Responsible Pet Ownership & Animal Control Bylaw No. 1510, 2026
Golden, British Columbia
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TOWN OF GOLDEN
Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Control
Bylaw No. 1510, 2026
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TOWN OF GOLDEN
BYLAW NUMBER 1510, 2026
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP AND ANIMAL CONTROL
This Bylaw is to provide for the regulation, care, licencing, and control of Dogs/Animals and to
establish and operate the Animal Shelter within the Municipal Boundaries of the Town of
Golden pursuant to the Community Charter and Local Government Act.
Pursuant to the Community Charter and the Local Government Act, the Council of the Town of
Golden, in open meeting assembled, HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
PART 1 - INTRODUCTION
1. CITATION
1.1 This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Bylaw No. 1510, 2026 Town of Golden
Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Control."
2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS
2.1 In this Bylaw:
"Abandoned" means an Animal that:
a. is apparently ownerless, as defined in the Prevention of Cruelty Act;
b. is found Straying; or
c. is left by an Owner with or without the intent to return.
"Aggressive Behaviour" means any behaviour by an Animal that intimidates or demonstrates
a threat of harm directed at a person or Domestic Animal and includes, but is not limited to,
snarling, growling, or pursuing a person or Domestic Animal, in the absence of a Mitigating
Factor.
"Aggressive Dog" means a Dog that without provocation and in the absence of a Mitigating
Factor:
a. has displayed Aggressive Behaviour toward a person or Domestic Animal; or
b. has caused a Minor Injury to a person or Domestic Animal.
"Aggressive Dog Licence" means a Dog Licence that is specifically for an Aggressive Dog.
"Animal" means
a. any member of the Animal kingdom, other than a human being;
b. includes a Domestic Animal as defined in the Community Charter;
but excludes wildlife, exotic animals and controlled alien species as defined under the British
Columbia Wildlife Act.
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"Animal Control Officer" means:
a. a municipal employee or contractor employed or contracted by the Town for the
purposes of enforcing this Bylaw;
b. a person designated by the Council as an Animal Control Officer for the
purposes of section 49 of the Community Charter;
c. a Peace Officer; and
d. a Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
"At Large" means:
a. not restrained by means of a Leash where the Animal is on Public Property or
private property other than property owned or occupied by the Owner of that
Animal;
b. not Under Control where the Animal is on Public Property or private property
other than property owned or occupied by the Owner of that Animal;
c. on unenclosed land owned or occupied by the Owner of the Animal, and not
restrained or contained in a manner to prevent it from roaming; or
d. a Vicious Dog or Dangerous Dog that is unsupervised on private property and is
not contained in an Enclosure or securely confined within a dwelling.
"Animal Shelter" means a facility which is used to house or contain Animals, and which is
owned, operated, or maintained by an incorporated humane society, animal welfare society,
society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or the Town to house or contain Animals.
"Animal Shelter Manager" means a municipal employee or contractor employed or contracted
by the Town for the purposes of managing the Animal Shelter and includes those persons the
Animal Shelter Manager delegates to manage the Animal Shelter.
"BC SPCA" means the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
"Backyard Hen" means a female chicken or duck that is over four (4) months old and is kept on
a parcel of land, occupied by a resident. This does not include land zoned for agricultural uses as
defined by the Zoning Bylaw.
"Backyard Hen Enclosure" means an outdoor area that is covered with wire or steel mesh on
the sides and roof, which is adequate to prevent the entry of Wildlife or other Animals and
prevent the escape of a Backyard Hen enclosed therein with any combination of vegetated and
bare earth.
"Backyard Hen Keeping Registration" means the written authority from the Town for the
keeping of Backyard Hens pursuant to this Bylaw.
"Bite" means contact with a person or Domestic Animal, including bruising, breaking, or
puncturing of the skin, caused by the teeth of an Animal.
"Biting Dog" means a Dog that has, in the absence of a Mitigating Factor(s), bitten a person or
Domestic Animal.
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"Business Licence" means a valid business licence issued under the Town of Golden Trade
Licencing Bylaw No. 990, as amended or replaced.
"Bylaw Enforcement Officer" means any person appointed by Council to administer and
enforce the provisions of this Bylaw, and a person so appointed is designated an Animal Control
Officer for the purposes of section 49 of the Community Charter.
"Cat" means a member of the felis catus family, commonly known as a domestic Cat;
irrespective of sex or age.
"Community Charter" means the British Columbia Community Charter, S.B.C. 2003, c. 26
"Coop" means an enclosed hut within a Backyard Hen Enclosure which provides shelter for a
brood of Backyard Hens.
"Council" means the municipal Council for the Town of Golden.
"Dangerous Dog" means a Dog that, as defined by the Community Charter:
a. has killed or Seriously Injured a person;
b. has killed or Seriously Injured a Domestic Animal while in a Public Place or
while on private property, other than property owned or occupied by the person
responsible for the Dog;
c. an Animal Control Officer has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to kill or
Seriously Injure a person; or
d. has been found by a court to be a Dangerous Dog.
"Deliver" means to send by regular or registered mail, or to leave with a person, to post upon
some part of the person's property, or to deposit in a mailbox or mail slot at the person's last
known residence address or place of business.
"Distress" means:
a. deprived of adequate food, water, shelter, ventilation, light, space, exercise, care
or Veterinary treatment;
b. kept in conditions that are unsanitary;
c. not protected from excessive heat or cold;
d. injured, sick, in pain, or suffering; or
e. abused or neglected.
"Dog" means a member of the canis familiaris family, commonly known as a domestic
dog, irrespective of gender or age.
"Dog Licence" means a licence issued by the Town in accordance with section 8 of this Bylaw
consisting of a tag issued by the Town which is impressed or stamped with a unique number.
"Domestic Animal" means, as defined in the Community Charter, an Animal that is tame or
kept, or that has been or is being sufficiently tamed or kept, to serve some purpose for people.
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"Enclosure" means a structure at least two metres in height, width, and length,
constructed of rigid materials; designed with secure sides, top, and bottom, forming or
causing an enclosure that is locked to prevent unauthorized entry; and is suitable to
confine an Animal and to prevent the Animal from escaping; but excludes invisible
fencing systems.
"Guide Dog" means a Dog that:
a. is trained as a guide for a blind person, and
b. is a certified Guide Dog under the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, SBC 2015, c 17.
"Identification" means:
a. a Town issued valid Dog Licence tag;
b. a traceable tattoo;
c. a traceable microchip; or
d. a collar or tag worn by an Animal which includes the name, current address, and
contact information of the Owner.
"Impound" means to seize, detain, deliver to, receive, or take into the custody of the Town.
"Leash" means a device, or use of a device, of sufficient strength and design to restrain the size
and strength of the Animal for which it is being used, where one end remains securely affixed to
a collar or harness securely attached to the Animal with the other end held by the Owner of the
Animal.
"Minor Injury" means a physical injury to a person or Domestic Animal that includes, but is
not limited to, pinches, minor localized bruising, shallow punctures, or lacerations.
"Mitigating Factor" means a circumstance, provoking event, deliberate action, or without
being entirely determined by reason, an Animal's level of response results in Aggressive
Behaviour or a Dog Bite, which includes:
a. responding to an attack by a person or Aggressive Animal;
b. responding to an attack by a person or Aggressive Animal of the Animal's Owner
or offspring;
c. responding to teasing, torment, or other provocation; or
d. defending the real or personal property of its Owner from trespass, damage, or
theft.
"Muzzle" means a humane basket-style fastening or covering device that encloses the nose and
mouth of an Animal and that is strong enough and well-fitted enough to prevent the Animal
from biting, without interfering with the breathing, panting, or vision of the Animal or with the
Animal's ability to drink.
"Neuter" means the sterilization of a male Animal by removal of the testicles or by any method
of pharmaceutical sterilization approved by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
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"Nuisance Animal" means any Animal that is unreasonably disturbing the peace, quiet,
enjoyment, or convenience of persons in the neighbourhood by its persistent barking or howling
or is At Large in the neighbourhood.
"Off-Leash Area" means an area where a sign is posted by the Town indicating a specific
geographic area where an Animal may be in a public place and not be restrained by a Leash.
"On-Leash Area" means areas designated by the Town as shown in Schedule "C" of this
Bylaw.
"Owner" means a person:
a. who owns, is in possession of or has care or control of an Animal, temporarily or
permanently;
b. to whom a Dog Licence has been issued under this Bylaw; or
c. who is the legal parent or guardian of a child under the age of 18 years who
owns, is in possession of, or has care or control of an Animal, who harbours,
shelters, permits, or allows an Animal to remain on or about that person's land
or premises, temporarily or permanently.
"Peace Officer" includes:
a. a mayor, sheriff, and sheriff's officer;
b. a warden, correctional officer, and any other officer or permanent employee of a
penitentiary, prison, correctional centre, or youth custody centre; and
c. a police officer, police constable, constable or other person employed for the
preservation and maintenance of the public peace.
"Permanent Identification" means identification for an Animal in the form of a traceable tattoo
or a microchip that contains the current contact information of the Owner.
"Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act" means the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, RSBC 1996,
c 372.
"Public Place" includes a highway, street, lane, boulevard, park, or any other real property
owned, held, vested in, or operated, managed, or administered by the Town, located within the
Town, and includes places where the public is invited.
"Rooster" means a male domestic chicken.
"Screening Officer" means a person designated as Screening Officer as defined in Bylaw No.
1475, 2022, Town of Golden Bylaw Notice and Adjudication System, as amended or replaced.
"Serious Injury/Seriously Injure/Seriously Injured" means a physical injury to a person or
Domestic Animal that includes, but is not limited to deep punctures, lacerations in more than
one direction, broken bones, or requires sutures or cosmetic surgery.
"Spay" means the sterilization of a female Animal by removal of the ovaries or by any method
of pharmaceutical sterilization approved by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
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"Service Animal" means:
a. a Guide Dog;
b. a Service Dog; or
c. a guide animal for which a person with a disability has a certificate issued under
section 7 of the Guide Animal Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 177.
"Service Dog" means a Dog that:
a. is trained to perform specific tasks to assist a person with a disability; and
b. is certified as a Service Dog under the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, SBC 2015,
c.17.
"Standards of Care" means the provision of:
a. adequate and appropriate food and potable water in sanitary receptacles;
b. shelter in an area of sufficient size and which is maintained to prevent the
Animal from suffering discomfort, and which includes clean bedding material;
c. adequate exercise suitable for breed; and
d. Veterinary care as may be required to maintain the health and comfort of the
Animal.
"Straying" means, in respect of an Animal, wandering loose or being lost including without
limitation being At Large.
"Town" means the Town of Golden.
"Under Control" means, in respect of any Animal, such circumstances where the Animal:
a. is under physical restraint by hand, voice command, or electronic device; and
b. is not displaying Aggressive Behaviour.
"Unlicensed" means:
a. the Dog Licence fee for the current year has not been paid; or
b. a Dog License tag is not attached.
"Veterinarian" means a person who is registered and in good standing with the College of
Veterinarians of British Columbia to practice Veterinary medicine.
"Vicious Dog" means a Dog that, without provocation and in the absence of a Mitigating
Factor:
a. has caused a Minor Injury to a person or Domestic Animal on more than one
occasion;
b. has caused a Serious Injury to a person or Domestic Animal;
c. the Animal Control Officer has reasonable grounds to believe that, based on
repeated Aggressive Behaviour, is likely to cause a Minor Injury on more than
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one occasion to a person or Animal or is likely to cause a Serious Injury to a
person or Animal; or
d. is a Dangerous Dog.
"Vicious Dog Licence" means a Dog License that is specifically for a Vicious Dog.
"Wildlife" means wildlife as defined by the BC Wildlife Act and includes Animals whose
ownership in captivity violates Provincial or Federal Canadian statutes.
"Zoning Bylaw" means the Zoning Bylaw in force within the Town, as amended or replaced.
PART 2 - ADMINISTRATION
3. ESTABLISHMENT OF ANIMAL SHELTER
3.1 The Town authorizes the establishment, maintenance, and operations of an Animal Shelter
for the Impounding of dogs pursuant to the provisions of this Bylaw.
4. APPOINTMENT OF ANIMAL SHELTER MANAGER
4.1 The Council may appoint or employ an employee or agent as the Animal Shelter Manager to
operate and maintain the Animal Shelter in accordance with this Bylaw.
5. APPOINTMENT OF ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
5.1 The Council may appoint or employ an employee or agent as an Animal Control Officer that
it deems necessary to enable it to carry out the powers and duties pursuant to this Bylaw and
the Community Charter.
6. FEES
6.1 The fees payable under this Bylaw are set out in Schedule "A," which is attached to and
forms part of this Bylaw. Every person liable for a fee under this Bylaw must pay it to the
Town, whether collected on behalf of the Town by an employee or agent of the Town.
PART 3 - BACKYARD HEN KEEPING
7. GENERAL
7.1 An Owner must not keep Backyard Hens unless they have submitted a Backyard Hen
Keeping Registration form, and the Town has issued them a Backyard Hen Keeping
Registration.
7.2 An Owner must not keep Backyard Hens except in accordance with this Bylaw, the Zoning
Bylaw, and with their Backyard Hen Keeping Registration.
7.3 An Owner who keeps Backyard Hens must:
a. reside at the property where the Backyard Hens are kept; if renting a property,
obtain written permission from persons owning said property;
b. keep no more than six (6) Backyard Hens on a property;
c. supply a Backyard Hen Enclosure that is at least 0.92 square meters (9.9 square
feet) per Backyard Hen;
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d. not attach the Backyard Hen Enclosure to any other structure or dwelling on the
property;
e. not situate the Backyard Hen Enclosure within five (5) meters (16.4 feet) of a
neighbouring dwelling's windows or doors;
f. maintain Backyard Hen Enclosure so that it is enclosed entirely on all sides and
the top;
g. provide one Coop at least 0.37 square meters (four square feet) of floor area per
Backyard Hen and no more than two meters (6.56 feet) in height containing at
least one perch and one nest box for each Backyard Hen;
h. ensure the maximum size of the Coop is less than or equal to 10 metres squared.
i. provide each Backyard Hen with food, water, shelter, light, ventilation,
Veterinary care, and opportunities for essential behaviours such as scratching,
dust-bathing, and roosting;
j. maintain each Backyard Hen Enclosure and Coop in good repair and keep the
enclosure in sanitary condition, free from vermin, noxious smells, and
substances;
k. keep feed enclosed in an airtight container outside of the Backyard Hen
Enclosure, store feed containers in a location not accessible by Wildlife or other
Animals, and take steps to reduce other Wildlife attractants;
l. not slaughter any Backyard Hen or Rooster on the property;
m. not release any Backyard Hen into the wild; and
n. not bury a Backyard Hen on the property.
7.4 An Owner must not, at any time, keep Roosters within the Town boundary.
7.5 An Owner is prohibited from keeping of Backyard Hens in a cage except in the case of
transporting the Backyard Hen on or off the property.
7.6 An Owner must compost or dispose of any leftover food, manure, or waste products
associated with the keeping of Backyard Hens to prevent odours and not allow them to
accumulate. An Owner is prohibited from depositing manure into the Town's sewage or
storm drain system.
7.7 An Owner must ensure that all Backyard Hens are kept within a secure Coop from sunset to
sunrise and that each Backyard Hen remains at all other times in a Coop or Backyard Hen
Enclosure.
PART 4 - DESIGNATIONS
8. DESIGNATION OF AGGRESSIVE, VICIOUS & DANGEROUS DOGS
8.1 Council designates to the Animal Control Officer the authority to exercise all the special
powers in relation to Dangerous Dogs as set out in Section 49 of the Community Charter.
8.2 If an Animal Control Officer is of the opinion that a Dog is an Aggressive Dog or Vicious
Dog, the Animal Control Officer may designate the Dog an Aggressive Dog or Vicious Dog.
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8.3 If an Animal Control Officer designates a Dog as an Aggressive Dog or a Vicious Dog, they
must Deliver a letter to the Owner of the Dog to the address indicated on the Dog License
advising of the designation.
8.4 The Owner who receives a letter under section 9.2 of this Bylaw may, within seven (7) days
of receiving the letter, request the Screening Officer or designate reconsider the designation.
8.5 Upon receiving a request under section 9.3 of this Bylaw, the Screening Officer or designate
must consider the request and may:
a. confirm the designation with respect to the Dog;
b. cancel the designation with respect to the Dog; or
c. reduce the designation to Aggressive Dog if the Dog was designated as a Vicious
Dog, by Delivering a letter to the requesting Owner advising of the Screening
Officer or designate's decision.
9. AGGRESSIVE DOGS
9.1 The Owner of an Aggressive Dog must:
a. not cause, permit, allow, or fail to prevent that Dog, at any time, to be At Large
within the Town, whether or not the Owner has entrusted the care and custody
of the Dog to any other person;
b. when in a Public Place, secure the Dog by a collar or harness and a Leash, with a
maximum length of 1.2 metres attached to the Owner of the Dog, that is suitable
to the size and strength of the Dog, and which must not include a retractable
style Leash;
c. not cause, permit, allow, or fail to prevent the Dog to enter an Off-Leash area;
d. ensure the Dog has Permanent Identification within 14 days of receiving notice
of the Dog being designated an Aggressive Dog, and provide the Permanent
Identification information to the Town;
e. have the Aggressive Dog photographed and the photo retained at the Animal
Shelter or Town for identification purposes;
f. notify the Animal Control Officer within seven (7) days if the Dog moves, dies,
changes address, or changes Owners, and provide the Animal Control Officer
with updated information; and
g. obtain an Aggressive Dog Licence as required under section 11 of this Bylaw.
9.2 After one year of the Dog being designated an Aggressive Dog, the Owner of the Dog may
apply in writing to the Animal Control Officer to have the Aggressive Dog designation
removed, and, if all of the requirements of this section are fulfilled to the satisfaction of the
Animal Control Officer, the designation will be removed:
a. the Dog has not displayed any further Aggressive Behavior or caused any further
injury;
b. the Town has not received any further complaints regarding that Dog;
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c. the Owner has provided proof and documentation that the Owner and Dog have
successfully completed a humane training course designed to reasonably address
the Aggressive Behaviour; and
d. the Dog has Permanent Identification and a valid Aggressive Dog Licence.
9.3 If a Dog is designated as an Aggressive Dog more than once or further displays Aggressive
Behaviour in the absence of a Mitigating Factor, the Owner of the Aggressive Dog must
comply with the requirements of section 9.1 in perpetuity.
10. VICIOUS DOGS
10.1 The Owner of a Vicious Dog must comply with the requirements of sections 9.1(a) to 9.1(f)
of this Bylaw that apply to an Owner of an Aggressive Dog and must:
a. when in a Public Place, Muzzle the Dog in a manner as to prevent it from being
able to Bite a person or another Domestic Animal;
b. obtain a Vicious Dog Licence as required under Section 11 of this Bylaw;
c. post a clearly visible sign at all points of entry onto any premises where the Dog
is being kept, temporarily or permanently, warning that there is a Vicious Dog on
the premises; and
d. at all times while the Vicious Dog is on the Owner's premises, keep the Vicious
Dog securely confined indoors or confined outdoors in an Enclosure located
within securely fenced premises, and ensure that all fences and gates are locked
as to prevent access to the fenced area and the Enclosure.
PART 5 - LICENCING AND IDENTIFICATION
11. DOG LICENCE
11.1 Every Owner of a dog who resides in the Town for more than thirty (30) days within a year
must obtain a Dog Licence before the dog reaches the age of four (4) months.
11.2 Every Dog Licence issued under this Bylaw must expire on the 31st day of December in the
calendar year in which the Dog Licence was issued.
11.3 If an Owner seeks a reduced Dog Licence fee for a Dog that has been Neutered or Spayed,
the Owner must include with the application a certificate signed by a Veterinarian
indicating that the Dog has been Neutered or Spayed.
11.4 The Owner of a Dog for which a Dog Licence has been issued under this Bylaw must affix,
and keep affixed, the Dog Licence on the Dog with a collar, harness, or other suitable
device.
11.5 The Owner of any Dog with a Dog Licence must, within thirty (30) days of the owner's
change of address, notify the Town.
11.6 The Town must not issue a Dog Licence to, or in the name of, any person under 18 years of
age.
11.7 The Town must provide one Dog Licence per Dog and the Dog Licence is not transferable
to another Dog.
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11.8 Without limiting section 9.1(d), If an Owner applies for an Aggressive Dog Licence or a
Vicious Dog Licence, the Owner must include the Aggressive or Vicious Dog's Permanent
Identification information in the Aggressive Dog or Vicious Dog Licence application.
11.9 If the Owner of a Dog that is a Service Animal seeks a Dog Licence with exempt fees in
respect of that Service Animal, the Owner must include a copy of the Guide Dog or Service
Dog certification that was issued under the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, SBC 2015, c
17 with the Dog Licence application.
11.10 The Dog License fees payable under this Bylaw are set out in Schedule "B" which is
attached to and forms part of this Bylaw.
12. REVOCATION OF DOG LICENCE
12.1 The Town may revoke a Dog Licence in respect of any Dog whose Owner has failed to pay
any Dog Licence or Impoundment fees under this Bylaw and not reinstate that Dog Licence
until all fees are paid.
12.2 If the Town revokes a Dog Licence, the Owner must pay penalties for an Unlicenced Dog
for each day the Dog is Unlicenced.
12.3 If a Dog with a Dog Licence is subsequently deemed to be an Aggressive Dog or a Vicious
Dog, the Dog Licence applicable to that Dog will become invalid the day the Animal
Control Officer Delivers notice of the designation to the Owner, and the Owner of that Dog
must apply for an Aggressive Dog Licence or a Vicious Dog License within seven (7) days,
after which penalties for an Unlicenced Dog will begin to apply.
12.4 If a Dog Licence is revoked under this Bylaw, the Town must deliver notice of the
revocation to the Owner at the address indicated on the Dog Licence application.
13. IDENTIFICATION
13.1 Every Owner of a Cat or Dog must affix, and keep affixed, sufficient Identification on the
Cat or Dog such that a person finding the Cat or Dog At Large in the Town can identify
and contact the Owner and the Identification must provide a means of determining if the
Cat or Dog is Spayed or Neutered.
PART 6 - CONTROL OF ANIMALS AND LIMITS
14. CONTROL OF ANIMALS
14.1 The Owner of an Animal must obey all posted signage that applies to that Animal while in
a Public Place.
14.2 The Owner of an Animal must not cause, permit, allow, or fail to prevent that Animal to, in
the absence of any Mitigating Factor:
a. display Aggressive Behaviour towards a Person or a Domestic Animal;
b. cause a Minor Injury or Serious Injury to a Person or Domestic Animal; or
c. damage private or Public Property.
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14.3 The Owner who knows or suspects that an Animal has a communicable disease must,
where the disease poses a threat to the health or safety of a Person or Animal:
a. isolate the Animal to the property or premises of the Owner for the period of
time that the Animal has a communicable disease, other than for the purpose of
visiting a Veterinarian;
b. seek the assistance of and follow the orders of a Veterinarian; and
c. transport the Animal in a manner to ensure it does not come into contact with
another person or Animal.
14.4 The Owner of an Animal must not cause, permit, allow, or fail to prevent that Animal to be
At Large within the Town, except Dogs in areas and at times specifically designated by a
posted notice to be a Dog Off-Leash area.
14.5 The Owner of a Dog may allow the Animal to be At Large in an Off-Leash area, if the
Owner:
a. carries a Leash;
b. keeps the Dog Under Control; and
c. maintains a clear line of sight to the Dog at all times.
14.6 The Owner of a female Dog that is not Spayed must, during the time in which the Dog is in
heat, confine the Dog in such a manner that the Dog cannot escape nor can another Dog
enter the place in which the Dog is confined.
15. ANIMAL LIMITS
15.1 A person must not, at any time, keep or allow to be kept on any real property more than a
total of three (3) Dogs and three (3) Cats, unless the real property is:
a. a Licensed veterinary clinic;
b. the Animal Shelter; or
c. a business with a Business Licence that provides care for Animals in a manner
permitted by the Zoning Bylaw applicable to the land containing the business.
15.2 The restrictions in 15.1 do not apply to the keeping of Dogs or Cats under the age of four
(4) months or Backyard Hens.
16. ANIMAL DEFECATION
16.1 The Owner of an Animal that defecates in a Public Place or on any private property
without the consent of the Owner of that property must immediately remove the excrement
and dispose of it in a suitable refuse container.
17. REQUIREMENTS FOR DOG BITES
17.1 The Owner of a Dog must not, at any time, leave the scene of a Dog Bite or incident in
which a Serious Injury or Minor Injury to a person or Domestic Animal has occurred
without:
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a. providing their name and contact information to the parties involved in the Dog
Bite or incident; or
b. making a report about the Dog Bite or incident to the Animal Control Officer;
including name and contact information, within a period of twenty-four (24)
hours.
PART 7 - STANDARDS OF CARE
18. CARE FOR ANIMALS
18.1 A person must not, at any time, keep any Animal in the Town 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. clean food and water receptacles, located to avoid contamination;
c. the opportunity for regular exercise sufficient to maintain the Animal's good
health, including daily opportunities for social contact with people or Animals,
free of a fixed area or an enclosure and exercised under appropriate control;
d. necessary Veterinary care when the Animal exhibits signs of pain, injury, illness,
suffering, or disease; and
e. clean and sanitary living conditions, including the removal of excrement.
18.2 In accordance with the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act, a person must not, at any time, keep
any Animal which normally resides outside or which is kept outside unless the Animal is
provided with outside shelter:
a. which ensures protection from heat, cold, and wet that is appropriate to the
Animal's weight and type of coat;
b. which provides sufficient space to allow the Animal the ability to turn about
freely and to easily stand, sit, and lie in a normal position; at least one and a half
times the length of the Animal in all directions, and at least as high as the
Animal's height measured from the floor to the highest point of the Animal when
standing in a normal position plus 10 per cent;
c. which provides sufficient shade to protect the Animal from the direct rays of the
sun at all times;
d. which contains dry bedding that will assist with maintaining normal body
temperature; and
e. which is regularly cleaned and sanitized and all excrement removed at least once
per day.
19. TETHERING OF ANIMALS
19.1 A person must not, at any time, cause, permit, or allow an Animal:
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a. to be tethered, hitched, tied, or fastened to a fixed object in such a way that the
Animal is able to leave the boundaries of the Owner's property;
b. to be tethered, hitched, tied, or fastened to a fixed object where a choke, prong,
shock collar, or a chain forms part of the securing apparatus, or where a rope or
cord is tied directly around the Animal's neck or be tethered other than with a
collar or harness that is properly fitted to the Animal and attached in a manner
that will not injure the Animal or enable the Animal to injure itself by pulling on
the tether;
c. to be tethered, hitched, tied, or fastened to a fixed object except with a tether of
sufficient length to enable the full and unrestricted movement of the Animal; or
d. to be tethered, hitched, tied, or fastened to a fixed object while the Animal is
unattended at any time.
20. CONFINEMENT OF ANIMALS
20.1 A person must not, at any time, permit or allow an Animal to be confined in an enclosed
space including a motor vehicle, without sufficient ventilation to prevent the Animal from
suffering discomfort, distress, or heat or cold-related injury. Such enclosed space or vehicle,
if stationary, must be in an area providing sufficient shade to protect the Animal from the
direct rays of the sun at all times.
21. TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMALS
21.1 A person must not, at any time, transport an Animal in a vehicle outside of the passenger
compartment or in an uncovered passenger compartment, unless it is confined in a pen or
cage, or secured in a body harness or other manner of fastening to prevent it from jumping,
falling off the vehicle, or otherwise injuring itself.
22. ANIMALS IN DISTRESS
22.1 A person must not, at any time cause, permit, or allow an Animal to be in Distress.
23. ANIMAL SHELTER STANDARDS OF CARE
23.1 The Animal Shelter Manager must be responsible for the Animals impounded under this
Bylaw and may set standards regarding food, water, shelter, exercise, social interaction, and
Veterinary attention for Animals kept in the Animal Shelter.
23.2 If an Animal Shelter Manager considers that an impounded Animal requires in shelter care,
examination by a Veterinarian, or urgent Veterinary care to alleviate any pain or suffering,
communicable disease, or parasite as recommended by a Veterinarian, then the Animal
Shelter Manager may cause such care to be provided at the sole cost and expense of the
Animal's Owner.
23.3 During or following the Impoundment period, the Animal Shelter Manager must, in
consultation with a Veterinarian, take an Animal to a Veterinarian for euthanasia, if the
Veterinarian reasonably believes:
a. immediate Veterinary treatment cannot prolong the Animal's life; or
b. prolonging the Animal's life would result in the Animal suffering unduly.
Page 16 of 19
23.4 The Town is entitled to recover from the Owner the cost of Veterinary care provided while
the Animal was Impounded, in addition to any other fees due to the Town for the
redemption of the Animal.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
24. NUISANCE ANIMALS
24.1 The Owner of an Animal must not cause, permit, allow, or fail to prevent that Animal from
being a Nuisance Animal.
24.2 An Animal Control Officer may, on having reasonable and probable grounds to believe an
Animal that has been involved in incidents that have resulted in two or more Bylaw Offence
convictions under this Bylaw, or has had two or more fines paid in relation to offences
under this Bylaw, declare the Animal a Nuisance Animal and direct the Owner in writing in
to take such actions as deemed necessary by the Animal Control Officer to ensure this
Bylaw is not further contravened.
24.3 The Owner of a Nuisance Animal who fails to comply with the written direction of an
Animal Control Officer pursuant to Section 24.2 is guilty of an offence.
25. SEIZURE AND IMPOUNDMENT
25.1 An Animal Control Officer may seize and Impound:
a. an unlicensed Dog;
b. any Animal that is found At Large in a Public Place;
c. any Animal that is found At Large or Straying on private property;
d. any Animal found on unfenced land and not securely restrained or contained;
e. any Animal that is or appears to be in Distress;
f. any Animal presenting a threat of Serious Injury to a person or Animal; or
g. any Animal found to be in contravention of any provision of this Bylaw.
25.2 An Animal Control Officer must, upon seizing an Animal, deliver the Animal to the
designated Animal Shelter for Impoundment.
25.3 Upon receiving an Animal, the Animal Shelter Manager may, as the Animal Shelter
Manager deems appropriate:
a. ensure the Animal has adequate shelter, food, and water;
b. check the Animal for any injuries or infections that may require treatment; and
c. provide for Veterinary care and pain control for injured or ill impounded
Animals as may be necessary to sustain its life and relieve Distress.
25.4 If an Animal has been Impounded under the provisions of this Bylaw, the Animal Shelter
Manager must keep the Animal in their care for a minimum of three (days) or seventy-two
(72) hours unless the Owner or the Owner's agent reclaims the Animal and takes possession
of the Animal earlier.
Page 17 of 19
25.5 Subject to section 26.4, every Owner or Owner's agent of an Animal that has been
Impounded may reclaim the Animal by:
a. attending the Animal Shelter with satisfactory proof of Ownership of the Animal;
and
b. paying in full all Dog License fees, Impounding fees, custodial fees for the care
and maintenance of the Animal, and any other fees levied pursuant to this
Bylaw, including Veterinary fees incurred while the Animal has been
Impounded.
25.6 If an Animal has been Impounded for longer than three (days) or seventy-two (72) hours,
the Animal Shelter Manager or designate may direct that the Animal:
a. be offered for adoption to the general public; or
b. be placed with any person or organization deemed acceptable by the Animal
Shelter Manager and the Animal Control Officer.
25.7 The Owner of an Impounded Animal must pay in full all fees levied pursuant to this Bylaw,
regardless of whether or not the Owner reclaims the Animal, including, but not limited to:
a. the Impound fee for the Animal;
b. the custodial fees for the care and maintenance of the Animal; and
c. the Veterinarian fees.
25.8 The Owner of an Impounded Animal must pay any amount due owing for Veterinary Care
that is in excess of the Veterinarian fees in "Schedule B" of this Bylaw as a debt due to the
Town within 30 days of the Town Delivering the invoice to the Owner.
26. EXCEPTIONS
26.1 The prohibitions set out in Part 6 and 7 of this Bylaw do not apply to:
a. an Animal Shelter;
b. any premises operated by BC SPCA;
c. a veterinary hospital;
d. educational facilities where Animals are being kept for study, research, or
teaching purposes in conjunction with and under the direct sponsorship of a
school or the Province of British Columbia;
e. an Owner of a Dog that is conducting Wildlife control duties in accordance with
a valid contract with the Town or Government agency while performing duties
or training related to the contract; or
f. a Dog being utilized by law enforcement officers while performing duties or
training related to law enforcement.
Page 18 of 19
RIGHT OF ENTRY
26.2 An Animal Control Officer may enter on or into residential property in accordance with
section 16 of the Community Charter to determine whether the requirements of this Bylaw
are being met.
27. OFFENCE AND PENALTY
27.1 Any person who causes, permits, or allows anything to be done in contravention or
violation of this Bylaw, or who neglects or fails to do anything required to be done pursuant
to this Bylaw, has committed an offence against this Bylaw and each day the offence
continues must constitute a separate offence.
27.2 Any person who commits an offence under this Bylaw must be liable:
a. upon summary conviction following a prosecution under the Offence Act, RSBC
1996, c 338, to a maximum fine of $50,000, together with the cost of the
prosecution and any other penalty or order imposed pursuant to the Community
Charter, SBC 2003, c 26, the Local Government Act, RSBC 2015, c1, or the Offence
Act; or
b. if a Bylaw Notice is issued, to the fine amount specified in Bylaw No. 1475, 2022
Town of Golden Bylaw Notice and Adjudication, as amended or replaced.
27.3 Nothing in this Bylaw limits the Town from utilizing any other remedy that is otherwise
available to the Town by law.
28. ON AND OFF-LEASH AREAS
28.1 A map designating where Dogs must be on leash within Municipal Boundaries is set out in
Schedule "C" which is attached to and forms part of this Bylaw.
29. INTERPRETATION AND SEVERABILITY
29.1 Unless otherwise provided in this Bylaw, words and phrases used herein have the same
meanings as in the Community Charter as the context and circumstances may require. A
reference to a statute in this Bylaw refers to a statute of the Province of British Columbia
and a reference to any statute, regulation, Bylaw, or other enactment refers to that
enactment as it may be amended or replaced.
29.2 If this Bylaw is inconsistent with the Community Charter or other governing statute, the
statute prevails. If any portion of this Bylaw is found invalid by a decision of a Court of
competent jurisdiction, the invalid portion is severed without effect on the remaining
portions of the Bylaw.
30. AMENDMENTS TO OTHER BYLAWS
30.1 On adoption of this Bylaw, the Town of Golden Bylaw Notice and Adjudication System Bylaw
No. 1475, 2022 (the "Bylaw Adjudication Bylaw"), as amended from time to time, is hereby
amended by replacing the Schedule attached to this Bylaw as Schedule "A" as the new
Schedule "H" in the Bylaw Adjudication Bylaw.
Page 19 of 19
31. REPEAL
31.1 The following bylaws and any amendments thereto, are hereby repealed in their entirety:
Town of Golden Bylaw No. 28, 1960, Village of Golden Pound;
Town of Golden Bylaw No.116, 1963, Sanitation & Animal Control;
Town of Golden Bylaw No.422, 1977 Golden Sanitation Regulations and Animal Control
Amendment Bylaw (116); and
Town of Golden Bylaw No. 1157, Animal Control Bylaw
READ A FIRST TIME THIS
16th DAY OF
DECEMBER, 2025
READ A SECOND TIME THIS
20th DAY OF
JANUARY, 2026
READ A THIRD TIME THIS
3rd DAY OF
FEBRUARY, 2026
ADOPTED THIS
3rd DAY OF
MARCH 2026
R. Oszust
A. Saville
MAYOR
CORPORATE OFFICER
A1
A2
A3
Penalty
Payment
within 14
days
Payment
after 28
days
7.1
Fail to register hens with Town
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
7.2
Fail to keep in accordance with bylaw
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
7.3
a.
Fail to reside or obtain permission from property owner
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
b.
Too many hens
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
c. - j
Fail to meet enclosure requirements
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
k.
Fail to secure feed from wildlife attractants
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
l.
Slaughter on property
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
m.
Hen at large
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
n.
Bury on property
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
7.4
Rooster in Town boundary
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
7.5
Keeping of Backyard Hens in a cage
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
7.6
Improper disposal/accumulation of material
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
7.7
Hens not kept in Coop/Enclosure (sunset to sunrise.)
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
9.1
a.
Aggressive Dog at large
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
b.
Aggressive Dog unleashed
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
c.
Aggressive dog in off leash area
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
d.
Fail to provide information about aggressive dog permanent ID
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
e.
Fail to provide photo to shelter
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
f.
Faily to notify
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
g.
Unlicenced aggressive dog
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
10.1
Fail to comply with provisions 9.1 a. - f.
$ 200.00 $ 180.00 $ 220.00
a.
Fail to muzzle Vicious Dog
$ 200.00 $ 180.00 $ 220.00
b.
Fail to obtain Vicious Dog licence
$ 200.00 $ 180.00 $ 220.00
c.
Fail to post signage
$ 200.00 $ 180.00 $ 220.00
d.
Fail to keep vicious dog secure
$ 200.00 $ 180.00 $ 220.00
11.1
Unlicenced dog
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
11.4
Fail to affix dog licence
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
11.5
Fail to notify change of address
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
12.2
Revoked licence
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
12.3
Fail to obtain licence under new designation
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
13.1
Fail to identify
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
14.1
Disobey signage
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
14.2
a.
Display aggressive behaviour
$ 200.00 $ 180.00 $ 220.00
Section 10
Section
Schedule A
Town of Golden Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Control
Bylaw No. 1510, 2026
Bylaw Contravention
Section 7
Section 9
Section 11-13
Section 14
A1
A2
A3
Penalty
Payment
within 14
days
Payment
after 28
days
Section
Schedule A
Town of Golden Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Control
Bylaw No. 1510, 2026
Bylaw Contravention
b.
Cause injury
$ 300.00 $ 280.00 $ 320.00
c.
Damage property
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
14.3
a.
Fail to isolate
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
b.
Fail to seek veterinary care
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
c.
Improper transport of Animal with communicable disease
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
14.4
Dog at large
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
14.5
a.
Fail to carry leash in off-leash area
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
b.
Fail to maintain control in off-leash area
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
c.
Fail to maintain line of sight in off-leash area
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
14.6
Fail to keep Dog in heat confined
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
15.1
Too many Animals (hens not included)
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
16.1
Fail to remove defecation
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
17.1
a.- b.
Leave scene of dog bite
$ 200.00 $ 180.00 $ 220.00
18.1
a. - e.
Fail to provide adequate care
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
18.2
a. - e.
Fail to provide adequate outside shelter
$ 100.00 $ 80.00 $ 120.00
19.1
a. - d.
Improper tethering
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
20.1
Improper confinement
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
21.1
Improper transport
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
22.1
Animal in distress
$ 200.00 $ 180.00 $ 220.00
24.1
Animal causing a nuisance
$ 70.00 $ 50.00 $ 90.00
27.1
Interference with Animal Control Officer
$ 180.00 $ 160.00 $ 200.00
Section 18 - 22
Section 24- 27
Section 15 - 17
Dog1 (spayed or neutered)
$
20.00 $
30.00
Dog, Intact1
$
50.00 $
70.00
Aggressive Dog1
$
100.00 $
125.00
Vicious/Dangerous Dog1
$
350.00 $
400.00
Service Dog/Police Dog
No charge
No charge
Replacement tag
$
10.00 $
10.00
$75.00
(plus impoundment fee)
First impoundment
$50.00
Second impoundment
$100.00
Third and subsequent impoundments
$200.00
Boarding fees
Note: Other fees associated with the animal's impoundment such as fines, purchase of a dog license,
veterinary care and/or vaccinations must be paid prior to the animal being released.
Note: An additional impoundment fee of $300 applies to an aggressive, vicious or dangerous
dog upon impoundment.
1 Seniors 50% discount
Licenced Dog
$50 per day while impounded
Licence type
Licence Fee
before February 1
Licence Fee
on or after
February 1
Unlicenced dog
Impoundment Fees
Schedule B
Town of Golden Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal
Control Bylaw No. 1510, 2026
Licence Fees
*Licences are valid for the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31