Dawson Creek, British Columbia
· adopted 2019-08-12
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THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF DAWSON CREEK
ANIMAL RESPONSIBILITY BYLAW NO. 4420, 2019
CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY
This is a consolidation of the bylaws listed below. Amendments have been incorporated with the parent
bylaw for convenience only. This consolidation is not a legal document. Certified copies of the original
bylaws should be consulted for all interpretations and applications of the subject bylaw.
Amendment Bylaw 4482, 2021 incorporated
Amendment Bylaw 4605, 2025 incorporated
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF DAWSON CREEK
BYLAW NO. 4420
A Bylaw of the Corporation of the City of Dawson Creek to
regulate, prohibit, and impose requirements in relation to animals
in the City of Dawson Creek.
WHEREAS pursuant to the Community Charter, the Council of the City of Dawson Creek has the authority to
regulate, prohibit, and impose requirements in relation to animals;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the City of Dawson Creek, in open meeting assembled,
enacts as follows:
SECTION 1 - TITLE
1.1
This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "CITY OF DAWSON CREEK ANIMAL RESPONSIBILITY
BYLAW NO. 4420, 2019".
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS
2.1 In this Bylaw:
"Actual cost" means the amount invoiced to the City by a veterinarian, retailer or other supplier or
contractor for the goods and services provided;
"Aggressive dog" means any dog, whatever its age, which:
a. has attacked, bitten, or caused injury to a person or animal on public or private property that is
inside or outside the City, or has demonstrated a propensity, tendency, or disposition to do so;
b. is a dangerous dog as defined by the Community Charter; or
c. has been trained for, or is owned for, the purpose of dog fighting.
"Animal" means any domestic animal, including livestock;
"Animal Control Officer" means a municipal employee, officer or agent designated by Council to administer
the provisions of this Bylaw;
"At large" means
a. in or upon a highway or public place or in or upon the lands or premises of any person other than
the owner of the animal without the express or implied consent of that person and not on a leash
which is under the control of a person responsible.
b. Despite the foregoing, a dog shall not be "At large" if the dog is:
i.
under the charge and control of a police officer, police constable, or other person employed
for the preservation and maintenance of the public peace, an officer, or a person having the
powers of a customs and excise officer when performing a duty in the administration of the
Customs Act or the Excise Act, an officer or member of the Canadian Forces, or a duly licensed
and qualified security guard while in the course of performing lawful duties; or
ii.
contained within an area that is designated by Council resolution as an off leash area.
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 3 of 16
"BCSPCA" means the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals;
"Bite" means wound to the skin causing it to bruise, puncture, or break;
"City" means the City of Dawson Creek;
"Colony" means a structure which houses a hive and its equipment and appurtenances, including comb,
honey, pollen and brood;
"Council" means the Council of the City of Dawson Creek;
"Hen" means an adult female domesticated fowl of the species gallus gallus domesticus;
"High-risk dog" means any dog, whatever its age, that has:
a. aggressively pursued or threatened a person or animal, while running at large either inside or
outside the City's boundaries; or
b. demonstrated a propensity, whether within the City's boundaries or elsewhere, to attack or injure
a person or animal without provocation;
"Injury" includes any injury resulting in broken bone or bones, disfiguring lacerations, sutures or cosmetic
surgery;
"Intact animal" means an animal that has not been spayed or neutered;
"Keep" includes own, possess, harbour, or have care and control;
"Large animals" means horses, cows or similar sized animals;
"Leash" means a device, or use of a device, made of metal, nylon or other similar strong material no more
than three (3) meters in length and of sufficient strength and design to restrain the size and strength of a
dog for which it will be used, or a retractable lead not exceeding eight (8) metres in length when fully
extended, cannot be used for a dog that has been declared dangerous. One end must remain securely
affixed to a collar or harness securely attached to the animal with the other end held by a person capable
of controlling the dog at all times.
"Licence" means the form of written legal permission, granted by the City authorizing a person to keep or
have an Animal within the boundaries of the City;
"Licensee" means the person or persons named on a Licence;
"Licence tag" means the metal tag issued by the City for attachment to a collar or harness to identify a
licenced dog or cat.
"Livestock" includes:
a. horses, mules, donkeys, camels, llamas, alpacas, sheep, pigs (including potbellied pigs) and goats;
b
domestically reared or kept deer, reindeer, moose, elk and bison;
c. farm-bred fur bearing animals, including foxes and mink;
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 4 of 16
d. animals of the bovine family;
e. animals of the avian class including turkeys, ducks, geese, emus, ostriches, pheasants and roosters
and capons, but excluding hens; and
f.
all other animals that are kept for agricultural purposes other than bees.
"Muzzle" means a device:
a. of adequate strength and design;
b. that fits over the mouth of a dog;
c. that cannot be removed by the dog; and
d. prevents the dog from biting.
"Nucleus colony" means a small colony of not more than five (5) removable frames primarily used for
rearing and storing queen bees;
"Nuisance animal" means an animal:
a. that has been seized three times within the previous twelve (12) months for running at large;
b. whose owner has been found liable to pay a fine or penalty under a Bylaw Notice Violation or
municipal ticket as a result of the animal running at large three times within a twelve (12) month-
period;
c. for which three instances of running at large within the previous (12) months has resulted, on
each occasion, of the animal either being seized or the owner being found liable to pay a fine or
penalty under a bylaw notice violation or municipal ticket information; or
d. that has caused damage to the property of anyone other than its owner, including but not limited
to: getting into or turning over garbage containers, damaging gardens, flowers and vegetables;
but does not include an aggressive dog, a high-risk dog or an animal for which none of the
circumstances described in (a), (b), (c) and (d) have occurred after a reclassification under Section 6 or
Section 7 of this Bylaw.
"Owner" means any natural person or body corporate:
a. who is named as the owner of the animal in a Licence;
b. who has possession or custody of the animal, either temporarily or permanently; or
c. who harbours the animal, or allows the animal to remain on his premises.
"Poundkeeper" means the person or organization appointed by Council to operate a pound and
includes the deputy, assistants and employees of the poundkeeper;
"Small animals" means birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets or similar sized animals.
SECTION 3 - APPLICATION
3.1
Section 10.1 does not apply to livestock that is kept on properties that are:
a. Designated as part of the agricultural land reserve under the Agricultural Land Commission Act;
b. Classified as a farm under the Assessment Act; or
c. Zoned to allow agricultural, intensive agricultural, paddock, or stable uses.
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 5 of 16
SECTION 4 - DOG AND CAT LICENCES
4.1
No person will keep any dog or cat in the City unless a valid licence for the current year has been obtained.
4.2
If a person becomes the owner of a dog or cat, that person must apply for a licence and pay the
designated fee within seven (7) days of becoming the owner of the dog or cat.
4.3
A person may apply for a dog or cat licence using the digital form prescribed by the City of Dawson Creek,
accompanied by a licence fee in the amount set out in the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges Bylaw,
as amended from time to time. Upon receipt of the application and payment of the prescribed fee, the
City of Dawson Creek or agent will issue to the applicant a numbered dog or cat licence and assign a
licence tag.
4.4
Every dog and cat licence issued under this bylaw expires 365 days from the date on which the licence is
issued.
4.5
The owner of a dog or cat is responsible to ensure that the dog or cat has permanent identification:
a. in the form of veterinary administered legible tattoo, microchip, or corresponding licence tag
number; or
b. In the form of a licence tag affixed on the dog or cat by a collar, harness, or other suitable device
except where the owner has a certificate from a qualified veterinarian that the dog or cat cannot,
due to sickness, injury or disease, comfortably wear a collar, harness or other suitable device.
4.6
Every licence and corresponding licence tag issued under this Bylaw is valid only in respect of the dog or
cat for which it was issued, as described on the licence application, and is not transferable to another
animal.
4.7
No person except the owner of the animal will remove from the animal the licence tag issued for that
animal under this Bylaw unless authorized to do so from the owner.
4.8
The owner of a dog or cat for which a licence and corresponding licence tag have been issued under this
Bylaw may obtain a replacement licence tag upon satisfying the Poundkeeper that the original licence
tag has been lost or stolen and upon payment of the replacement fee set out in the City of Dawson Creek
Fees and Charges Bylaw as amended or replaced from time to time.
4.9
In the event of a change in ownership of a dog or cat for which a licence and corresponding licence tag
have been issued under this Bylaw, the new owner of the dog or cat must notify the Poundkeeper of the
change of ownership of the dog or cat within seven (7) days following the change in ownership, unless
the dog is a high-risk dog, in which case notification must be completed within three (3) business days.
4.10
The owner of a licenced dog or cat must, within thirty (30) days of the owner's change of address, notify
the Poundkeeper of the change, unless the dog is a High-risk dog, in which case, notification must be
completed within seven (7) business days.
4.11
Where this Bylaw provides for a reduced licence fee for a dog or cat that is neutered or spayed, upon
request, the licence application for the dog or cat shall be accompanied by a certificate from a qualified
veterinarian indicating that the dog or cat is in fact neutered or spayed.
4.12
All dog or cat licence fees payable under this Bylaw or the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges Bylaw
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 6 of 16
as amended or replaced from time to time are non-refundable.
4.13
If a person:
a.
owns or keeps any combination of dogs and cats that number greater than two (2) at that person's
residence; and
b.
commits three (3) contraventions of this Bylaw within a twelve (12) month period;
the Poundkeeper or Animal Control Officer will provide documentation to the City who may then
impose an animal number restriction on the person by delivering written notice of the restriction to that
person.
4.14
A person subject to an animal number restriction must not keep a combination of dogs and cats that
number more than two (2) at that person's residence, except as part of a licenced kennel or veterinary
clinic.
SECTION 5 - CONTROL OF ANIMALS
5.1
No owner will permit the owner's animal to be at large in the City.
5.2
The owner of an intact animal, other than livestock, must at all times keep the animal securely confined
within a building, enclosure or carriage bag capable of preventing the animal's escape and the entry of
other animals.
5.3
The owner of an animal will, at all times when the animal is on the owner's property, keep the animal
securely confined on the property by keeping the animal indoors, or within a fenced area sufficient to
prevent the animal from leaving the property.
5.4
No owner of an animal will permit the animal to create a noise, such as howling or barking, in the City if
which noise disturbs or is liable to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort, or convenience of
the public.
5.5
The owner of an animal must immediately remove and dispose of, in a waste container or by other
sanitary means, any fecal matter deposited by the animal on any public place, park or private property.
5.6
The owner of an animal must, at all times when the animal is in the rear of an open vehicle on any
highway or public place, keep the animal on a leash or other suitable device so as to prevent the animal
from reaching beyond the sides of the vehicle.
5.7
An owner shall not allow or direct the owner's animal to attack, chase, or threaten a person or another
animal.
SECTION 6 - NUISANCE ANIMALS
6.1
If the Poundkeeper or an Animal Control Officer identifies an animal as being a nuisance animal, he or
she may provide the owner with written notice that the animal has been designated a nuisance animal.
6.2
An owner of an animal designated as a nuisance animal must obtain a nuisance animal licence for the
current year and pay the applicable licence fee set out in the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges
Bylaw as amended or replaced from time to time. If the Owner of the animal has already paid for a licence
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 7 of 16
for the current year, the owner shall pay the difference between the licence fee previously paid and the
fee for a Nuisance Animal Licence.
6.3
If an owner fails to obtain a Nuisance Animal Licence within 14 days of receiving written notice that the
Poundkeeper or an Animal Control Officer has designated the owner's animal as a nuisance animal, the
animal shall be deemed to be unlicensed.
6.4
An owner may apply to the Poundkeeper to reclassify a nuisance animal any time after twenty-four (24)
months during which the animal has been the subject of a Nuisance Animal Licence. The Poundkeeper
may grant a reclassification if the nuisance animal has not been at large within the preceding twelve (12)
months.
SECTION 7 - HIGH-RISK DOGS
7.1
The owner of a High-risk dog must not permit the High-risk dog to be in a public place unless the dog is
firmly held by a person competent to restrain the dog on a leash not exceeding 2 metres or 6.6 feet.
7.2
A person may allow a High-risk dog to be in areas of private lands or premises that are exclusively owned
or occupied by that person as long as the dog is securely confined:
a. indoors; or
b. in a rear yard and inside a pen, enclosure or fenced area that:
i.
is adequately constructed to prevent the dog from escaping;
ii.
is locked to prevent casual entry by another person; and
iii.
has been inspected and approved by an Animal Control Officer.
7.3
The owner of a High-risk dog must immediately advise an Animal Control Officer or the Poundkeeper if
the dog is loose or has bitten or attacked any person or animal.
7.4
If the Poundkeeper or an Animal Control Officer identifies a dog as being a High-risk dog, he or she may
provide the owner with written notice that the dog has been designated a High-risk dog.
7.5
An owner of a dog designated as a High-risk dog must obtain a High-risk Dog Licence for the current
year and pay the applicable licence fee set out in the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges Bylaw as
amended or replaced from time to time. If the Owner of the dog has already paid for a licence for the
current year, the owner shall pay the difference between the licence fee previously paid and the fee for
a High-risk dog.
7.6
If an owner fails to obtain a High-risk Dog Licence within 14 days of receiving written notice that the
Poundkeeper or an Animal Control Officer has designated the owner's dog as a High-risk dog, the dog
shall be deemed to be unlicensed.
7.7
An owner may apply to the Poundkeeper to reclassify a High-risk dog any time after twenty-four (24)
months during which the High-risk dog has been the subject of a High-risk Dog Licence. The Poundkeeper
may grant a reclassification, at the Poundkeeper's discretion, if the High-risk dog has not been at large
within the preceding twelve (12) months and has not exhibited high-risk behavior during that period.
SECTION 8 - AGGRESSIVE DOGS
8.1
If the Poundkeeper or an Animal Control Officer identifies a dog as being an Aggressive dog, he or she
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 8 of 16
will provide documentation to the City who may provide the owner with written notice that the dog has
been designated an Aggressive dog.
8.2
An owner of a dog designated as an Aggressive dog must obtain an Aggressive Dog Licence for the current
year and pay the applicable licence fee set out in the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges Bylaw as
amended or replaced from time to time. If the Owner of the dog has already paid for a licence for the
current year, the owner shall pay the difference between the licence fee previously paid and the fee for
an Aggressive dog.
8.3
If an owner fails to obtain an Aggressive Dog Licence within 14 days of receiving written notice that the
Poundkeeper or an Animal Control Officer has designated the owner's dog as an Aggressive dog, the dog
shall be deemed to be unlicensed.
8.4
The owner of an Aggressive dog must not permit the Aggressive dog to be in a public place or on any
private lands and premises in the City unless the dog is:
a. firmly held, by a person competent to restrain the dog, on a leash not exceeding 2 metres or 6.6
feet; and
b. properly fitted with a humane basket muzzle that allows the dog to pant and drink.
8.5
A person may allow an Aggressive dog to be in areas of private land or premises that are exclusively
owned or occupied by that person as long as the dog is securely confined:
a. indoors;
b. on an enclosed deck that is no less than three (3) metres above ground level and sufficient to
prevent the dog's escape; or
c. in a rear yard and inside a pen, enclosure or fenced area that:
i.
is adequately constructed to prevent the dog from escaping;
ii.
is locked to prevent casual entry by another person; and
iii.
has been inspected and approved by an Animal Control Officer.
8.6
At any time when the Aggressive dog is not securely confined as outlined above, or is being transferred
from one form of confinement to another, the dog must be leashed, securely muzzled, and under the
care and control of a competent person as outlined under this Section.
8.7
The owner of an Aggressive dog must:
a. allow an Animal Control Officer or the Poundkeeper to photograph the dog, on demand;
b. immediately advise an Animal Control Officer or the Poundkeeper if the dog is loose or has bitten
or attacked any person or animal;
c. microchip and or tattoo the dog and provide the City with the microchip or tattoo information;
d. within fourteen (14) days of receiving written notice that the dog has been designated an
Aggressive dog, post a warning sign measuring a minimum of 12" tall and 8" wide and resembling
the sign shown in Schedule "A" at each entrance to the premises containing the dog in a location
that is clearly visible by any person accessing the premises.
8.8
The owner of an Aggressive dog may purchase an Aggressive dog sign from the City for a fee as set out in
the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges Bylaw as amended or replaced from time to time.
8.9
A warning sign may only be removed:
a. upon the death of the Aggressive dog, if the owner has provided an Animal Control Officer or the
Poundkeeper a veterinarian's certificate of death;
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 9 of 16
b. upon the relocation of an Aggressive dog, if the owner has provided an Animal Control Officer or
the Poundkeeper a letter indicating where the dog now resides and with whom; or
c. in the event that Council rescinds the Aggressive dog designation after a reconsideration under
Section 19.
8.10
The Poundkeeper and Animal Control Officers are designated as Animal Control Officers for the
purposes of Section 49 of the Community Charter.
8.11
The owner of an Aggressive dog may deliver such a dog for immediate surrender and destruction in the
interest of public safety to the Animal Control Officer or the Poundkeeper.
8.12
If an Aggressive dog is surrendered for destruction, the Poundkeeper may waive the animal destruction
fee.
SECTION 9 - ANIMALS GENERALLY
9.1
No person will keep an animal suffering from an infectious or contagious disease on any parcel of land
in the City unless the animal is kept securely confined within a building or enclosure capable of
preventing the animal's escape and the entry of other animals and is under veterinary care for that
disease.
9.2
No person will keep any animal in the City unless the animal is provided with:
a. clean, potable drinking water and food in sufficient quantity and of a recognized nutritional quality
to allow for the animal's normal growth and the maintenance of the animal's normal body weight;
b. sanitary food and water receptacles;
c. the opportunity for periodic exercise sufficient to maintain the animal's good health;
d. clean bedding material and an area maintained at an appropriate temperature and condition to
prevent the animal from suffering discomfort; and
e. the necessary veterinarian care when the animal exhibits signs of pain, suffering, or disease.
9.3
No person will keep any animal outside unless the animal is provided with shelter, of sufficient size to
allow the animal to turn about freely, stand, sit, and lie in a normal position, so as to:
a. ensure protection of the animal from heat, cold, and wetness appropriate to the animal's weight
and type of coat; and
b. provide sufficient shade to protect the animal from the direct rays of the sun.
9.4
No person will keep any animal confined in an enclosed space, including a motor vehicle, without
sufficient ventilation to prevent the animal from suffering discomfort or a heat injury.
9.5
No person will keep any animal hitched, tied or fastened to a fixed object where a choke collar or choke
chain forms part of the securing apparatus or where a rope or cord is tied directly around the animal's
neck.
9.6
No owner will leave any tethered animal unattended or unsupervised.
SECTION 10 - LIVESTOCK
10.1
Subject to Section 3.1, no person shall keep any livestock within the boundaries of the City.
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 10 of 16
SECTION 11 - SEIZURE AND IMPOUNDMENT
11.1
An Animal Control Officer may seize and impound:
a. any animal that has not been licensed in accordance with this Bylaw;
b. any animal unlawfully at large on a highway or in a public place;
c. any animal straying or trespassing on private property; or
d. any animal on unfenced land and not securely contained:
i. after an attempt to contact the owner and/or safely confine the animal to the property
identified on the animal's license.
11.2
Where the owner of an animal which has been seized and impounded under this Bylaw is known to, or
can be identified by the Animal Control Officer, the Animal Control Officer will notify the owner, by
telephone or by mail addressed to the last known address of the owner, of the fact that the animal has
been seized and impounded under this Bylaw and that the animal will be adopted, destroyed or
otherwise disposed of by the Poundkeeper after three (3) days from the date the notice was received
by the owner unless, in the meantime, the animal is reclaimed. For the purpose of this Bylaw, notice by
mail will be deemed to be received by the owner after expiration of seven (7) days from the date the
notice was mailed.
11.3
Where the owner of an animal which has been seized and impounded under this Bylaw is not known to,
and cannot be identified by the Animal Control Officer, the Animal Control Officer will post a notice of
the seizure and impoundment on the public notice board at the pound. Such notice will set out
particulars of the impounded animal, the date of seizure and impoundment of the animal, and that the
animal will be adopted, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of by the City after five (5) days from the date
of the notice unless, in the meantime, the animal is reclaimed.
11.4
An owner of an animal seized and impounded under this Bylaw, or any person authorized in writing on
the owner's behalf, may reclaim the impounded animal at any time prior to its adoption, destruction,
or disposal under this Bylaw upon:
a. delivery to the Poundkeeper of evidence satisfactory to the Poundkeeper of ownership of the
impounded animal;
b. payment of the fees, costs, and charges incurred in respect of the seizure and impoundment of
the animal as set out in the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges Bylaw as amended or replaced
from time to time; and
c. payment of the applicable current licence fee if the impounded animal is required to be licensed
pursuant to this Bylaw and is not licensed.
11.5
Where an animal that has been seized and impounded under this Bylaw has not been reclaimed, the
Poundkeeper may, after the expiration of the notice periods established under this Bylaw, offer the
impounded animal for adoption.
11.6
Where the Poundkeeper is unable, or considers it undesirable, to effect the adoption of an animal that
has been seized and impounded under this Bylaw, or where an impounded animal has been offered for
adoption but has not been adopted, the Poundkeeper may destroy or otherwise dispose of the animal.
11.7
An Animal Control Officer may seize any animal suffering from an incurable disease or life-threatening
injury and destroy that animal upon certification of the animal's condition by a licensed veterinarian.
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 11 of 16
11.8
Subject to Section 8.12, if an animal is destroyed pursuant to this bylaw, the owner of animal must pay
to the City the animal destruction fee set out in the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges Bylaw as
amended or replaced from time to time.
SECTION 12 - DUTIES OF POUNDKEEPER
12.1
The Poundkeeper shall manage and operate facilities at which animals seized under this Bylaw may be
impounded.
12.2
The Poundkeeper must maintain records which include:
a. a description of every animal seized and impounded under this Bylaw and the date and time each
animal was received by the Poundkeeper;
b. the name of the person or persons taking or sending any animal to be impounded;
c. the date and time each animal impounded was reclaimed, sold, destroyed, or otherwise disposed
of by the Poundkeeper;
d. the name of every person redeeming any animal and the amount paid by such person;
e. the name of every person purchasing any impounded animal and the amount paid by such person;
and
f.
the amount of impoundment and maintenance fees, costs, and charges connected with each
impounded animal.
SECTION 13 - KENNEL LICENCES
13.1
No person will operate a kennel in the City unless that person holds a kennel licence issued under this
Bylaw. Issuance of a kennel licence does not exempt a person from the obligation to obtain a City of
Dawson Creek business licence.
13.2
A person may apply for a kennel licence by completing the form prescribed for that purpose by the City.
Upon receipt of the completed application, the City will issue a kennel licence to the applicant.
13.3
Every kennel licence issued under this Bylaw expires on the 31st day of December in the calendar year
in which the licence is issued.
13.4
A kennel licence is not transferable to a different person or different property than it was originally
issued.
13.5
The Animal Control Officer or the City may cancel, suspend or refuse to issue a kennel licence for non-
compliance with this Bylaw.
SECTION 14 - KENNEL OPERATIONS
14.1
Every kennel must consist of a fully enclosed building and facilities constructed, installed and maintained
in accordance with the following provisions:
a. every cage or pen must provide at least 2.3 square metres of floor space for each dog and be of
sufficient height to permit each animal kept therein to allow each animal to turnabout freely,
stand, sit, and lie in a normal position;
b. there must be an outdoor exercise area large enough to allow each animal being kept to break
into a trot;
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 12 of 16
c. the building must be constructed and maintained so as to allow natural light and ventilation to be
introduced into the interior of the building by windows, skylights or a combination thereof; and
d. the building and facilities must be constructed and maintained so as to prevent the escape of any
animal being kept.
14.2
No owner or operator of a kennel will cause or permit:
a. more than one animal to be kept in a cage or pen unless the cage or pen is of sufficient size and
height to permit each animal kept therein to move freely and easily;
b. animal exhibiting dangerous behaviour or dominance aggression to be kept with other animals;
c. animals under the age of four (4) months of age to be kept with adult animals other than their
female parent; and
d. animals under treatment for a communicable disease or suspected of harbouring a communicable
disease to be kept with other animals.
14.3
Every owner or operator of a kennel must at least once daily clean and sanitize the kennel of animal
excrement.
14.4
Every owner or operator of a kennel must ensure all animals are fully vaccinated and must obtain a
certificate or proof of vaccination from the owner upon receipt of the animal at the kennel.
SECTION 15 - BACKYARD HEN KEEPING LICENSES
15.1
No person will keep any hens within the boundaries of the City unless that person is engaging in
backyard hen keeping and holds a valid and subsisting hen licence under this Bylaw.
15.2
A person may apply for a backyard hen licence by completing the form prescribed for that purpose by
the City and paying the licence fee in the amount set out in the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges
Bylaw as amended or replaced from time to time. Upon receipt of the application and payment of the
prescribed fee, the City will issue a numbered backyard hen permit to the applicant.
15.3
If any person becomes the owner of backyard hens, that person must apply for a licence and pay the
applicable licence fee within seven (7) days of becoming the owner of backyard hens.
15.4
Every backyard hen licence is valid only for the owner of the backyard hens to whom it was issued.
15.5
The Animal Control Officer or the City may cancel, suspend or refuse to issue a backyard hen licence
issued pursuant to this Bylaw if the backyard hen licence holder fails to comply with the provisions of
this Bylaw.
15.6
All backyard hen licence fees payable under this Bylaw or the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges
Bylaw as amended or replaced from time to time are non-refundable.
SECTION 16 - BACKYARD HEN KEEPING
16.1
A person who engages in backyard hen keeping must:
a. be the registered owner or obtain permission from the registered property owner of the property
where hens are kept, and reside at the property where the hens are kept;
b. keep no more than six (6) hens per parcel of land;
c. keep hens in a run that:
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 13 of 16
i.
is fenced on all sides in a manner that will keep predators from entering and hens from
escaping;
ii.
provides at least 1 square metre of covered outdoor space per hen;
iii.
is less than 2.4 metres in height;
iv.
is sited at least 2.0 metres from any parcel line and located to the rear of the front face
of the principal building; and
v.
has a ground surface comprised of material that is clean, non-toxic, biodegradable, readily
available, and easily replaceable, and which is well maintained.
d. provide at least one (1) coop that:
i.
is kept clean and monitored for suitable cleanliness daily;
ii.
is sited at least 2.0 metres from the rear or side parcel line where there is no lane. For
clarity, no setback is required from the rear parcel line for coops less than 1 square metre
in size where there is a lane;
iii.
provides at least 0.5 square metres of coop floor area per hen; and
iv.
provides and maintains at least one perch that is at least 15 centimetres long per hen and
at least one nest box per four hens that is large enough for the hen to turn around and sit.
e. provide each hen with food, water, shelter, light, ventilation, veterinary care, and opportunities
for essential behaviours such as scratching, dust-bathing, and roosting, all sufficient to maintain
the hen in good health with consideration of the temperature fluctuations from winter through
summer;
f.
not keep the hen in a cage;
g. be attentive to biosecurity procedures recommended by the Canadian Food and Inspection
Agency;
h. remove all leftover feed, trash and manure in a timely manner;
i.
store manure in a fully enclosed structure, and store no more than one (1) cubic metre of manure
at any time;
j.
remove all manure not used for composting or fertilizing;
k. only keep hens for personal use, and not sell eggs, manure, meat or other products derived from
hens; and
l.
not slaughter, or attempt to euthanize, or bury a hen within City limits, unless at an authorized
facility.
SECTION 17 - BEEKEEPING LICENSES
17.1
No person will keep bees in the City unless that person holds a valid and subsisting beekeeping licence
for the beekeeping under this Bylaw.
17.2
A person may apply for a beekeeping licence by completing the form prescribed for that purpose by
the City and paying the licence fee in the amount set out in the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges
Bylaw as amended or replaced from time to time. Upon receipt of the application and payment of the
prescribed fee, the City will issue a numbered beekeeping licence to the applicant.
17.3
Every beekeeping licence is valid only for the beekeeper to whom it was issued.
17.4
An Animal Control Officer may cancel, suspend or refuse to issue a beekeeping licence if the beekeeping
licence holder fails to comply with the provisions of this Bylaw.
17.5
A beekeeping licence fee payable under this Bylaw is non-refundable.
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 14 of 16
SECTION 18 - BEEKEEPING REGULATIONS
18.1
A person who engages in beekeeping must:
a.
be registered as a beekeeper under the Bee Regulation, B.C. Reg. 3/2015 and amendments
thereto;
b.
be the registered owner of the property where bees are kept or have written permission from the
registered owner of the property where the bees are kept;
c
have the apiary registered under the Bee Regulation, B.C. Reg. 3/2015 and amendments thereto;
d. adhere to good management practices and maintain bees in a condition that will reasonably
prevent swarming and aggressive behavior;
e. provide adequate water for the bees to prevent the bees from seeking water in neighbouring
swimming pools, birdbaths, ponds or other community bodies of water;
f.
keep a maximum of four (4) colonies per parcel, subject to the regulations outlined in this Bylaw.
This is typically two (2) colonies and two (2) nucleus colonies;
g. locate all colonies at the rear of the front face of the principal dwelling;
h. locate all colonies in such a way as to avoid concentrated bee flight on neighbouring properties;
and
i.
comply with one of the following requirements in order to ensure the appropriate bee flight path:
i.
the entrance to any colony will be facing away from neighbouring properties and be
located in a backyard which has a continuous fence or hedge that is 1.8 metres or more
in height; or
ii.
if installed on an elevated platform (deck, rooftop, etc.), any colony entrance will be
situated 2.5 metres or more above ground level.
SECTION 19 - COUNCIL RECONSIDERATION
19.1
A person may request that the Council reconsider:
a. an animal number restriction;
b. a nuisance animal designation;
c. a high-risk dog designation
d. an aggressive dog designation;
e. a refusal, suspension or cancellation of a kennel licence;
f. a refusal, suspension or cancellation of a hen licence; or
g. a refusal, suspension or cancellation of a bee licence;
made under this Bylaw, by sending the City's Corporate Officer written notice of the request, after which
the Corporate Officer will add the request to the agenda of the next convenient meeting of Council.
SECTION 20 - ENFORCEMENT
20.1
This Bylaw may be enforced by bylaw notice under Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 4277, 2016 as
amended or replaced from time to time, or by municipal ticket under Municipal Ticket Information
System Bylaw No. 4278, 2016 as amended or replaced from time to time.
20.2
No person will do any act or suffer or permit any act to be done in contravention of this Bylaw.
20.3
No person will obstruct or impede a Poundkeeper or an Animal Control Officer in performance of their
duties, including any entry onto property as authorized by Section 16 of the Community Charter.
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 15 of 16
20.4
Each day that an offence against this Bylaw continues shall be deemed a separate and distinct offence.
20.5
A person who contravenes any provision of this Bylaw is liable to a fine of not more than $10,000.00
and not less than $100.00 for each offence.
20.6
Any penalty or remedy imposed pursuant to this Bylaw shall be in addition to, and not in substitute for,
any other penalty or remedy imposed pursuant to any other applicable statue, law, or legislation.
SECTION 21 - ADMINISTRATIVE
21.1
If any provision of this Bylaw is declared or held to be illegal, invalid, or ultra vires, in whole or in part,
then the provision shall not apply and the remainder of this Bylaw shall continue in full force and effect
and be construed as if it had been enacted without the illegal, invalid, or ultra vires provision.
21.2
Schedule "A - Aggressive Dog Sign" is attached to this Bylaw and forms part of this Bylaw.
21.3
The following Bylaws and all amendments thereto are hereby repealed:
a. City of Dawson Creek Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4122, 2011.
READ a first time this
22nd
day of
July
, 2019.
READ a second time this
22nd
day of
July
, 2019.
READ a third time this
22nd
day of
July
, 2019.
ADOPTED this
12th
day of
August
, 2019.
CERTIFIED A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY of Bylaw
No. 4420 cited as "CITY OF DAWSON CREEK
ANIMAL RESPONSIBILITY BYLAW NO. 4420, 2019".
The Corporate Seal of THE CORPORATION OF THE
CITY OF DAWSON CREEK was affixed in the presence
of:
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
Cindy Fisher
Deputy Corporate Officer
Dale Bumstead - Mayor
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
Cindy Fisher - Deputy Corporate Officer
Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019
Page 16 of 16
SCHEDULE A
AGGRESSIVE DOG SIGN