
* Check event status and ask about safety measures.
Additional resources
Government of Alberta: Equine Herpesvirus-1
CFIA: Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy Fact Sheet
Texas Animal Health Commission Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy Fact Sheet
Equine Disease Communication Centre
Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System
Contact Us
**Parkland County Centre**
53109A HWY 779, Parkland County, AB T7Z 1R1
General Office: 780-968-8888
Toll Free: 1-888-880-0858
After hours: 780-968-8400
Email: [email protected]
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