Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw No. 19/025 (Consolidated)
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta
· adopted 2019-01-01
This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot dd22c9d8831f · verified 2026-06-08 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Consolidated Version
of
Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw
(being Bylaw No. 19/025 of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo,
as amended by Bylaw No. 23/009, consolidated and printed under the
authority of the Chief Administrative Officer of the Regional
Municipality of Wood Buffalo)
This is certified to be a true copy of
consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025 of the Regional
Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
_________________________________
Jade Brown
Chief Legislative Officer
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 1 of 31
Table of Contents
Short Title .................................................................................................................... 3
Definitions .................................................................................................................... 3
LICENSING ..................................................................................................................... 9
Dog Licensing .............................................................................................................. 9
Cat Licensing ............................................................................................................... 9
Nuisance Animal and Vicious Animal Licensing ........................................................ 10
Licensing Information ................................................................................................ 10
Keeping of Animals .................................................................................................... 12
Exemptions from License Fees: ................................................................................ 13
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ANIMAL OWNERS ................................................................ 13
Basic Care Requirements .......................................................................................... 13
Animal Health ............................................................................................................ 14
Off-Leash Areas ........................................................................................................ 15
Animals in Motor Vehicles ......................................................................................... 16
Animals in Heat ......................................................................................................... 17
NUISANCES ................................................................................................................. 18
Animal at Large ......................................................................................................... 18
Removing Defecation ................................................................................................ 18
Barking ...................................................................................................................... 19
Threatening Behaviours............................................................................................. 19
NUISANCE ANIMALS ................................................................................................... 20
Declaration of Nuisance Animal ................................................................................. 20
Regulation of Nuisance Animal .................................................................................. 21
VICIOUS ANIMALS ....................................................................................................... 22
Declaration of Vicious Animal .................................................................................... 22
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 2 of 31
Regulation of Vicious Animal ..................................................................................... 23
EXOTIC ANIMALS, LIVESTOCK AND PROHIBITED ANIMALS .................................. 25
Exotic Animals ........................................................................................................... 25
Prohibited Animals ..................................................................................................... 25
ANIMAL CONTROL OPERATIONS .............................................................................. 27
Authority of Bylaw Enforcement Officer ..................................................................... 27
Temporary Impoundment in Emergencies ................................................................. 29
Found Animals ........................................................................................................... 30
Surrendered Animals ................................................................................................. 30
Obstruction and Interference ..................................................................................... 30
CONTRAVENTION OF BYLAW AND PENALTIES....................................................... 30
General Penalty Provisions ....................................................................................... 30
Municipal Tag ............................................................................................................ 31
Violation Tickets ........................................................................................................ 32
Payment in Lieu of Prosecution ................................................................................. 32
Continuous Offences ................................................................................................. 32
Mandatory Court or Information ................................................................................. 32
Liability for Fees ........................................................................................................ 32
Severability ................................................................................................................ 33
SCHEDULE A - FINES .................................................................................................. 34
SCHEDULE B - PROHIBITED ANIMAL ........................................................................ 36
SCHEDULE C - VICIOUS ANIMAL SIGN ..................................................................... 38
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 3 of 31
The text shown in parentheses in various locations throughout this document identifies
the corresponding amending bylaw which authorized the change. For example (BL
23/009) refers to Bylaw No. 23/009.
BYLAW NO. 19/025
BEING A BYLAW OF THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WOOD BUFFALO TO
PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSING, REGULATION AND CONTROL OF ANIMALS IN
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WOOD BUFFALO.
WHEREAS, pursuant to section 7(a) of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c-
M26, as amended, a council may pass bylaws for municipal purposes respecting the
safety, health and welfare of people and the protection of people and property;
AND WHEREAS, pursuant to section 7(h) of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000,
c-M26, as amended, a council may pass bylaws for municipal purposes respecting wild
and domestic animals and activities in relation to them;
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, duly
assembled, hereby enacts as follows:
Short Title
1.
This bylaw may be cited as the "Responsible Pet Owner Bylaw".
Definitions
2.
In this bylaw, unless the context otherwise requires:
2.1.
"Animal" means any vertebrate, but excludes humans, fish and wildlife;
2.2.
"Animal Care Facility" means any premises designated by the Municipality
for the lodgment and care of animals;
2.2A. "Attack" means force applied by an animal to a person or other Animal
consisting of more than one bite, or more than one puncture, or more than
one laceration, resulting in bleeding, sprains, serious bruising, or multiple
injuries;
(BL 23/009)
2.3.
Attack Report" means information submitted to the Municipality in a form
approved by the Bylaw Program Supervisor for the purpose of reporting an
animal attack or animal bite occurring within the Municipality;
2.4.
"Athletic Field" means any field or land, whether natural or manmade, that
is used for athletic purposes to conduct organized or unorganized sporting
activities;
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 4 of 31
2.5.
"At Large" means an animal that is:
(a)
not under the control of the owner by means of a leash; and
(b)
is in a public place that is not a designated off-leash area; or
(c)
is on property other than the owner's property and in respect of which
the animal does not have the right of occupation;
2.5A. "Backyard Hen Bylaw" means the Backyard Hen Bylaw No. 23/004, as
amended or replaced.
(BL 23/009)
2.5B. "Behaviour Assessment" means an assessment of a dog's temperament by
a Certified Dog Trainer, including a written report in a form approved by the
Bylaw Program Supervisor;
(BL 23/009)
2.5C. "Bite" means force applied by an animal by means of its mouth and teeth
upon a person or other animal;
(BL 23/009)
2.6.
"Breeder" means a person who owns, keeps or maintains animals for
breeding purposes;
2.7.
"Bylaw Program Supervisor" means the person appointed into this position
under the authority of the CAO or who is responsible for the animal control
operations and includes anyone acting or delegated all or partial
responsibilities of this position;
2.8.
"Bylaw Enforcement Officer" means a Peace Officer as defined in the
Provincial Offences Procedure Act and includes any person appointed by
the Municipality pursuant to section 55 of the Municipal Government Act,
R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26, as amended or replaced;
2.8A. "Certified Dog Trainer" means a person specializing in training dogs who is
a Certified Behaviour Consultant - Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) by the
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or such other
certification as the Bylaw Program Supervisor may approve;
(BL 23/009)
2.9.
"Community Standards Appeal Committee" means the committee
established pursuant to the Municipality's Community Standards Appeal
Committee Bylaw, as amended or replaced;
2.10. "Controlled Confinement" means the confinement of an animal in a pen,
cage, carrier, humane trap or within a closed building;
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 5 of 31
2.11. "Clerk" means the clerk of the Community Standards Appeal Committee;
2.12. "Damage to Property" means damage to property other than the owner's
property and includes but is not limited to digging, defecating or urinating
on such property;
2.13. "Dangerous Dog" means a dog that is the subject of an order under the
Dangerous Dog Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. D-3, as amended or replaced.;
2.14. "Development Authority" means a development officer of the Municipality.
2.15.
DELETED (BL 23/009)
2.16. "Exotic Animal" means any snake, reptile, arachnid or amphibian;
2.16A. "Fees Bylaw" means the Fees, Rates and Charges 2023 Bylaw No. 22/012
as amended or replaced.
(BL 23/009)
2.17. "Guide Dog" means a guide dog as defined in the Blind Persons' Rights Act,
R.S.A. 2000 c. B-3, as amended or replaced;
2.18. "Impound" means the lodgment of an animal at a designated animal care
facility;
2.19. "Infectious Physical Condition" means any physical condition of an animal
which may be passed to another animal or human by invasion of an
organism emanating from the animal suffering the physical condition;
2.19A. "Kennel" means real property located outside of the Urban Service Area that
has been approved for that purpose by the Development Authority in
accordance with the Municipality's Land Use Bylaw.
(BL 23/009)
2.20. "Land Use Bylaw" means the Municipality's Land Use Bylaw No. 99/059,
as amended or replaced;
2.21. "Leash" means a physical line not exceeding two metres in length, capable
of leading and restraining the Animal to which it is attached;
2.22. "License" means an animal license issued by the Municipality to a Person
for an animal in accordance with the provisions of this bylaw;
2.23. "License Fee" means the annual fee payable in respect of a license, as set
out in the Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw No. 19/024;
2.24. "License Tag" means an identification tag issued by the Municipality with
the license number for an animal;
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 6 of 31
2.25. "Motor Vehicle" has the meaning as defined in the Traffic Safety Act, RSA
2000 Chapter T-6, as amended or replaced;
2.26. "Municipal Tag" means a document prepared by the Municipality alleging
an offence issued pursuant to this bylaw;
2.27. "Municipality" means the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo;
2.28. "Muzzle" means a humane fastening or covering device of adequate
strength over the mouth of an animal to prevent it from biting;
2.29. "Notice of Appeal" means a Notice of Appeal pursuant to the Community
Standards Appeal Committee Bylaw No. 19/001, as amended or replaced.
2.30. "Nuisance Animal" means any animal that has been declared a nuisance
animal under this bylaw by the Bylaw Program Supervisor;
2.31. "Off-Leash Area" means a location designated as such by the Municipality;
2.32. "Outside Animal" means any Animal that is kept outside the owner's
residence:
(a)
more than 12 hours per day; or
(b)
kept outside during the hours of 10pm and 7am; and
(c)
whether or not the owner has provided any form of shelter for the
animal other than the owner's residence;
2.33. "Owner" means one or more persons:
(a)
who has care, charge, custody, possession or control of an animal;
(b)
who owns or who claims any proprietary interest in an animal;
(c)
who harbors, suffers or permits an animal to be present on any
property owned, occupied or leased by him, or which is otherwise
under his control;
(d)
who claims and receives an animal from the custody of the
Municipality; or
(e)
to whom a subsisting license is issued for the animal;
2.34. "Owner's Property" means any real property owned, leased or legally
occupied by the owner;
(BL 23/009)
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 7 of 31
2.35. "Person" means an individual or any business or other entity including a
firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or society;
2.36. "Playground" means land controlled or owned by the Municipality or a Board
of Education upon which there is a play structure or spray park;
2.36A."Premise" means a house, building or structure and the real property is
occupies.
(BL 23/009)
2.37. "Prohibited Animals" means all animals that can be scientifically classified
in whole or in part into any species classification listed in Schedule B,
attached hereto and forming part of this bylaw;
(BL 20/006)
2.38. "Prohibited Area" means an area where animals are not permitted and
includes, school grounds, adopt-a-parks, athletic fields, golf courses,
playgrounds and cemeteries;
2.39. "Provincial Offences Procedure Act" means the Provincial Offences
Procedure Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. P-34, as amended or replaced;
2.40. "Public Place" means any place within the Municipality, whether privately
or publicly owned, to which the public reasonably has or is permitted to have
access, whether upon payment or otherwise;
2.41. "Public Property" means any place or property owned by or under the care,
control and management of the Municipality or a Board of Education,
including, but not limited to school grounds, roads, parks or recreational
areas, and any open space to which the public reasonably has or is
permitted to have access;
2.42. "Road" means land:
(a)
shown as a road on a plan of survey that has been filed or registered
in a land titles office; or
(b)
used as a public road; and
(c)
includes bridges forming part of a public road and any structure
incidental to a public road;
2.43. "Rural Service Area" means that portion of the Municipality that does not
form a part of the Urban Service Area as defined in the Province of Alberta
Order in Council numbered O.C. 817/94, as amended or replaced;
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 8 of 31
2.44. "School Ground" means that area of land adjacent to a school, and that is
property owned or occupied by the Municipality or a Board of Education
within the Municipality;
2.45. "Service Dog" means a dog trained as a guide for a disabled person and
having the qualifications prescribed by the Service Dogs Qualifications
Regulation, AR 59/2017, as amended or replaced;
2.45A. "Severe Injury" means any injury to a person or animal that requires medical
attention such as wounds requiring sutures, or other wound repair and
closing, or surgery, disfiguring or scarring lacerations, broken bones, severe
sprains, or any other similar serious injury.
(BL 23/009)
2.46. "Society" means any incorporated group of five or more people who share
a common recreational, cultural, scientific or charitable interest and is
regulated under the Societies Act, RSA 2000, c S-14, as amended or
replaced, and also includes a registered charity;
2.47. "Specified Penalty" means the penalty specified in Schedule A;
(BL 20/006)
2.47A. "Tethered" or "Tied" means there is a rope, cord, chain, leash or other form
of line holding an animal in place and attached to a fixed object.
(BL 23/009)
2.48. "Urban Service Area" means that portion of the Municipality defined as the
Urban Service Area in the Province of Alberta Order in Council numbered
O.C. 817/94, as amended or replaced;
2.49. "Veterinarian" means a veterinarian which is currently registered and
licensed to practice in Alberta by the Alberta Veterinary Medical
Association;
2.50. "Vicious Animal" means an animal that has been declared a vicious animal
under this bylaw or any dog that has been the subject of an order pursuant
to the Dangerous Dog Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. D-3, as amended or replaced;
2.50A. "Vicious Sign" means a sign that is a minimum length of eight inches and a
minimum height of 11 inches and containing the form and content at
Schedule C.
(BL 23/009)
2.51. "Violation Ticket" means a ticket issued pursuant to the current Provincial
Offences Procedure Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. P-34, as amended or replaced,
and regulations there under;
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 9 of 31
2.52. "Wildlife" means wildlife as defined in the Wildlife Act R.S.A 2000 c.W-10,
as amended or replaced, and which is held live under a permit issued
pursuant to the Wildlife Act or the keeping of which is otherwise subject to
permit requirements under the Wildlife Act, as amended or replaced;
2.53. "Wound" means an injury to a human resulting from the action of an animal
which causes the skin to be broken or flesh to be torn.
LICENSING
Dog Licensing
3.
Every person who is the owner of a dog shall apply to the Municipality for a license
for that dog within one business day of becoming the owner of the dog or taking
up residence in the Municipality and in doing so must provide the Municipality with:
3.1.
a description of the dog, including breed, history, health, name, gender, and
age;
3.2.
whether the dog has been declared a vicious animal, dangerous dog,
restricted dog or other declaration indicating the dog may pose a risk to
another person or animal by any court or authority having jurisdiction
pursuant to any bylaw, provincial legislation or federal legislation;
3.3.
the owner's name, address and telephone number;
3.4.
confirmation that the dog is neutered or spayed;
3.5.
the License Fee;
3.6.
a current digital photograph of the dog, when requested by the Municipality;
and
3.7.
any other information the Municipality may require.
4.
No person shall own or keep a dog within the Municipality unless the dog is
licensed.
Cat Licensing
5.
Every person who is the owner of a cat shall apply to the Municipality for a license
for that cat within one business day of becoming the owner of the cat or taking up
residence in the Municipality and in doing so must provide the Municipality with:
5.1.
a description of the cat, including breed, history, health, name, gender, and
age;
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 10 of 31
5.2.
whether the cat has been declared a vicious animal or other declaration
indicating the cat may pose a risk to another person or animal by any court
or authority having jurisdiction pursuant to any bylaw, provincial legislation
or federal legislation;
5.3.
the owner's name, address and telephone number;
5.4.
confirmation that the cat is neutered or spayed;
5.5.
the License Fee;
5.6.
a current digital photograph of the cat, when requested by the Municipality;
and
5.7.
any other information the Municipality may require.
6.
No person shall own or keep a cat within the Municipality unless the cat is licensed.
Nuisance Animal and Vicious Animal Licensing
7.
A license is immediately rendered void upon an animal being declared a vicious
animal or nuisance animal under this bylaw.
8.
The owner of an animal declared a nuisance animal or vicious animal shall:
8.1.
apply for a new license for the nuisance animal or vicious animal on the first
business day after the animal has been declared nuisance or vicious; or
8.2.
apply for a license on the first business day after becoming owner of an
animal declared nuisance or vicious; and
8.3.
maintain a current license for the nuisance animal or vicious animal;
8.4.
abide by all conditions specified in the declaration; and
8.5.
pay the License Fee.
9.
No person shall own or keep a nuisance animal or a vicious animal within the
Municipality unless the animal is licensed.
Licensing Information
10.
No person shall provide false or misleading information when applying for a license
under this bylaw.
11.
Where the Municipality approves a license application, the Municipality shall
provide the owner with a license tag.
12.
An owner shall ensure that a cat or dog is wearing an issued license tag at all times
when the animal is off the owner's property.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 11 of 31
13.
A license is valid for 12 calendar months commencing on the first day of the month
following the month in which the license application is approved, unless the license
is otherwise rendered void pursuant to this Bylaw.
14.
A license issued pursuant to this bylaw is not transferable from one owner to
another owner nor from one animal to another animal.
15.
An owner must notify the Municipality within five business days of any change with
respect to information provided in an application for a license under this bylaw.
16.
The Bylaw Program Supervisor or designate shall consider each applicant for a
license and may:
16.1. refuse the application and provide reasons; or
16.2. approve the application, with or without conditions.
17.
The Bylaw Program Supervisor or designate may revoke a license if the:
17.1. owner fails to comply with any condition of the license;
17.2. license was issued based on incorrect or false information or a
misrepresentation by the owner;
17.3. license was issued in error; or
17.4. owner breaches a provision of this bylaw.
18.
If a license application is refused or a license is revoked, the owner must remove
the animal from the Municipality or surrender the animal to the Municipality for
disposition within 48 hours of being given written notice that the license application
is refused, or the license is revoked.
19.
Any owner wishing to appeal a decision to refuse a license or revoke a license for
his or her animal must do so within 14 days of the decision by submitting a Notice
of Appeal to the Clerk of the Community Standards Appeal Committee.
20.
Upon receiving a notice of appeal under section 19, the Community Standards
Appeal Committee shall hear the appeal and may either:
20.1. confirm the Bylaw Program Supervisor's decision to refuse or revoke a
license for the animal; or
20.2. direct the Bylaw Program Supervisor to issue a license for the animal, which
license shall be issued for a period of one year.
21.
Upon being directed by the Community Standards Appeal Committee to issue a
license for an animal, the Bylaw Program Supervisor may attach whatever
conditions to the license that he or she deems appropriate in the circumstances.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 12 of 31
Keeping of Animals
22.
No person shall keep more than 4 animals that require a license under this bylaw,
at any one premise, except:
(BL 23/009)
22.1. a society or registered charity that has a mandate requiring the housing of
animals;
22.2. a veterinary clinic under the control of a veterinarian;
22.3. premises operated by an institution of education for research, study or
teaching purposes;
22.4. an aquarium or zoological park operated by an organizational accredited by
the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums; and
22.5. retail premises where such animals are legally sold or cared for; or
22.6. unless otherwise permitted under this bylaw.
23.
No person shall keep more than two outside animals at any one premise unless
otherwise permitted under this bylaw.
24.
Despite section 23, any person who at the time this bylaw comes into force is the
owner of more than two licensed outside animals:
24.1. may continue keeping the animals outside for as long as that person
continuously holds subsisting licenses for the animals and remains resident
at the premise identified on the licenses for those animals; and
24.2. shall not be entitled to receive a license for another animal intended to be
kept as an outside animal at the same premise unless the total number of
licensed outside animals kept by that owner is less than two.
25.
A Kennel may keep more than two licensed outside animals at a property outside
of the Urban Service Area where that property has been approved by the
Municipality's development authority under the Land Use Bylaw, as amended or
replaced, for the purpose of keeping more than two outside animals.
(BL 23/009)
26.
No person shall keep more than one vicious animal or one nuisance animal at any
one premise.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 13 of 31
27.
Despite section 22, the Bylaw Program Supervisor may grant a written exemption
authorizing the keeping of up to 6 licensed animals at one premise, provided
however that the Bylaw Program Supervisor may not waive the section 23
limitation on the number of outside animals permitted at a premise.
Exemptions from License Fees:
28.
Except where the animal is a vicious animal or nuisance animal, an owner is not
required to pay a license fee:
28.1. to license a Service Dog;
28.2. to license a Guide Dog
28.3. where the owner is 60 years of age or older; and
28.4. to license an animal under the age of six (6) months.
29.
Where the Bylaw Program Supervisor or designate is satisfied that the cost of
licensing an animal is an undue hardship for the owner, the Bylaw Program
Supervisor or designate may waive payment of the license fee for an animal,
except for the payment of the license fee for a vicious animal or nuisance animal
which shall not be waived.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ANIMAL OWNERS
Basic Care Requirements
30.
An owner shall ensure an animal is provided with:
30.1. potable water;
30.2. species-specific food;
30.3. sanitary food and water receptacles;
30.4. regular opportunity for exercise sufficient for the wellbeing of the animal;
30.5. a clean and sanitary shelter, enclosure or living area; and
30.6. veterinary care to relieve or prevent pain when the animal exhibits any signs
of pain, injury, illness or suffering, including prompt veterinary care for any
potential Infectious Physical Condition.
31.
No person shall do anything to tease, torment, annoy, abuse or injure any animal.
32.
An owner shall ensure that an outside animal is provided with:
32.1. a shelter that protects from wind, heat, cold, wet and the direct rays of the
sun;
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 14 of 31
32.2. a shelter that is structurally sound;
32.3. a shelter that is sanitary;
32.4. a shelter that is sufficiently large to allow the animal to easily and
comfortably stand, turn and lie down; and
32.5. continuous access to unfrozen potable water and species-specific food.
33.
Every person who keeps an animal tethered must ensure that:
33.1. the tether is a minimum of 3 meters in length;
33.2. the animal has unrestricted movement within the range of the tether;
33.3. the animal cannot suffer injury resulting from being tethered;
(BL 23/009)
33.4. the animal has unobstructed and continuous access to species-specific
food, unfrozen potable water and shelter within the range of the tether;
(BL 23/009)
33.5. the animal is not left unattended; and
(BL 23/009)
33.6. the animal is not capable of leaving the boundaries of the Owner's Property.
(BL 23/009)
33A. No person shall tether an animal in a public place.
(BL 23/009)
Animal Health
34.
An owner of an animal that:
34.1. attacks, bites or injures another animal;
34.2. attacks, bites or injures a person; or
34.3. attacks, bites or injures livestock;
must report the incident within 24 hours by completing and submitting an attack
report to the Bylaw Program Supervisor.
(BL 23/009)
35.
A person who receives a wound upon being bitten by an animal shall immediately
report the matter to the Regional Health Authority and complete and submit an
attack report to the Bylaw Program Supervisor.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 15 of 31
36.
An owner of an animal having an infectious physical condition:
36.1. shall not permit the animal to be in any public place;
36.2. shall not keep the animal in contact with or in proximity to another animal;
and
36.3. shall keep the animal in controlled confinement;
but no contravention of this section occurs by reason only of the fact that a person
transports an animal suffering from an infectious physical condition to a place
where the animal may obtain veterinary care and the provisions of this section do
not apply to a Veterinarian when in the course of administering care to an animal.
37.
An owner of an animal suspected of exposure to rabies shall immediately:
37.1. place the animal in controlled confinement;
37.2. report the matter to the Regional Health Authority;
37.3. report the matter to the Bylaw Program Supervisor, in the manner approved
by the Bylaw Program Supervisor;
37.4. follow all directions of the Regional Health Authority and any Bylaw
Enforcement Officer regarding place, duration and manner of confinement
or isolation of the animal;
37.5. surrender the animal to the Regional Health Authority or a Bylaw
Enforcement Officer for quarantine where required by the Regional Health
Authority or a Bylaw Enforcement Officer;
37.6. keep the animal confined, isolated or quarantined as directed by the
Regional Health Authority or a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, until otherwise
directed; and
37.7. shall pay all costs of quarantine where the animal is quarantined by the
Regional Health Authority or a Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
38.
No person shall keep, harbor or have custody of any cat or dog over three months
of age unless such animal has up to date rabies vaccinations.
39.
On demand from a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, the owner of a dog or cat shall
provide to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer all veterinary records for the dog or cat.
Off-Leash Areas
40.
An owner of a dog is not required to keep the dog on a leash in an off-leash area
unless:
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 16 of 31
40.1. the dog is under the control of a person less than 18 years of age; or
40.2. the dog has been declared a nuisance animal.
41.
An owner of a vicious animal shall ensure a vicious animal does not enter an off-
leash area.
42.
A person shall comply with all signs that are posted in an off-leash area.
43.
A person shall have no more than 4 dogs under his or her care and control when
in an off-leash area.
44.
An owner of a dog in an off-leash area shall carry a leash for each dog in his or
her care or control and shall produce the leash or leashes upon the request of a
Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
DELETED (BL 23/009)
45.
A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may:
45.1. order an owner to put a dog on a leash in an off-leash area; or
45.2. order an owner to remove a dog from an off-leash area; and
the owner shall immediately comply with the Bylaw Enforcement Officer's order.
46.
An owner of a dog in an off-leash area must immediately put the dog on a leash
and remove it from the off-leash area where the dog engages in any of the activities
in section 67.
Animals in Prohibited Areas
47.
An owner shall ensure an animal does not enter a prohibited area or any area
within 5 meters of a prohibited area.
48.
An owner shall ensure an animal does not enter an area where the animal is
prohibited by posted signs.
49.
An owner shall ensure an animal does not enter any naturally occurring or man-
made body of water unless signs are posted permitting the activity.
Animals in Motor Vehicles
50.
DELETED (BL 23/009)
51.
An owner must not leave an animal unattended in a motor vehicle unless the
animal is properly restrained in a manner that prevents contact with a person or
other animal and the motor vehicle is suitably ventilated and temperature
regulated.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 17 of 31
52.
No person shall allow an animal to be outside the passenger cab of a motor
vehicle, regardless of whether the motor vehicle is moving or parked.
53.
Despite section 52, 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:
53.1. in a topper enclosing the bed area of a truck;
53.2. contained in a kennel or similar device securely fastened to the bed of the
truck; or
53.3. securely tethered in such a manner as to:
(a)
not require the animal to stand on bare metal;
(b)
prevent the animal from jumping or being thrown from the vehicle;
(c)
eliminate any danger of strangulation; and
(d)
ensure the animal cannot reach beyond the outside edges of the
vehicle.
54.
The registered owner of a vehicle involved in an offence referred to in sections 51-
53 is guilty of the offence.
Animals in Heat
55.
An owner of a female animal in estrus must keep the animal in controlled
confinement until the animal is no longer in estrus.
56.
An owner of a female animal in estrus may allow the animal to be outdoors in order
to urinate, defecate or exercise on the owner's property, provided that:
(BL 23/009)
56.1. the animal is on a leash and restrained at all times; and
56.2. the animal is returned to controlled confinement immediately upon
completion of the urination, defecation or exercise.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 18 of 31
NUISANCES
Animal at Large
57.
An owner of an animal shall keep the animal on a leash at all times while off the
owner's property unless otherwise permitted under this bylaw.
58.
An owner of an animal shall ensure the animal is not at-large.
59.
Except for a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, no person shall set a cat trap outdoors:
(BL 23/009)
59.1. if the temperature is below 0 degrees celsius or forecast to be below 0
degrees celsius in the next 72 hour period;
59.2. in an area not shaded from the sun;
59.3. unless the trap is checked hourly and closed by 8:00 pm each night and
rendered in operable until 6:00am the following day; and
(BL 23/009)
59.4. unless the person is residing and present at the property where the cat trap
is located.
(BL 23/009)
60.
A person who sets a cat trap outdoors must notify the owners or occupants of all
adjacent properties that the trap has been set out.
61.
A person who traps a cat that he or she does not own must immediately turn the
cat over to a Bylaw Enforcement Officer or take the cat to the local humane society.
Removing Defecation
62.
Where an animal defecates on property that is not the owner's property, the owner
shall remove the feces immediately.
63.
When a dog is not on an owner's property, an owner shall carry a disposable plastic
bag for removing dog feces and shall produce the plastic bag upon the request of
a Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
DELETED (BL 23/009)
64.
A person who stores or fails to remove feces from Owner's Property so as to have,
in the opinion of a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, created a nuisance or odour or
disturbed the peace and enjoyment of an adjacent property owner or occupant is
guilty of an offence.
(BL 23/009)
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 19 of 31
Barking
65.
An owner of a dog shall ensure it does not bark, howl or otherwise comport itself
in a fashion as to annoy or disturb any person.
66.
An owner of a dog that barks, howls or otherwise comports itself in a fashion as to
annoy or disturb any person is guilty of an offence.
Threatening Behaviours
67.
An owner of an animal is guilty of an offence if such animal:
67.1. threatens, harasses or chases a person;
67.2. bites a person or commits any act that causes a person to suffer injury;
67.3 attacks a person;
67.4 attacks a person causing severe injury;
67.5 threatens, harasses or chases an animal;
67.6 bites an animal or commits any act that causes an animal to suffer injury;
67.7 attacks an animal causing severe injury;
67.8 causes death to an animal;
67.9 causes any damage to property or chattels; or
67.10 chases any vehicle.
DELETED (BL 23/009)
67A. Where the Bylaw Program Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that an
animal has contravened section 67, the Bylaw Program Supervisor may require an
Owner to obtain and provide a Behaviour Assessment of the animal within 10 days,
at the Owner's expense.
(BL 23/009)
68.
Upon contravention of section 67, an owner must immediately place the offending
animal in controlled confinement.
69.
No person shall use or direct an animal to attack, chase, harass or threaten a
person or animal.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 20 of 31
NUISANCE ANIMALS
Declaration of Nuisance Animal
70.
The Bylaw Program Supervisor may declare an animal a Nuisance Animal where:
70.1. the animal has engaged in threatening or aggressive behaviour;
70.2. the animal has been found At Large more than once;
70.3. the animal is a dog that repeatedly barks, howls, or otherwise makes or
causes noise which disturbs any Person; or
70.4. an Owner has demonstrated an inability to control the animal in an Off-
Leash Area or other public place on more than one occasion.
DELETED (BL 23/009)
70A. Where the Bylaw Program Supervisor is considering designating an animal as a
Nuisance Animal, the Bylaw Program Supervisor must:
70A.1. send a written notice to the Owner of the reason why the designation is
being considered;
70A.2. provide an opportunity to the Owner to make written submissions within 14
days of receiving the notice; and
70A.3. consider any written submissions made by the Owner and any information
provided by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer obtained from any investigation
conducted pursuant to this Bylaw involving the Animal.
(BL 23/009)
70B. Where the Bylaw Program Supervisor has decided to designate an animal as a
Nuisance Animal, the designation decision must be sent to the Owner with reasons
for the decision, along with notice of any conditions imposed by the Bylaw Program
Supervisor.
(BL 23/009)
71.
The Bylaw Program Supervisor may impose one or more conditions on the Owner
of a Nuisance Animal that, in the opinion of the Bylaw Program Supervisor, are
reasonably necessary to reduce the nuisance posed by the animal and where
conditions have been imposed, the owner shall abide by all such conditions.
(BL 23/009)
71A. An Owner may appeal the Bylaw Program Supervisor's decision to declare the
animal a Nuisance Animal, or any condition imposed on the Owner of a Nuisance
Animal, by submitting a Notice of Appeal to the Clerk within 14 days of the Bylaw
Program Supervisor having provided the written notice that the animal has been
declared a Nuisance Animal or that the condition under appeal has been imposed.
(BL 23/009)
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 21 of 31
71B. Upon receiving a notice of appeal under section 71A, the Community Standards
Appeal Committee shall hear the appeal and may either:
71B.1. confirm the Bylaw Program Supervisor's declaration of the animal as a
Nuisance Animal;
71B.2. overturn or vary the Bylaw Program Supervisor's declaration of the animal
as a Nuisance Animal;
71B.3. confirm a condition imposed on the Owner of the Nuisance Animal; or
71B.4. overturn or vary a condition imposed on the Owner of the Nuisance Animal.
(BL 23/009)
72.
Once every two years, commencing on the second anniversary of an animal's
declaration as a nuisance animal, an owner may request that the Bylaw Program
Supervisor review the animal's declaration as a nuisance animal upon which the
Bylaw Program Supervisor shall undertake a review and may confirm or cancel the
declaration in his or her sole discretion.
Regulation of Nuisance Animal
73.
An owner of a nuisance animal shall, within 10 days after the animal has been
declared a nuisance animal and prior to a license being issued:
73.1. have a veterinarian tattoo or implant an electronic identification microchip in
the animal;
73.2. provide the information contained on the tattoo or in the microchip to the
Bylaw Program Supervisor; and
73.3. have the animal neutered or spayed, if the animal is in an unaltered state,
provided the animal is over 6 months of age.
74.
The Bylaw Program Supervisor may provide a written extension of the 10 day time
period in section 73 where the owner provides a written confirmation from a
veterinarian identifying the nuisance animal and confirming that the procedures
have been scheduled to occur, including date and location of the procedures, and
the owner shall abide by the time period contained in the extension or is guilty of
an offence under section 73.
75.
The owner of a nuisance animal shall:
75.1. notify the Bylaw Program Supervisor within 5 days when the animal is sold,
gifted, transferred or deceased; and
75.2. be deemed an owner of the animal under this bylaw until formal notification
of sale, gift or transfer is provided to the Bylaw Program Supervisor.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 22 of 31
VICIOUS ANIMALS
Declaration of Vicious Animal
76.
The Bylaw Program Supervisor may declare an animal to be a Vicious Animal
where the animal:
76.1. bites a person;
76.2. attacks a person;
76.3. attacks an animal; or
76.4. kills an animal; and
76.5 the Bylaw Program Supervisor forms a reasonable belief that the animal is
a risk to public safety.
DELETED (BL 23/009)
76A. An animal is deemed a Vicious Animal under this Bylaw if the animal has been
declared vicious, dangerous or any other designation indicating the animal may
pose a risk to a person or animal, by any court or authority having jurisdiction
pursuant to any bylaw, provincial legislation or federal legislation.
(BL 23/009)
77.
An owner may appeal the Bylaw Program Supervisor's decision to declare the
animal vicious by submitting a Notice of Appeal to the Clerk within 14 days of the
Bylaw Program Supervisor having provided written notice that the animal has been
declared vicious under section 76.
78.
Upon receiving a notice of appeal under section 77, the Community Standards
Appeal Committee shall hear the appeal and may either
78.1. confirm the Bylaw Program Supervisor's declaration of the animal as a
vicious animal; or
78.2. overturn the Bylaw Program Supervisor's declaration of the animal as a
vicious animal.
78A. Where an animal is deemed vicious pursuant to section 76A there shall be no
appeal.
(BL 23/009)
79.
A declaration of vicious animal under this bylaw continues to apply to the animal if
the animal is sold, gifted or otherwise transferred to a new owner and must be
licensed by the new owner as a vicious animal.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 23 of 31
Regulation of Vicious Animal
80.
An owner of a vicious animal shall, within 10 days after the animal has been
declared a vicious animal and prior to a license being issued:
80.1. have a veterinarian tattoo or implant an electronic identification microchip in
the animal;
80.2. provide the information contained on the tattoo or in the microchip to the
Bylaw Program Supervisor,
(BL 23/009)
80.3. have the animal neutered or spayed, if the animal is in an unaltered state,
provided the animal is over 6 months of age; and
(BL 23/009)
80.4. obtain a Behaviour Assessment, at the Owner's expense, and provide it to
the Bylaw Program Supervisor
(BL 23/009)
81.
The Bylaw Program Supervisor may provide a written extension of the 10 day time
period in section 80 where the owner provides a written confirmation from a
veterinarian identifying the vicious animal and confirming that the procedures have
been scheduled to occur, including date and location of the procedures, and the
owner shall abide by the time period contained in the extension or is guilty of an
offence under section 80.
82.
The owner of a vicious animal shall:
82.1. notify the Bylaw Program Supervisor within 5 days when the animal is sold,
gifted, transferred or deceased; and
82.2. be deemed an owner of the animal under this bylaw until formal notification
of sale, gift or transfer is provided to the Bylaw Program Supervisor.
83.
The owner of a vicious animal shall ensure that the animal:
83.1. does not chase, injure, bite, attack or otherwise threaten another animal or
person;
83.2. cause damage to property; and
83.3. is not at-large.
84.
The owner of a vicious animal shall immediately notify a Bylaw Enforcement Officer
if the animal is at-large.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 24 of 31
85.
The owner of a vicious animal shall ensure that at all times, when the animal is on
the Owner's Property, the animal is under the control of a person at least 16 years
of age, and:
85.1. confined indoors; or
85.2. if outdoors, is secured in a locked pen or other structure constructed to the
specifications contained in section 88 in order to prevent the escape of the
vicious animal and to prevent the entry of any person not in control of the
animal.
(BL 23/009)
86.
The owner of a vicious animal shall ensure that at all times, when the animal is off
the Owner's Property, the animal is under the control of a person 16 years of age,
and:
86.1. secured with a muzzle; and
86.2. on a leash.
(BL 23/009)
87.
An owner of a vicious animal shall keep in force a policy of liability insurance in a
form satisfactory to the Bylaw Program Supervisor, including, but not limited to:
87.1. providing third party coverage in a minimum amount of $500,000.00 for
injuries caused by the owner's animal; and
87.2. containing a provision requiring the insurer to immediately notify the Bylaw
Program Supervisor in writing should the policy expire, be cancelled or
terminated;
and upon cancellation, expiry or termination of the policy, the license for the vicious
animal shall be automatically revoked.
88.
The owner of a vicious animal shall ensure that a locked pen or other structure
used to secure the vicious animal when outdoor conforms to the following
standards:
88.1. have secure sides and a secure top, and where there is no bottom secured
to the sides, the sides shall be embedded in the ground to a minimum depth
of 30 centimeters;
88.2. provide the vicious animal with shelter from the elements;
88.3. have a minimum floor area of 1.5 meters by 3 meters with a minimum height
of 1.5 meters; and
88.4. be situated more than 1 meter from any property line and more than 5
meters from any neighbouring dwelling unit.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 25 of 31
89.
Within 10 days of an animal being declared vicious, an owner shall display the
vicious sign on the owner's property and shall ensure that:
89.1. the vicious sign is posted at each entrance to any dwelling where the vicious
animal is kept and on any outdoor pen or structure where the vicious animal
is confined; and
89.2. each vicious sign is posted to be clearly visible and seen by any person
accessing the owner's property.
DELETED (BL 23/009)
89A.: In addition to the requirement at subsection 80.4, the Bylaw Program Supervisor
may direct that a Vicious Animal and its Owner attend training from a Certified Dog
Trainer at the Owner's expense and provide evidence of successful completion in
a form satisfactory to the Bylaw Program Supervisor.
(BL 23/009)
EXOTIC ANIMALS, LIVESTOCK AND PROHIBITED ANIMALS
Exotic Animals
90.
An owner shall not allow an exotic animal to be in any public place, with the
exception of:
90.1. an animal rescue that is promoting pet adoption or education events;
90.2. a licensed veterinary clinic under the control of a veterinarian;
90.3. a premise legally operated by an institution of education for research, study
or teaching purposes;
90.4. an aquarium or zoological park operated by an organization accredited by
the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums;
90.5. a retail premises where such animals are legally sold; and
90.6. an event to display live animals for educational purposes held at an
exhibition venue that possesses a permit issued under the Land Use Bylaw
by the Development Authority, authorizing such an event.
Prohibited Animals
91.
No person shall harbor, keep or possess a prohibited animal in the Municipality,
except:
91.1. a licensed veterinary clinic under the control of a veterinarian;
91.2. a premise legally operated by an institution of education for research, study
or teaching purposes;
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 26 of 31
91.3. an aquarium or zoological park operated by an organization accredited by
the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums;
91.4. an event to display live animals held at an exhibition venue that possesses
a permit issued under the Land Use Bylaw by the Development Authority
authorizing such an event;
91.5. where the keeping of such an animal is a permitted or a discretionary use
under the Municipality's Land Use Bylaw and a permit has been issued by
the Development Authority authorizing such a use at the location the animal
is being kept, harboured or possessed;
91.6. where an animal is being legally transported in an enclosed motor vehicle;
91.7. where the Bylaw Program Supervisor has issued a written exemption to a
person pursuant to section 93;
(BL 23/009)
91.8. in the case of a horse, which may be ridden or led on the right side of the
non-drivable portion of the following roads:
(a)
roads located in the rural service area that are under the direction,
control and management of the Municipality;
(b)
Saprae Creek Trail; and
(c)
Tower road;
provided that a horse may be ridden or led on the carriage or shoulder of
such roads, where it is safe to do so, but only for the purpose of crossing a
road; or
(BL 23/009)
91.9 a hen as defined by the Backyard Hen Bylaw, which is permitted where a
hen is being kept in accordance with a license granted pursuant to the
Backyard Hen Bylaw.
DELETED (BL 21/006; BL 23/005; BL 23/009)
92.
Any person wishing to:
92.1. operate a horse or cattle drawn vehicle in the Municipality; or
92.2. lead, ride or drive a horse or cattle within the Municipality;
may request a written temporary exemption from section 91 from the Bylaw
Program Supervisor.
93.
Upon receiving a request for temporary exemption under section 92, the Bylaw
Program Supervisor may:
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 27 of 31
93.1. issue a written temporary exemption, with or without conditions; or
93.2. refuse to issue a written temporary exemption.
94.
Where the Bylaw Program Supervisor issues a written temporary exemption under
section 93, the person to whom the temporary exemption is issued shall comply
with any and all conditions specified in the temporary exemption.
ANIMAL CONTROL OPERATIONS
Authority of Bylaw Enforcement Officer
95.
A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may take possession of and impound any animal:
95.1. found at large or abandoned;
DELETED (BL 23/009)
95.2. which attacked, or is alleged to have attacked a person or other animal,
pending the outcome of an investigation to declare the animal a vicious
animal; or where the Bylaw Enforcement Officer has reasonable grounds to
believe that the animal has been involved in a contravention of section 67,
pending either:
(a)
the outcome of an investigation to declare the animal a vicious
animal"; or
(b)
the Court's determination of an application made under the
Dangerous Dog Act, R.S.A. 2000, c D-3;
DELETED (BL 23/009)
95.3. which is required to be impounded pursuant to the provisions of any
legislation of the Province of Alberta; or
95.4. where the animal is the subject of a declaration of vicious animal and a
Bylaw Enforcement Officer has reasonable grounds to believe that an
Owner has failed to abide by any conditions of the License or any
requirement for keeping a vicious animal, pending either:
(a)
an Owner having demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Bylaw
Program Supervisor that the Owner is in compliance with all
conditions of the License and all requirements for keeping a vicious
animal; or
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 28 of 31
(b)
the Court's determination of an application made under the
Dangerous Dog Act, R.S.A. 2000, c-3.
(BL 23/009)
96.
A Bylaw Enforcement Officer is authorized to enter any lands or premises
(excluding a dwelling house) within the Municipality in accordance with section 542
of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c.M-26, as amended, or repealed
and replaced from time to time, to inspect for conditions which may contravene
any provision of this bylaw or to impound an animal pursuant to section 95.
(BL 23/009)
97.
An animal impounded pursuant to section 95.1, may be kept for an impoundment
period of 72 hours and Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays shall not be
included in the computation of the 72 hour period.
(BL 23/009)
98.
During the 72-hour impoundment period, an animal may be reclaimed by its owner,
except as otherwise provided for in this bylaw, upon making the following
payments to the Municipality:
98.1. the impoundment and administration fees as set out in the Fees Bylaw;
(BL 23/009)
98.2. the license fee, if the animal is unlicensed; and
98.3. the cost of any veterinary treatment where an animal is found or becomes
injured or ill, including any costs incurred for veterinary treatment required
as a result of injuries that occur during the process of capture.
99.
At the expiration of the 72 hour impoundment period, the animal will become the
property of the Municipality and the Municipality is authorized to:
99.1. destroy the animal;
99.2. sell or gift the animal; or
99.3. surrender the animal to an appropriate adoption agency.
100. A Bylaw Enforcement Officer shall not be obliged to release the animal to the
owner and an animal shall become the property of the Municipality if at the
expiration of the 72 hour impoundment period:
100.1. no license has been issued for the animal, or the conditions of the license
have not been met; and
100.2. the owner has not paid the amounts specified in section 98 to the
Municipality.
100.3.
DELETE (BL 23/009)
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 29 of 31
100.4.
DELETE (BL 23/009)
101. A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may, in his or her sole discretion, extend the 72 hour
impoundment period and in such case the owner shall be responsible for payment
to the Municipality of all fees and costs of the extended impoundment.
(BL 23/009)
101A. Without limiting the generality of section 101, a Bylaw Enforcement Officer may
extend the 72-impoundment period where:
101A.1.in the opinion of a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, an animal ought to remain
in the care of a veterinarian, veterinary technologist or other animal care
specialist and the Bylaw Enforcement Officer has reasonable grounds to
believe that immediate release of the animal to the Owner would jeopardize
the health or well-being of the animal; and
101A.2.the Owner shall be responsible for payment to the Municipality of all fees
and costs of the extended impounded, including any veterinary or other care
(BL 23/009)
Temporary Impoundment in Emergencies
102. The Bylaw Program Supervisor may:
102.1. receive an animal for temporary impound in the case of fire, flood or other
emergency;
102.2. charge the owner fees for the costs of temporary impound as set out in the
Fees Bylaw; and
(BL 23/009)
102.3. at the end of a 10-day period, if the owner has made no other care
arrangements for the animal, the animal will become the property of the
Municipality and the Municipality is authorized to
(a)
destroy the animal;
(b)
sell or gift the animal; or
(c)
surrender the animal to an appropriate adoption agency.
(BL 23/009)
102A. The Bylaw Program Supervisor may extend the 10-day period at subsection 102.3
in her or her sole discretion and in such case, the Owner shall be responsible for
payment to the Municipality of all fees and costs of the extended impoundment.
(BL 23/009)
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 30 of 31
Found Animals
103. A person who finds an animal at-large shall notify the Municipality within 24 hours,
provide information as may be requested, and surrender the animal to a Bylaw
Enforcement Officer upon request.
Surrendered Animals
104. An animal shall become the property of the Municipality upon being surrendered
by the owner to a Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
105. When surrendering an animal, the owner shall provide the Municipality with
veterinary records for the animal.
Obstruction and Interference
106. No person shall:
106.1. interfere with or attempt to obstruct a Bylaw Enforcement Officer who is
engaged in the capture or impoundment of an animal;
106.2. interfere with, hinder or impede a Bylaw Enforcement Officer in the
performance of any duty authorized by this bylaw;
106.3. open a motor vehicle that holds an animal that has been secured for
impoundment;
106.4. remove, or attempt to remove any animal from the possession of a Bylaw
Enforcement Officer; and
(BL 23/009)
106.5. providing false or misleading information to a Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
(BL 23/009)
CONTRAVENTION OF BYLAW AND PENALTIES
General Penalty Provisions
107. If an animal is involved in an activity in contravention of this bylaw, the owner of
that animal is guilty of an offence.
108. An owner who contravenes any of the provisions of this bylaw by:
108.1. doing any act or thing which the person is prohibited from doing, or
108.2. failing to do any act or thing the person is required to do;
is guilty of an offence.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 31 of 31
109. A person who is convicted of an offence pursuant to this bylaw is liable on summary
conviction to:
109.1. a penalty specified in Schedule A of this bylaw; and
109.2. where there is no penalty specified in Schedule A of this bylaw, to a penalty
of $200.
110. Despite section 109, where a person has been convicted of contravening the same
provision of this bylaw:
110.1. 2 times within a 12 calendar month period, the specified penalty payable in
respect of the second conviction is double the amount specified in Schedule
A or where there is no penalty specified in Schedule A, to a penalty of $400;
and
110.2. 3 or more times within a 12 calendar month period, the specified penalty
payable in respect of the third or subsequent conviction is triple the amount
specified in Schedule A or where there is no penalty specified in Schedule
A, to a penalty of $600.
(BL 20/006)
111. Despite sections 108 and 109, where a violation ticket is issued under Part 2 of the
Provincial Offences Procedure Act and the Bylaw Enforcement Officer has elected
not to specify a penalty on the violation ticket, a person who is convicted of an
offence under this bylaw is liable on summary conviction to:
111.1. a penalty not exceeding $10,000; and
111.2. the Court is not bound by the specified penalty amount in Schedule A,
provided that the fine amount ordered by the court shall not be less than the
specified penalty in Schedule A and the Fees Bylaw.
(BL 23/009)
Municipal Tag
112. A municipal tag may be issued to any person where a Bylaw Enforcement Officer
believes the person has contravened any provision of this bylaw.
113. If a municipal tag is issued in respect of an offence, the municipal tag must specify
113.1. the name of the person;
113.2. the offence;
113.3. the fine amount as established by this bylaw;
113.4. that the fine amount shall be paid within 14 days from the issuance of the
municipal tag; and
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 32 of 31
113.5. any other information as may be required.
Violation Tickets
114. If a municipal tag has been issued and if the specified penalty has not been paid
within the prescribed time, a violation ticket may be issued.
115. Despite sections 112 and 114, where a Bylaw Enforcement Officer believes that a
person has contravened any provision of this bylaw, he or she may commence
proceedings under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act.
(BL 23/009)
Payment in Lieu of Prosecution
116. If a municipal tag is issued in respect of a non-compliance, and if the municipal tag
specifies the fine amount established by this bylaw for the non-compliance, the
person to whom the municipal tag is issued may make a voluntary payment equal
to the specified fine, in lieu of prosecution.
117. Where the voluntary payment referred to in section 116 is received within 7 days
of the day of issuance of the municipal tag, the prescribed penalty shall be reduced
by 25% and such reduced payment shall be accepted in lieu of prosecution.
Continuous Offences
118. In the case of an offence that is of a continuing nature, each 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 offence is liable to a fine in an
amount not less than the amount shown in Schedule A for each day.
Mandatory Court or Information
119. Where there has been a breach of this bylaw, any Bylaw Enforcement Officer is
hereby authorized and empowered to issue a violation ticket or long form
information pursuant to Part 2 of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act.
Liability for Fees
120. The levying and payment of any fine or term of imprisonment imposed by the Court
shall not relieve a person from paying any fees, charges or costs from which the
person is liable under the provisions of this bylaw.
120A. The fees and charges payable under this Bylaw shall be as prescribed for Animal
Control in the Fees Bylaw.
(BL 23/009)
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 33 of 31
Severability
121. Should any section, subsection, clause or provision of this bylaw be declared by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity
of this bylaw as a whole, or any part thereof, other than the part so declared to be
invalid.
Transitional
122. An existing license issued under Animal Control Bylaw No. 02/031, remains valid
until the term of such license expires.
123. Animal Control Bylaw No. 02/031 and any amendments thereto are hereby
repealed.
124. If on the effective date of this bylaw, any municipal tags or violation tickets have
been issued with respect to alleged offences under either the Animal Control Bylaw
No. 02/031 or this bylaw, all relevant sections of such bylaw or bylaws, including
penalty provisions, shall be deemed to remain in force until the conclusion of such
proceedings.
This Bylaw comes into force when it is passed.
READ a first time this 22nd day of October, 2019.
READ a second time this 19th day of November, 2019.
READ a third time this 19th day of November, 2019.
SIGNED and PASSED this 19th day of November, 2019.
Amendments:
20/006
21/006
23/005
23/009
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 34 of 31
SCHEDULE A - FINES
SECTION OFFENCE
SPECIFIED
PENALTY
4
Unlicensed dog
$150.00
6
Unlicensed cat
$150.00
8
Failure to take steps required upon declaration
$500.00
8.4
Failure to abide by conditions of a nuisance animal
declaration or vicious animal declaration
$500.00
9
Unlicensed Nuisance or vicious animal
$500.00
12
Cat/Dog not wearing issued license tag
$75.00
58
Animal at-large
$150.00
62
Failure to remove feces
$250.00
63
Failure to produce means to facilitate removal of feces
$100.00
66
Animal barking or howling causing disturbance
$150.00
67.1
Threatens, harasses or chases person
$150.00
67.2
Bites a person or causes person to suffer injury
$500.00
67.3
Attacks a person
$1000.00
67.4
Attacks a person causing severe injury
$2000.00
67.5
Threatens, harasses or chases animal
$150.00
67.6
Bites an animal or causes animal to suffer injury
$500.00
67.7
Attack an animal causing severe injury
$500.00
67.8
Causes death to an animal
$850.00
67.9
Causes damage to property
$150.00
67.10
Chases a vehicle
$150.00
69
Person using an animal to attack, chase or threaten a
person or animal
$500.00
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 35 of 31
75.1
Failure to notify that nuisance animal is sold, gifted,
transferred or deceased
$500.00
82.1
Failure to notify that vicious animal is sold, gifted,
transferred or deceased
$500.00
83.1
Vicious animal attack
$2000.00
83.2
Vicious animal causes damage to property
$1000.00
83.3
Vicious animal at-large
$1000.00
84
Failure to notify of vicious animal at large
$500.00
85
Failure to keep vicious animal properly confined on owner's
property
$1000.00
86
Failure to properly secure vicious animal off owner's
property
$1000.00
89.1
Failure to properly post vicious animal signage
$1000.00
106
Obstruct Bylaw Enforcement Officer
$500.00
(BL 20/006; BL 23/009)
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 36 of 31
SCHEDULE B - PROHIBITED ANIMAL
Mammals
Artiodactyla (including but not limited to cattle, goats, sheep and pigs)
Camelidae (including but not limited to llama and alpaca)
Candiae (including but not limited to coyotes, wolves, foxes) except domestic dogs
Chiroptera (including but not limited to fruit bats, myotis, flying foxes)
Edentates (including but not limited to anteaters, sloths, armadillos)
Felidae (including but not limited to tigers, leopards, cougars) except domestic cats
Hyaenidae (including but not limited to hyaenas)
Lagomorpha (including but not limited to hares, pikas) except domestic rabbits
Marsupials (including but not limited to kangaroos, opossums, wallabies)
Mustelidae (including but not limited to mink, skunks, weasels, otters, badgers) except
domestic ferrets
Non-Human primates (including but not limited to chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys,
lemurs)
Perissodactyla (including but not limited to donkeys, jackasses, mules)
Proboscidae (including but not limited to elephants)
Procyonidae (including but not limited to coatimundi, cacomistles)
Rodentia (including but not limited to porcupines and prairie dogs) except rodents which
do not exceed 1,500 grams and are derived from self-sustaining captive populations
Ursidae (including but not limited to bears)
Viverridae (including but not limited to mongooses, civets, genets)
Birds
Anseriformes (including but not limited to ducks, geese, swans)
Galliformes (including but not limited to pheasants, partridges, grouse, guineafowls,
turkeys, chickens)
Struthioniformes (including but not limited to ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, emus, kiwis)
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 37 of 31
Snakes/Amphibians
Venomous and poisonous snakes, spiders, reptiles, amphibians and insects or snakes
belonging to the Pythonidae or Boidae families.
Other
Any animal which may be declared prohibited by Council of the Regional Municipality of
Wood Buffalo.
Any animal that is considered controlled as defined and updated from time to time in the
Alberta Wildlife Regulation, Schedule 5, Part 1-4: Controlled Animals.
Consolidated Bylaw No. 19/025
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Page 38 of 31
SCHEDULE C - VICIOUS ANIMAL SIGN
(BL 23/009)