Animal Control Bylaw No. 1979, 2003 (Consolidated)
Powell River, British Columbia
· adopted 2003-01-01
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Consolidated June 8, 2020
File No. 3900-30-0006
1
CITY OF POWELL RIVER
City of Powell River Animal Control Bylaw 1979, 2003
CONSOLIDATION
This information bylaw has been prepared by the City of Powell River for convenience
only. The City does not represent that the consolidated bylaw is up to date or complete
and anyone using this material should confirm its content by reference to the original
legislation, codes, bylaws and their amendments
Bylaw Number
Adoption Date
Animal Control Bylaw Amendment 1995
November 18, 2003
Animal Control Bylaw Amendment 2328
November 1, 2012
Animal Control Bylaw Amendment 2334
December 12, 2012
Animal Control Bylaw Amendment 2576
September 5, 2019
Animal Control Bylaw Amendment 2592
October 3, 2019
Animal Control Bylaw Amendment 2607
June 4, 2020
Consolidated June 8, 2020
2
ANIMAL CONTROL BYLAW NO. 1979, 2003 CONSOLIDATION
This consolidation of Animal Control Bylaw No. 1979, 2003, has been prepared exclusively for the
use of the City of Powell River for convenience only. City of Powell River does not represent that
this consolidation is accurate or complete and anyone using this material should confirm its
content by reference to the original bylaw and amendments.
CITY1 OF POWELL RIVER
BYLAW NO. 1979, 2003
A Bylaw to regulate the keeping of dogs and other animals in the City of Powell River
WHEREAS the Council of the City of Powell River considers it to be in the public interest to regulate the
keeping of dogs and other animals and to prevent public nuisances caused by animals2 in the City of
Powell River, the Council of the City of Powell River, in open meeting assembled enacts as follows:
Title:
1. This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "City of Powell River Animal Control Bylaw No.1979,
2003."
Interpretation:
2. In this Bylaw:
a) "Animal Control Officer" means any person appointed by the City as an Animal Control Officer or
Bylaw Enforcement Officer, and includes a Peace Officer and the Poundkeeper;
b) "Dangerous Dog" means:
i)
a dog with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack, without provocation, a
person or another animal, or
ii)
a dog which has bitten, attacked, or aggressively pursued, without provocation, a person
or another animal.
c) "City" means the City of Powell River or, where the context requires, the area within the municipal
boundaries of the City of Powell River;
d) "Keep" includes own, possess, harbour, and have care, custody, and control of;
e) "Kennel" means a place, building, or structure for the keeping, training, care, breeding, treatment,
hospitalization, or boarding of four or more dogs or cats;
f)
"Owner" means a person having any right of custody, control, or possession of;
g) "Poultry" means a domestic fowl, a duck, a goose, a turkey, a pigeon or similar bird3;
1 Amendment Bylaw No. 2334, 2012
2 Amendment Bylaw No. 2328, 2012
Consolidated June 8, 2020
3
h) "Poundkeeper" means any person appointed by the City as the Poundkeeper or any contractor
who has entered into an agreement with the City to assume the responsibilities of the Poundkeeper
pursuant to this bylaw, and includes the deputy, assistants, and employees of the Poundkeeper.
i) "Public Nuisance" means:
-
In relation to pigeons, pigeons:
o that defecate on property, things or persons located there;
o roosting, landing or nesting on property; or
o that cause any interference with the normal use or enjoyment of a property; and
-
In relation to keeping of poultry and rabbits, allow, cause or permit the attraction of wildlife,
predators or rodents such that they:
o become habituated to poultry and rabbit food sources;
o defecate on adjacent property and things;
o roost, land or travel across adjacent property; or
o cause any interference with the normal use or enjoyment of a property."4
Dog Licenses
3. No person shall keep any dog in the City unless a valid and subsisting license for the current calendar
year has first been obtained for the dog under this bylaw.
4. An application for a license under this bylaw shall be in the form attached as Schedule "A" to this
Bylaw.
5. Every license issued under this bylaw shall bear a number and the name of the owner of the dog for
which the license is issued and shall be accompanied by a license tag bearing the same number as
the license to which it corresponds.
6. The owner of a dog for which a license and corresponding license tag have been issued under this
bylaw shall affix, and keep affixed, the license tag on the dog by a collar, harness or other suitable
device.
7. No person other than the owner of a dog for which a license and corresponding license tag have
been issued under this bylaw shall remove the license tag from the dog.
8. Every license and corresponding license tag issued under this bylaw is valid only in respect of the
dog for which it was issued, as described on the license application and is not transferable to another
dog.
9. Every license and corresponding license tag issued under this bylaw shall expire on the 31st day of
December in the calendar year in which the license was issued.
10. In the event of a change in ownership of a dog for which a license and corresponding license tag
have been issued under this bylaw, the license and corresponding license tag shall expire on the
fourteenth day following the change in ownership of the dog, and the new owner of the dog shall
obtain a new license for the dog.
11. The owner of a dog for which a license and corresponding license tag have been issued under this
bylaw may obtain a replacement license tag upon satisfying the City that the original license tag has
been lost or stolen.
3Amendment Bylaw No. 2334, 2012
4Amendment Bylaw No. 2607, 2020
Consolidated June 8, 2020
4
License Fees
12. An application for a dog license or replacement license tag under this bylaw shall be accompanied by
the applicable license fee as set out in Schedule "B" to this bylaw.
Animal Control Regulations and Prohibitions
13. For the purposes of sections 14 - 26 of this bylaw, "animal" does not include cats.
14. No person shall permit any animal to be running at large in the City.
15. No person shall permit a dog to be on a highway or public place unless the dog is kept on a leash or
tether not exceeding two metres in length, and is under the immediate care and control of a
competent person.
16. No person shall permit a dangerous dog to be off the owner's property, on a highway, or public place
unless the dog is kept on a leash or tether not exceeding two metres in length, is securely muzzled so
as to prevent the dog from biting a person or another animal, and is under the immediate care and
control of a competent person.
17. The owner of a dangerous dog shall, at all times when the dog is on the owner's property, keep the
dog securely confined within a building or enclosure capable of preventing the dog's escape and the
entry of children under the age of 12 years old.
18. The owner of a female dog in heat shall, at all times when the dog is in heat, keep the dog securely
confined within a building or enclosure capable of preventing the dog's escape and the entry of other
dogs.
19. No person shall permit any animal to be in those areas of the City set out in Schedule "C" to this
bylaw during the periods of time set out in Schedule "C" to this bylaw.
20. No person shall permit any animal to graze on land in the City unless the animal is confined to the
land by a fence or other enclosure, is securely tethered to the land, or is otherwise under the direct
and continuous control of a person competent to control the animal.
21. In order to deter bears and other predators, electric fences may be constructed within residential and
rural zones and multifamily residential zones, as identified in Part 8 and Part 9 of the Zoning Bylaw,
subject to the following:
a) only Canadian Standards Association or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada approved electric
fence controllers are permitted;5
b) no portion of an electrified fence shall be located within setback areas; and
c) yellow weather resistant warning signs stating the danger of electric shock need to clearly identify
the fence and be visible at all points where people may contact the fence.6
22. No person shall permit a horse to be on any of the following streets or areas of the City:
a) Joyce Avenue;
b) Any street west of Joyce Avenue to Malaspina Straits;
c) Alberni Street from Joyce Avenue to Manson Avenue;
d) Any street in the Powell River Townsite area except Cedar Street and Aspen Avenue between
Cedar and Poplar Streets;
5 Amendment Bylaw No 2592, 2019
6 Amendment Bylaw No 2576, 2019
Consolidated June 8, 2020
5
e) Marine Avenue;
f)
Any street within the area bounded by Abbotsford Street, Alberni Street, and the west side of
Manson Avenue and Malaspina Straits, excluding Fernwood Avenue;
g) Cranberry Street from Crown Avenue to Manson Avenue;
h) Manson Avenue from Cranberry Street to Drake Street; and
i)
Any municipal park, school ground, car parking area, cultivated boulevard or sidewalk.
23. No person shall permit a horse to graze on a highway or other public place.
24. No person shall permit a horse to gallop on a highway.
25. No person shall ride, walk, or otherwise use a horse between the hours from dusk to dawn.
26. No person shall permit any animal to defecate upon any highway or public place.
27. Where an animal has defecated on a highway or public place contrary to this bylaw, the person
having care, custody, or control of the animal shall immediately remove the excrement so deposited
and dispose of it in a sanitary manner.
Regulations for the Keeping of Animals
28. No person shall keep more than three dogs but no more than one of which can be an unspayed
female on any parcel of land in the City at one time except in the lawful operation of a pet shop,
veterinary clinic or kennel.
29. No person shall keep more than three cats but no more than one of which can be an unspayed
female on any parcel of land in the City at one time except in the lawful operation of a pet shop,
veterinary clinic or kennel.
30. A person may keep any animal in the City, other than dogs, cats, rabbits or poultry:
a) on an A1 and A2 zoned parcel under City of Powell River Zoning Bylaw 2100, 2006, when a
minimum 0.4 hectares (1 acre) of land is provided for each animal;
b) on a RA1 zoned parcel under City of Powell River Zoning Bylaw 2100, 2006, when a minimum
0.2 hectares (0.5 acres) of land is provided for each animal; and
c) on a RA1, A1 or A2 zoned parcel under City of Powell River Zoning Bylaw 2100, 2006, an
additional animal may be kept for each additional 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres) of land.7
31. A person may keep in the City:
a) up to 12 poultry, none of which may be a rooster, or 20 rabbits on a RA1 zoned parcel under City
of Powell River Zoning Bylaw 2100, 2006, where the lot area is less than 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres);
b) up to 24 poultry, one of which may be a rooster, or 50 rabbits, on a RA1, A1 or A2 zoned parcel
under City of Powell River Zoning Bylaw 2100, 2006; and
c) up to six poultry, none of which may be a rooster, on a R1, R2 and R3 zoned parcel under City of
Powell River Zoning Bylaw 2100, 2006.8 9
7 Amendment Bylaw No. 2334, 2012
8 Amendment Bylaw No. 2334, 2012
9 Amendment Bylaw No 2607, 2020
Consolidated June 8, 2020
6
32. A person keeping poultry and/or rabbits pursuant to section 30 shall keep the poultry and rabbits in
appropriate enclosures that:
a) Portable and mobile enclosures are shelters that must be:
i
located within the rear yard of the property;
ii
no closer than 3.0 m from any lot line;
iii
constructed in a manner that provides protection from natural predators; and
iv
kept dry, unsoiled, and free of odours or vermin
b) Manure, soiled bedding and all other associated waste products must be disposed of such that
there is no resulting odour or vermin; and,
c) It is prohibited to allow, cause or permit the attraction of wildlife, predators or rodents such that they
cause public nuisance. 10
33. Sections 29, 30 and 31 do not apply to the lawful operation of a kennel.
Prohibition of Cruelty to Animals
34. No person shall 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) food and water receptacles which are clean and located so as to avoid contamination of food and
water by excreta;
c) the opportunity for periodic exercise sufficient to maintain the animal's good health and
including the opportunity to be unfettered from a fixed area and exercised regularly under
appropriate control, and;11
d) necessary veterinarian care when the animal exhibits signs of pain, suffering or disease.
35. No person shall keep any animal outside for extended periods of time unless the animal is provided
with shelter, of sufficient size to allow the animal to turn about freely, and 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.
36. A shelter provided for an animal under this bylaw shall be regularly cleaned of excreta and sanitized.
37. No person shall cause an animal:
a) to be confined in an enclosed space, including a motor vehicle, without sufficient
ventilation to prevent the animal from suffering discomfort or heat stroke, or;
b) to be 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 directly tied around the animal's
neck.12
10Amendment Bylaw No. 2607, 2020
11Amendment Bylaw No. 1995, 2003
12Amendment Bylaw No. 1995, 2003
Consolidated June 8, 2020
7
Destruction of Diseased Animals
38. An Animal Control Officer may destroy any animal suffering from an incurable disease upon
certification of the animal's condition by a licensed veterinarian.
Establishment of Pound
39. The land and premises located at 7156 Duncan Street, Powell River, British Columbia and legally
described as Fractional North West 1/4 Of District Lot 5120 Group 1 New Westminster District,
Except Plan 21755, are hereby established as the pound.
Seizure and Impoundment
40. Any dog that has not been licensed in accordance with this bylaw shall be liable to seizure and
impoundment by an Animal Control Officer.
41. Any animal found to be running at large contrary to this bylaw shall be liable to seizure and
impoundment by an Animal Control Officer.
42. Where the owner of an animal which has been seized and impounded under this bylaw is known to,
or can be identified by the Poundkeeper, the Poundkeeper shall 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.
43. Such notification described in section 41 shall advise the owner that the animal will be sold, destroyed
or otherwise disposed of by the Poundkeeper after the expiration of three days from the date the
notice was received by the owner unless, in the meantime, the animal is redeemed.
44. For the purposes of this bylaw, notice by mail shall be deemed to be received by the owner after
expiration of three days from the date the notice was mailed.
45. 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 Poundkeeper, the Poundkeeper shall cause notice of the seizure
and impoundment to be posted on the public notice boards at the pound.
46. Such notice described in section 44 shall set out the particulars of the impounded animal, the date of
seizure and impoundment of the animal, and that the animal will be sold, destroyed or otherwise
disposed of by the Poundkeeper after the expiration of three days from the date of the notice unless,
in the meantime, the animal is redeemed.
47. An owner of an animal seized and impounded under this bylaw, or any person authorized in writing
on the owner's behalf, may redeem the impounded animal at any time prior to its sale, 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 impoundment and maintenance fees, costs and charges incurred in respect of the
seizure and impoundment of the animal as set out in Schedule "B" to this bylaw; and
c) payment of the current requisite license fee where the impounded animal is required to be
licensed pursuant to this bylaw and is not licensed.
48. Where an animal that has been seized and impounded under this bylaw has not been redeemed, the
Poundkeeper may, after the expiration of the notice periods established under this bylaw, offer the
impounded animal for sale or adoption.
Consolidated June 8, 2020
8
49. Where the Poundkeeper is unable or considers it undesirable to effect the sale or adoption of an
animal that has been seized and impounded under this bylaw, or where an impounded animal has
been offered for sale or adoption but has not been sold or adopted, the Poundkeeper shall destroy or
otherwise dispose of the animal.
50. No person shall break open, or in any manner, directly or indirectly, aid or assist in breaking open, the
pound.
51. No person shall take or release any animal from the pound without the consent of the Poundkeeper.
Duties of the Poundkeeper
52. The Poundkeeper shall 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 pound;
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 redeemed, 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.
53. A monthly report in writing shall be made by the Poundkeeper to the City setting out the information
and particulars recorded by the Poundkeeper in accordance with the Poundkeeper's duties under this
bylaw.
54. The Poundkeeper shall, within seven days of the end of each month, make to the City a monthly
remittance of all monies received by the Poundkeeper under this bylaw for the account of the City
during the proceeding month.
Pigeons
55. No person or owner or occupier of property shall feed or otherwise attract pigeons or allow, cause or
permit the feeding or attraction of pigeons such that the pigeons cause a public nuisance, whether or
not in relation to another property.13
Inspection
56. An Animal Control Officer may enter on any property at any reasonable time for the purpose of
ascertaining whether the regulations and requirements of this bylaw are being observed.
Obstruction
13Amendment Bylaw No. 2328, 2012
Consolidated June 8, 2020
9
57. No person shall hinder, delay, or obstruct in any manner, directly or indirectly, an Animal Control
Officer or any person employed by the Animal Control Officer in carrying out the duties of powers of
an Animal Control Officer under this bylaw.
Offences and Penalties
58. Any person who contravenes this bylaw is liable upon summary conviction to a fine not exceeding
$2,000 and the cost of prosecution. Every day during which there is an infraction of this bylaw shall
constitute a separate offence.
Severability
59. If any section or lesser portion of this bylaw is held to be invalid by a Court, such invalidity shall not
affect the remaining portions of the bylaw.
Repeal
60. "The City of Powell River Animal Control and Pound Operation Bylaw No. 1362, 1990" and "Animal
Control and Pound Operation Amendment Bylaw Nos. 1512, 1529, 1793, 1855, and 1867" are hereby
repealed.
Consolidated June 8, 2020
10
BYLAW NO. 1979 - SCHEDULE "A"
CITY OF POWELL RIVER
MacGregor Building
CITY POUND OFFICE
6910 Duncan Street
7156 Duncan Street
Powell River, BC V8A 1V4
Powell River BC V8A 5J4
(604) 485-6291
(604) 485 - 4606
City of Powell River Dog License
DATE ______________________________
RECEIVED FROM __________________________________________
THE SUM OF _____________________________ _______ DOLLARS
100
DOG'S OWNER ______________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS ___________________________________________
PHONE # (home) _________________ (work) ______________________
DOG'S NAME _______________________ BREED _________________________
COLOUR _______________________________ AGE OF DOG ________________
MALE/FEMALE _____________________ NEUTERED/SPAYED _____________
VET _______________________________ TATTOO
LICENSE NO. _______________________
Annual License Fee: $30.00 _________ ($6.00 will be deducted if paid before March 1st.)
License Fee for dog moved into District after 30 June: $15.00 __________
Replacement tag: $5.00 ________
THIS LICENCE EXPIRES DECEMBER 31ST OF YEAR ISSUED
I hereby agree to abide by and be bound by the rules, regulations and rates as established by the City of
Powell River Animal Control Bylaw No. 1979, 2003.
SIGNATURE OF DOG OWNER ___________________________________________________________
IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE "ANIMAL CONTROL BYLAW" TO PROVIDE FALSE INFORMATION
VOID UNLESS
VALIDATED
Consolidated June 8, 2020
11
BYLAW NO. 1979 - SCHEDULE "B"
FEES AND CHARGES
1. The annual license fees payable under this bylaw are as follows:
(a) Every dog
$ 30.00
(b) For every dog if paid before 01 March
$ 24.00
2. License fee for every dog that has moved into the City after 30 June
$ 15.00
3. Fee for a replacement license tag under this bylaw
$ 5.00
4. The impoundment fees payable under this bylaw are as follows:
(a) For the first seizure or impoundment of a licensed dog
$ 30.00
(b) For the first seizure or impoundment of an unlicensed dog or any
other animal
$ 55.00
(c) For the second and each subsequent seizure or impoundment
of an animal
$ 80.00
5. The maintenance fees payable under this bylaw are as follows:
(a) For providing food, water, shelter and attendance for an impounded
dog or small animal
$ 10.00 per day
(b) For providing food, water, shelter and attendance for an impounded
large animal
Actual Cost
(c) For veterinary attention for an impounded animal
Actual Cost
GST added where applicable
Consolidated June 8, 2020
12
BYLAW NO. 1979 - SCHEDULE "C"
AREAS WHERE ANIMALS PROHIBITED
AREA
PERIOD OF TIME WHEN ANIMALS ARE
PROHIBITED FROM AREA
Willingdon Beach Park
May 1st to September 15th inclusive in each year
Willingdon Beach Walkway and Fishing Float
All Year
Mowat Bay Park
May 1st to September 15th inclusive in each year