West Vancouver, British Columbia
· adopted 2008-01-01
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364310v1Document # 364310v1
District of West Vancouver
Animal Control and Licence
Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
Effective Date - June 2, 2008
Consolidated for Convenience Only
This is a consolidation of the bylaws below. The amendment bylaws have been
combined with the original 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 bylaw on this subject.
Amendment Bylaw
Effective Date
Bylaw No. 5286, 2023
November 27, 2023
Bylaw No. 4871, 2016
April 4, 2016
Bylaw No. 4654, 2010
July 26, 2010
Bylaw No. 4605, 2009
July 6, 2009
The bylaw numbers in the margin of this consolidation refer to the bylaws that
amended the parent bylaw (Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008).
The number of any amending bylaw that has been repealed is not referred to in
this consolidation.
364310v1Document # 364310v1
District of West Vancouver
Animal Control and Licence
Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
Table of Contents
Part 1
Citation ................................................................................................... 1
Part 2
Severability ............................................................................................. 1
Part 3
Previous Bylaw Repeal ........................................................................... 1
Part 4
Definitions ............................................................................................... 2
Part 5
Application .............................................................................................. 6
Part 6
Licencing Requirements ......................................................................... 6
Part 7
General Regulations ............................................................................... 8
Part 8
Commercial Dog Walking ..................................................................... 11
Part 9
Dangerous Animals .............................................................................. 15
Part 10
Other Animals ................................................................................... 17
Part 11
Impounding of Dogs and Other Animals ........................................... 20
Part 12
Offence and Penalty.......................................................................... 21
Schedule A - Prohibited Areas........................................................................ 23
Schedule B - Off Leash Areas ........................................................................ 25
Schedule C - Commercial Dog Walker Areas ................................................. 26
Schedule C1 - Restricted Area - Cabin Area ................................................. 27
Schedule C2 - Restricted Area - Old Growth Park ......................................... 28
Schedule C3 - Restricted Area - Eagle Lake and Surrounding Area ............. 29
Schedule D - Application for Release of Aggressive Dog ............................... 30
364310v1Document # 364310v1
District of West Vancouver
Animal Control and Licence
Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
A bylaw to provide for the regulation and impounding of animals within the
municipal boundaries of the District of West Vancouver under the
Community Charter.
Amendment Bylaws 4605, 4654, 4871, and 5286.
WHEREAS the Council of The Corporation of the District of West Vancouver
deems it expedient to provide by bylaw for the provision of services, the
regulation, impounding, and protection of animals, and the licencing of dogs
within the municipal boundaries of the District;
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the District of West Vancouver enacts as
follows:
Part 1 Citation
1.1
This bylaw may be cited as Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545,
2008.
Part 2 Severability
2.1
If a portion of this bylaw is held invalid by a Court of competent
jurisdiction, then the invalid portion must be severed and the remainder of
this bylaw is deemed to have been adopted without the severed section,
subsequent, paragraph, subparagraph, clause or phrase.
Part 3 Previous Bylaw Repeal
3.1
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4208, 2000 (adopted on October 2,
2000) and the following amendment bylaws are hereby repealed:
Amendment Bylaw
Effective Date
Bylaw No. 4247, 2001
March 26, 2001
Bylaw No. 4293, 2002
July 2, 2002
Bylaw No. 4350, 2003
November 24, 2003
Bylaw No. 4464, 2006
June 26, 2006
Bylaw No. 4520, 2007
October 01, 2007
Bylaw No. 4531, 2007
November 26, 2007
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
2
364310v1Document # 364310v1
Part 4 Definitions
4.1
In this Bylaw:
"aggressive dog" means:
a)
a dog that has attacked, bitten or caused injury to a person or has
demonstrated a propensity, tendency or disposition to do so;
b)
a dog that has bitten, killed or caused injury to a domestic animal;
c)
a dog that has aggressively pursued or harassed a person or
domestic animal;
d)
a dog with a known propensity to attack or injure a person without
provocation;
e)
a dog owned or harboured primarily or in part for the purpose of
dog fighting, or a dog trained for dog fighting;
f)
a dog that has been found to be dangerous or aggressive by an
Animal Control Officer or the Inspector under this or a previous
bylaw, by another local government, or by a court; or
g)
a dog, that in the opinion of a veterinarian licensed to practice in
British Columbia, is or is substantially similar in appearance to
either a Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American
Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or a cross of any of
the aforementioned breeds;
"altered dog" means a female dog that has been spayed or a male dog
that has been neutered;
"animal" includes, but is not limited to, a pet, livestock or poultry;
"Animal Control Officer" means an employee of the Municipality
designated for this office and, if the Municipality has contracted with the
SPCA to provide animal control services, includes an employee of the
SPCA;
"at large" means:
a)
an animal or animals, except a cat, which are not under the
immediate care and control of a responsible person by means of a
leash,
b)
an animal or animals that are in a public place listed in Schedule
"B" of this Bylaw unless the animal is under control of the owner;
Amendment Bylaw
No. 5286, 2023
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
3
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"beach" means any area covered and uncovered by the ebb and flow of
the tide, and any adjacent area which can reasonably be considered part
of the beach environment including areas of sand, pebbles, shell, shingle,
or coastal vegetation;
"Bylaw Enforcement Officer" means a West Vancouver Municipal Police
Officer, a person appointed by Council as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, an
Animal Control Officer or a Licence Inspector;
"chicken" means a domesticated female chicken that is at least four
months old;
"chicken coop" means the part of a chicken enclosure constructed of
solid walls on all sides and covered with a solid roof;
"chicken enclosure" means an enclosed structure designed for the
keeping of chickens and includes a chicken run and a chicken coop;
"chicken run" means the outdoor part of a chicken enclosure that is fully
enclosed by wire or mesh on all sides and covered with a solid roof;
"client dog" means a dog that a Dog Walking Business or a Commercial
Dog Walker walks for a fee;
"Commercial Dog Walker" means a person who owns or is employed by
a Dog Walking Business, who walks client dogs, and who has a valid dog
walking permit issued under Part 8 of this Bylaw;
"Commercial Dog Walker Permit" means a commercial dog walker
permit issued under this Bylaw;
"Council" means the Council of the Municipality;
"dangerous animal" means an animal:
a)
that according to the records of the Municipality or the
West Vancouver Police Department has killed or injured a person
or pet, or, without provocation, has aggressively pursued or
harassed a person;
b)
that, to the knowledge of the owner, has killed or injured a person
or pet, or, without provocation, has aggressively pursued or
harassed a person;
"dangerous dog" has the same meaning as defined in the
Community Charter;
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4871, 2016
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4871, 2016
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4871, 2016
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4871, 2016
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
4
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"deliver" means to send by regular or registered mail, or to leave with a
person, or deposit in a person's mail box or mail slot at the person's
residence or place of business;
"Dog Walking Business" means a business that provides a service of
walking dogs for a fee;
"enclosure" means a structure at least 1.8 metres (5.9 feet) in height
having a solid floor, and wire or steel mesh sides and roof, constructed
such that it prevents the entry of young children and the escape of a dog,
and specifically excludes invisible fencing systems and chicken
enclosures;
"foreshore" means any area within the Municipality along the shoreline
between the high and low water marks;
"guard dog" means a dog that is specifically trained for or used primarily
for the purposes of guarding property, including residential, commercial
and industrial property and is registered as a guard dog in accordance
with this Bylaw;
"Inspector" means the Manager of Bylaw & Licencing Services of the
Municipality or their designate;
"licence year" means the period between January 1 and December 31 in
any year;
"livestock" means a domesticated animal that is not a pet, and includes,
without limitation, poultry, a goat, sheep, pig (including potbellied pigs),
horse, miniature horse, cow, or animal bred or kept for fur;
"Municipality" means the Corporation of the District of West Vancouver
and the geographical area within the boundaries of the District of West
Vancouver;
"owner" means a person:
a)
to whom a licence for a dog has been issued under this Bylaw,
b)
who owns, is in possession of, or has the care or control of an
animal, temporarily or permanently,
c)
who harbours, shelters, permits or allows an animal to remain on or
about that person's land or premises, or
d)
who is the custodial parent or legal guardian of a child under the
age of 18 years who owns, is in possession of, or has the care or
control of an animal;
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4871, 2016
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
5
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"pet" means a domesticated dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, hamster, guinea pig,
gerbil, or bird, and includes reptiles and other animals if they are kept
inside a dwelling unit, but does not include livestock, poultry, or wildlife as
defined by the Wildlife Act;
"picnic eating areas and picnic shelters" means any area with picnic
tables constructed, installed, and maintained by the District;
"playground" means land within the District, or controlled by the District,
upon which structures and/or apparatus are placed intended for the use by
children including but not limited to swings and slides;
"poultry" includes a chicken, turkey, duck, goose, pigeon, swan or
peafowl, but excludes birds that are kept inside a home as pets;
"public place" includes but is not limited to any highway, boulevard or
park, or other real property owned, held, operated or administered by the
Municipality or by a school district located in the Municipality;
"rooster" means a male chicken;
"Swimming Beach" means any beach that is designated by the Director
as a beach used for swimming or sunbathing;
"SPCA" means the West Vancouver branch of the British Columbia
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals;
"sports fields" means land within the District, or controlled by the District,
which is designated and used for the playing of a sport including, but not
limited to, baseball diamonds, field hockey or cricket pitches, rugby,
soccer, or football fields;
"unaltered dog" means a dog that has not been spayed or neutered;
"under control" means, in respect of any dog, leashed or unleashed,
such circumstances where the dog:
a)
Immediately returns when called by the person who owns or has
care and control of the dog, and
b)
Is not aggressive, harassing or attacking any person, wildlife or
other animal or pet.
"unlicensed dog" means a dog over the age of six months that is not
licensed by the Municipality or is not wearing a valid dog license tag.
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4871, 2016
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
6
Document # 364310v1
Part 5 Application
5.1
Exempt Animals
5.1.1
A dog:
(a)
used by government law enforcement agencies is exempt
from this Bylaw; and
(b)
used as a guide animal pursuant to the Guide Animal Act
is exempt from the licensing fees set out in this Bylaw.
5.2
Authority of Bylaw Enforcement Officer
5.2.1
Every Bylaw Enforcement Officer is authorized to enter at all
reasonable times upon any land in the Municipality for the
purpose of ascertaining whether the requirements of this Bylaw
are being observed.
5.2.2
No person shall hinder, interfere with or obstruct the entry of the
Enforcement Officer onto any land, into any building, or any
vehicle to which entry is made or attempted pursuant to the
provisions of this Bylaw.
5.2.3
No person may, directly or indirectly, delay or interfere with an
Enforcement Officer in issuing a ticket or bylaw notice or
otherwise carrying out his or her duties in accordance with this
Bylaw.
5.2.4
No person may refuse to comply with the lawful direction of any
Enforcement Officer.
5.3
Animal Control Facility
5.3.1
Council establishes the SPCA building at 1020 Marine Drive,
West Vancouver (District Lot 237, unsubdivided Portion North of
PGE Shown on Explanatory Plan 4012) as the Municipality's
Animal Control Facility, and appoints the SPCA to operate and
maintain the Animal Control Facility.
Part 6 Licencing Requirements
6.1
Dog Licence Required
6.1.1
No person may keep or permit to be kept on a parcel a dog over
the age of six months (except at the Animal Control Facility, or in
the lawful and licensed operation of a pet store, veterinary
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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medical clinic, or pet care establishment) unless a dog licence
has been obtained from the Municipality for that dog.
6.1.2
Every owner of a dog must in respect of each calendar year
make application to the Municipality for a dog licence on the form
provided by the Municipality, and pay the fee set out in
Schedule 2 of Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4414, 2005.
6.1.3
If a dog is validly licensed outside the Municipality and moves to
the Municipality, the owner must submit the previous licence to
the Municipality within 14 days, and pay the tag replacement fee
set out in Schedule 2 of Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4414,
2005.
6.1.4
No dog licence shall be issued to or in the name of any person
under the age of 18 years.
6.1.5
A person who acquires a dog must obtain a new dog licence
within 14 days, even if the dog is already licensed within the
Municipality.
6.1.6
A person may only obtain a licence for an aggressive dog if the
aggressive dog has a numeric or alpha-numeric identification
tattoo, the details of which are included in the application for a
licence or licence renewal.
6.1.7
When a licence application meets the requirements of the
Municipality's bylaws, and the correct fee as well as all
outstanding fines, charges and fees related to that dog have
been paid, the Inspector may issue a dog licence and tag to the
applicant.
6.1.8
Every dog owner must ensure that a valid dog licence tag is
displayed on the dog at all times by affixing it to the dog's collar
or harness.
6.1.9
If a dog licence tag is lost, stolen or is otherwise rendered
unreadable, the dog owner must within 10 days make application
to the Municipality to replace the tag and pay the tag
replacement fee set out in Schedule 2 of Fees and Charges
Bylaw No. 4414, 2005.
6.1.10
Every dog licence issued under this Bylaw expires on the 31st
day of December in the year it was issued, and is valid only in
respect of the dog for which it is issued.
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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6.1.11
Where a dog is licenced but subsequently becomes an
aggressive dog, the dog licence becomes invalid and the dog
owner must obtain a new Licence for that dog within 14 days.
6.2
Revocation of Dog Licence
6.2.1
A person who fails to pay any required licencing or impoundment
fees in relation to their dog may have their licence revoked by
the Inspector, and not reinstated until all fees are paid.
6.2.2
Where a dog is an aggressive dog under this Bylaw and that dog
is the subject of five (5) bylaw notices or municipal ticket
informations over the lifetime of the dog, the dog licence will be
revoked.
6.2.3
A person whose dog licence has been revoked under this Bylaw
shall be given notice delivered to the address indicated on the
dog licence application.
6.2.4
A person whose dog licence is revoked for a reason other than
failing to pay required fees, may make representations to Council
through a letter sent within seven (7) days of receiving notice of
the revocation. The letter should be sent to the Municipal Clerk
and will be distributed to Council for consideration at a scheduled
meeting of Council.
6.2.5
Unlicenced dogs are not permitted to reside in the Municipality
and must removed from the Municipality's jurisdiction within
14 days of the revocation of the licence, or Council's
reconsideration of the revocation pursuant to the above
provision, whichever is later.
6.3
Number of Dogs Allowed
6.3.1
No person may keep, or permit to be kept, more than three dogs
on any parcel except at the Animal Control Facility, or in the
lawful and licensed operation of a pet store, veterinary medical
clinic, pet care establishment, or a Dog Walking Business.
Part 7 General Regulations
7.1
Running at large
7.1.1
The owner of an animal, with the exception of a cat, must not
allow or permit that animal to be at large.
7.2
Dog Walking
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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7.2.1
No person shall:
(a)
allow a dog to be in a public place that is listed in
Schedule "A" of this Bylaw;
(b)
fail to keep a dog under control in an area under
Schedule "B" of this Bylaw; or
(c)
walk more than three dogs in a public place at any one
time, except for Commercial Dog Walkers in accordance
with Part 8 of this Bylaw.
7.3
Animal Waste
7.3.1
No owner of an animal may allow the animal to leave or deposit
excrement on any public place or on private property other than
the property of the owner, unless the owner immediately takes
steps to remove such excrement and to dispose of it in a sanitary
manner.
7.4
Harassment
7.4.1
Every owner of an animal must ensure that the animal does not:
(a)
kill or injure a person or pet; or
(b)
aggressively pursue or harass a person or pet without
provocation.
7.5
Dog in Heat
7.5.1
The owner of an unaltered female dog must at all times when the
dog is in heat either:
(a)
keep the dog securely confined indoors or within a
building or enclosure which will prevent the escape of the
dog or the entry of other dogs; or
(b)
keep the dog on a leash while it is being walked off the
owner's property.
7.6
Boarding Kennels
7.6.1
No person may board dogs overnight for a fee in the Municipality
except as follows:
(a)
the Animal Control Facility established by the Municipality
under section 5.3 of this Bylaw may board dogs for a fee;
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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(b)
a veterinary medical clinic may keep dogs overnight for a
fee for the purpose of medical care or treatment; or
(c)
a pet store may keep dogs that are for sale overnight.
7.7
Protection of Animals
7.7.1
Every owner of an animal must ensure that the animal is
provided with:
(a)
clean, potable drinking water at all times, and suitable
food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal
growth and the maintenance of normal body weight;
(b)
clean and disinfected food and water receptacles that are
located so as to avoid contamination by excrement;
(c)
the opportunity for periodic exercise sufficient to maintain
good health; and
(d)
necessary veterinary medical care when the animal
exhibits signs of pain or suffering.
7.7.2
No person may keep an animal outside, unless the animal is
provided with a shelter that meets the following requirements:
(a)
protection from heat, cold and wet that is appropriate to
the animal's weight and type of coat;
(b)
sufficient space to allow the animal the ability to turn
about freely and to easily stand, sit and lie in a normal
position, and specifically with a length of at least 1 ½
times the length of the animal and a height of at least the
animal's height measured from the ground to the highest
point of the animal when standing in a normal position
plus 10%, and a width at least the same as the animal's
length;
(c)
protection from the direct rays of the sun.
7.7.3
Every owner of an animal shelter, pen, cage, run area or chicken
enclosure must ensure that the area is clean, sanitized, free from
vermin, and that all excrement is removed at least once a day.
7.7.4
No person may cause an animal to be hitched, tied or fastened
by any rope, chain or cord that is directly tied around the
animal's neck or to a choke collar.
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4871, 2016
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
11
Document # 364310v1
7.8
Transportation of Animals
7.8.1
No person may cause or permit an animal to be confined in an
enclosed space, including a motor vehicle or boat, unless
(a)
fresh air ventilation is provided by a vent or opening of at
least 500 cm2 (77.5 in2); and
(b)
the temperature in the enclosed space does not exceed
30 degrees Celsius.
7.8.2
No person may transport an animal in a vehicle outside the
passenger compartment unless it is confined in a pen or a cage,
or unless it is secured in a body harness or other manner of
fastening to prevent it from jumping or falling off the vehicle or
otherwise injuring itself.
Part 8 Commercial Dog Walking
8.1
Dog Walking Permit
8.1.1
In accordance with section 7.2.1(c), a Commercial Dog Walker
may walk up to six (6) dogs at one time in a park or public place
listed in Schedule "C".
8.1.2
Subject to section 8.1.3(b), the Inspector may issue a dog
walking permit to a Dog Walking Business for each Commercial
Dog Walker identified under subsection (d), upon receipt of the
following:
(a)
A valid application form provided by the Municipality and
completed by the owner of the Dog Walking Business for
one or more dog walking permits;
(b)
Proof that the applicant Dog Walking Business has a valid
business licence issued by the Municipality;
(c)
Proof that the applicant Dog Walking Business has and
maintains comprehensive general liability insurance, in
accordance with section 8.2.1(j);
(d)
The full name of each Commercial Dog Walker who will
walk client dogs on behalf of the Dog Walking Business;
and
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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(e)
Payment of a non-refundable fee of $50.00 for each
Commercial Dog Walker identified under subsection (d)
and the fee to replace any Dog Walkers' name with
another name shall be $25.00;
(f)
Written proof that each dog walker is a minimum of
eighteen (18) years of age or older;
(g)
Payment of a non-refundable Commercial Park Use
permit fee for each Commercial Dog Walking Business
referenced in the following rate table:
(h)
The annual Commercial Park Use permit fee shall be paid
at the time of application.
(i)
The annual Commercial Park Use permit fee for a Dog
Walking Business shall not be refunded or prorated once
the permit has been issued.
(j)
The maximum number of Commercial Park Use permits
issued by the District in one (1) calendar year shall be
limited to one hundred (100).
(k)
The maximum number of Commercial Park Use permits
issued to any one Commercial Dog Walking business is
five (5) in one (1) calendar year.
8.1.3
Suspension of Dog Walking Permit
(a)
The Inspector may suspend or cancel one or all of the dog
walking permits issued to a Dog Walking Business where
the Inspector is satisfied that the Dog Walking Business or
a Commercial Dog Walker employed by the Dog Walking
Business has failed to comply with this bylaw.
Location of
Commercial Dog
Walking Business
Number of Commercial Dog Walkers
1
2
3
4
5
Within District of
West Vancouver
$200.00
$400.00
$600.00
$800.00
$1000.00
Not within District
of West
Vancouver
$250.00
$500.00
$750.00
$1000.00
$1250.00
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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(b)
Where the Inspector suspends or cancels a dog walking
permit for a Commercial Dog Walker, the Inspector shall
not issue another dog walking permit to the same
Commercial Dog Walker for a period of one year.
8.2
Commercial Dog Walker Requirements
8.2.1
Every Commercial Dog Walker and Dog Walking Business shall
comply with the following terms and conditions of a dog walking
permit issued under section 8.1 of this Bylaw:
(a)
Only the Commercial Dog Walker named on the dog
walking permit may use it, and only while employed by the
Dog Walking Company that applied for the dog walking
permit;
(b)
Every Commercial Dog Walker must wear his or her dog
walking permit in a visible place at all times when walking
client dogs;
(c)
Every Commercial Dog Walker must keep a client dog
that he or she has not walked before on a leash at all
times;
(d)
Every Commercial Dog Walker must maintain immediate
control over the client dogs at all times, and must not
permit client dogs to jump on or bark at other people;
(e)
Every Commercial Dog Walker must carry a leash for
each client dog he or she is walking for use on any dog
which does not respond to commands;
(f)
Every Commercial Dog Walker must immediately remove
any dog excrement left by a client dog;
(g)
Every Dog Walking Business must ensure that it obtains a
complete written history of each client dog on the form
provided by the Municipality before a client dog is walked
by the Dog Walking Business or a Commercial Dog
Walker;
(h)
Every Commercial Dog Walker must have read and be
familiar with the complete history as provided in (g) of
each client dog he or she walks, including any history of
aggressive behaviour;
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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(i)
Every Commercial Dog Walker and Dog Walking
Business must keep a client dog, which displays or has
displayed aggressive behaviour; on a leash at all times
while in a public place;
(j)
Every Dog Walking Business must maintain
comprehensive general liability insurance valid until the
end of the calendar year, naming the Municipality as an
additional insured, in an amount not less than two million
dollars, for loss or damage arising from death, personal
injury, or property damage arising directly or indirectly
from the use of parks and public places in the Municipality
by the Dog Walking Business;
(k)
Upon the request of the Inspector, every Dog Walking
Business must provide to the Inspector proof of its current
business licence and insurance; and
(l)
A dog walking permit issued under section 8.1 shall expire
at the end of the calendar year.
(m)
Every Commercial Dog Walker shall wear a vest with the
name of the Commercial Dog Walker company shown on
the front and the back of the vest in the upper half of the
vest. The upper half of the vest shall be of a bright colour
approved by the Inspector. The vest's design shall meet
the Inspectors approval. Alternatives to a vest may be
approved by the Inspector provided that the name of the
Commercial Dog Walker company is clearly displayed at
all times;
(n)
Every dog walked by a Commercial Dog Walker shall
wear a coloured dog tag, two (2) inches in diameter or
larger, easily visible by people in the park or on a trail,
which shall be an indication that the dog is a client dog.
The inspector will select which colour of a dog tag is
suitable in each calendar year;
(o)
Every Commercial Dog Walker must carry a leash and
have a collar for each client Dog he or she is walking;
(p)
All dogs under the control of Commercial Dog Walkers
must be on a leash for the first fifty (50) metres from park
and trail entrances and exits;
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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(q)
Commercial Dog Walkers shall not walk their client dogs
together and stay within two hundred (200) metres of
each other, while both Commercial Dog Walkers are
walking in the same direction unless the total number of
dogs is not greater than the maximum permitted for any
one Commercial Dog Walker.
(r)
Every Commercial Dog Walker shall only walk client dogs
as per "Schedule C - Commercial Dog Walker Areas"
specifying commercial dog walking locations, days and
times and for further clarification shall specifically avoid
walking their client dogs in the designated areas shown
on Schedules C-1, C-2 and C-3 Commercial Dog Walker
Restricted Areas.
Part 9 Dangerous Animals
9.1
Dangerous Dogs
9.1.1
Every owner of an aggressive dog or other dangerous animal
must at all times keep the animal:
(a)
securely confined indoors such that the animal cannot
escape; or
(b)
in an enclosed pen or cage that prevents the entry of
young children and prevents the animal from escaping, if
the animal is not a dog; or
(c)
in an enclosure as defined by this Bylaw if the animal is a
dog or enclosed in accordance with section 9.2 of this
Bylaw if the dog is a registered guard dog; or
(d)
on a leash or tether no more than 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) in
length held by and under the immediate control of a
competent adult skilled in animal control. Furthermore, the
leash or tether must be of sturdy material and not
attached to a retracting mechanism.
9.1.2
In addition to section 9.1.1:
(a)
Every owner of an animal that has bitten a person or pet
must keep the animal muzzled while in a public place.
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(b)
Every owner of an aggressive dog must ensure that the
dog can be identified by way of a numeric or
alphanumeric tattoo or other permanent identification
device.
(c)
Every owner of an aggressive dog or a dangerous animal
must post warning signs which give clear notice of the
dog's or animal's presence to anyone visiting the property
as follows:
(i)
with lettering stating that an "aggressive dog on
premises" or "dangerous animal on premises", as
the case may be, and the sign shall contain no
other "copy" as defined by the West Vancouver
Sign Bylaw No. 4499, 2007;
(ii)
the lettering on the signs must be clearly visible
from the lesser of the curb line or 15 metres
(49.2 feet) away;
(iii)
the signs must be posted in each driveway or
entrance to the property and, if other than a single
family property, at all exterior doors of the building;
(iv)
and the signs must not be larger than 1.5 square
meters (4.9 square feet), nor smaller than .75
square meters (2.5 square feet);
(d)
Every owner of an aggressive dog or a dangerous animal
must build an enclosure on their property as defined by
this Bylaw.
9.2
Guard Dogs
9.2.1
Every owner of a guard dog, which is not confined within a
locked building on the property, must ensure that:
(a)
the outdoor area where the dog is kept is completely
fenced by means of a secure fence, constructed in a
manner that will keep the dog from escaping, with a
minimum height of 1.8 metres, and with gates in the fence
secured against unauthorized entry, or
(b)
the dog is securely confined in a fully enclosed pen or
cage which will prevent unauthorized entry and prevent
the dog from escaping.
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4605, 2009
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4605, 2009
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4605, 2009
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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9.2.2
Every owner of a guard dog must post warning signs which give
clear notice of the dog's presence to anyone visiting the property
as follows:
(a)
the lettering on the signs must be clearly visible from the
lesser of the curb line or fifty feet away; and
(b)
the signs must be posted in each driveway or entrance to
the property and, if other than a single family property, at
all exterior doors of the building.
9.2.3
Before bringing a guard dog into or using a guard dog in the
Municipality, every owner of a guard dog must register the dog
with the Inspector as a guard dog and record with the Inspector:
(a)
the address where the dog is usually kept and the
address of each parcel that the dog will be guarding;
(b)
the approximate hours during which the dog will be
performing guard duties;
(c)
the age, sex, breed and dog licence number of the dog;
and
(d)
the full name, address and telephone number of the
owner and any other individual who will be responsible for
the dog while it is on guard duty.
9.2.4
Should any of the information provided under section 7.2.3 need
to be changed, the owner must communicate the change in
writing to the Inspector at least 24 hours before the change
occurs.
Part 10 Other Animals
10.1 Prohibited Animals
10.1.1
No person may keep an animal in the Municipality:
(a)
other than a pet unless permitted under sections 10.1.2 -
10.3 of this Bylaw;
(b)
that is the product of breeding with a wolf, including a
wolf/dog cross.
10.1.2
The prohibition in section 10.1.1 does not include:
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(a)
an animal participating in or forming part of any lawful
parade, circus, show or other public demonstration; or
(b)
an animal being driven or conveyed through and beyond
the Municipality.
10.2 Cats
10.2.1
No person may keep or permit to be kept more than six weaned
cats on any one parcel, except at the Animal Control Facility, or
in the lawful and licensed operation of a pet store, veterinary
medical clinic, or pet care establishment.
10.3 Livestock
10.3.1
No person may keep or permit to be kept livestock; other than a
chicken where permitted under the Municipality's Zoning Bylaw
and in compliance with all other applicable bylaws.
10.4 Chickens
10.4.1 No person may:
(a)
keep a rooster of any age;
(b)
keep a chicken that is less than 4 months old;
(c)
keep more than 6 chickens on any one lot, as defined by
the Zoning Bylaw, despite the number of dwelling units
permissible on that lot;
10.4.2 A person who keeps one or more chickens must:
(a)
register the chickens with the District by filling out all fields
of the chicken registration form and submitting it to the
District;
(b)
construct and maintain a chicken enclosure, including a
chicken coop and a chicken run;
(c)
provide and maintain a floor of any combination of
vegetated or bare earth in each chicken enclosure;
(d)
provide and maintain in the chicken coop at least one
perch, for each chicken, that is at least 15 cm long, and at
least one nest box per chicken coop;
(e)
construct and maintain each chicken enclosure to prevent
any rodent from harbouring underneath or within it or
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4871, 2016
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4871, 2016
Amendment Bylaw
No. 4871, 2016
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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within its walls, and to prevent entrance by any other
animal;
(f)
secure all food containers indoors or in a manner to
prevent access by vermin, wildlife and other animals;
(g)
remove leftover feed, trash, and manure in a timely
manner so as to prevent obnoxious odours, attraction of
pests and wildlife, or conditions that could interfere with
the health and well being of a chicken;
(h)
follow bio-security procedures recommended by the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency;
(i)
keep chickens for personal use only, and not sell, trade or
barter eggs, manure, meat, or other products derived from
the chickens;
(j)
not slaughter, or attempt to euthanize, a chicken on the
property;
(k)
not bury a chicken on the property;
(l)
not dispose of a chicken except by delivering it to the
pound keeper, or to a farm, abattoir, veterinarian, or other
facility that has the ability to dispose of chickens lawfully;
(m)
not keep a chicken in a cage other than a chicken
enclosure unless for the purpose of transport;
(n)
ensure that all chickens are kept within a secure and
locked coop from dusk until dawn or from 9:00 p.m. where
dusk falls later than 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. where dawn
occurs earlier than 7:00 a.m.;
(o)
ensure that each chicken remains at all other times in the
chicken enclosure;
(p)
not deposit manure in the municipal sewage or storm
drain system.
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Part 11 Impounding of Dogs and Other Animals
11.1 Impoundment
11.1.1
A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may:
(a)
alone or with others, seize, impound or detain an
unlicenced dog, or seize, impound or detain any licenced
dog or other animal found to be running at large,
(b)
alone or with others, seize, impound or detain any
licenced or unlicenced dog or other animal found to be at
large.
11.1.2
If an animal is impounded under this Bylaw:
(a)
a Bylaw Enforcement Officer or the SPCA must take
reasonable efforts to find and notify the owner if the
animal is wearing a dog licence tag;
(b)
the owner of an animal that has been impounded must
recover the animal from the Animal Control Facility within
seven (7) days from the time of impoundment or
notification under subsection (a), whichever is the later,
and pay the impoundment and boarding fees prescribed
in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4414, 2005, in
accordance with the number of days the animal was
impounded. The SPCA may sell, dispose of, or humanely
destroy an animal after the expiration of seven days from
the day of impoundment or notification under
subsection (a), whichever is the later.
11.1.3
The owner of an aggressive dog that has been impounded
pursuant to this Bylaw may only reclaim the dog upon application
to the Animal Control Officer with the following:
(a)
proof of ownership of the aggressive dog;
(b)
proof that the aggressive dog has been tattooed or can be
identified in accordance with section 9.1.2(b) of this
Bylaw, or that the owner consents to allow the Animal
Control Facility to tattoo the aggressive dog;
(c)
payment of the fees set out in Schedule 2 of the Fees and
Charges Bylaw No. 4414, 2005; and,
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(d)
delivery to the Animal Control Officer of an executed
statement in the form prescribed in Schedule "D" of this
Bylaw.
11.1.4
In addition to the power to seize and detain a dog under this
Bylaw, Bylaw Enforcement Officers are designated as animal
control officers under s.49 of the Community Charter, and may
seize dangerous dogs pursuant to those provisions.
11.1.5
Notwithstanding section 11.1.3 of this Bylaw, where a dangerous
dog is seized pursuant to s.49 of the Community Charter, or
where the Municipality is otherwise making an application under
s.49 of the Community Charter for an order for the destruction of
a dangerous dog, the animal control officer may refuse to
release the dangerous dog to the owner in accordance with s.49
of the Community Charter.
11.1.6
The owner of a dog seized or impounded by the Municipality
under s.49 of the Community Charter must pay the impoundment
fees prescribed in the Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4414, 2005
in accordance with the number of days the animal is impounded,
on a weekly basis.
11.2 Disposal
11.2.1
The SPCA may sell, dispose of or humanely destroy a dog
seized or impounded under s.49 of the Community Charter for
which the impoundment fees are two weeks overdue.
Part 12 Offence and Penalty
12.1 Every person who violates a provision of this bylaw, or who consents,
allows or permits an act or thing to be done in violation of a provision of
this bylaw, or who neglects or refrains from doing anything required by a
provision of this Bylaw, is guilty of an offence and is liable, upon summary
conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 and not less than $2,500.
12.2 Each day that a violation continues or exists under this Bylaw is a
separate offence.
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Schedules
Schedule A - Prohibited Areas
Schedule B - Off Leash Areas
Schedule C - Commercial Dog Walker Areas
Schedule D - Application for Release of Aggressive Dog
READ A FIRST TIME on May 26, 2008
READ A SECOND TIME on May 26, 2008
READ A THIRD TIEM on May 26, 2008
ADOPTED by the Council on June 2, 2008
Mayor
Municipal Clerk
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Schedule A - Prohibited Areas
Pursuant to Section 7.2.1(a), dogs are prohibited in the following:
1.
In or on:
1.1
Playgrounds
1.2
Sports Fields
1.3
Municipal Golf Courses
1.4
Tennis or Basketball Courts
1.5
Wading Pools
1.6
Recreational Swimming Beaches
1.7
Food Service Areas or Concessions
1.8
Picnic Eating Areas and Picnic Shelters
1.9
Ambleside Lagoon
1.10 Municipal and Public Buildings (including daycares,
recreation, and community centres)
2.
Allotment Gardens (Argyle 1 and Argyle 2)
3.
Ambleside Pier
4.
Capilano River Reservoir
5.
Capilano View Cemetery
6.
Dundarave Park (except on paved footpaths)
7.
Eagle Lake Reservoir
8.
Hugo Ray Park
9.
Irwin Park
10.
John Lawson Park
11.
Lighthouse Park Including Foreshore (except on trails)
12.
Old Growth Conservancy (Schedule C2)
Amendment Bylaw
No. 5286, 2023
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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13.
Park Washrooms and Toilet Buildings
14.
Undeveloped Lands above the Trans Canada Highway (except
walking trails and fire access roads)
15.
Whyte Lake and Surrounding Shoreline
16.
Horseshoe Bay Park (except on paved footpaths)
17.
Ambleside Park (except on paved footpaths)
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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Schedule B - Off Leash Areas
Pursuant to Section 7.2.1(b), a maximum of three dogs per owner are
permitted off leash and under the immediate control of an owner in the
following areas:
1.
Ballantree Park
2.
Benbow Park
3.
Centennial Seawalk (north of fence from 19th to 24th Street only)
4.
Clovelly Walk
5.
Cypress Falls Park
6.
Douglas Woodward Park
7.
Hay Park
8.
On Walking Trails and Fire Access Roads in the Undeveloped Lands
above the Upper Levels Highway
9.
Klahanie Park (trails only)
10.
Lighthouse Park (trails only)
11.
McKechnie Park
12.
Seaview Walk
13.
Westhill Park
14.
Whytecliff Park
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Schedule C - Commercial Dog Walker Areas
Pursuant to Section 6.2.1(c) and Part 9, a Commercial Dog Walker is
permitted to walk up to six (6) dogs under the immediate control of the
Commercial Dog Walker only in the following parks or public trails during
the posted park or trail operating hours, except that on weekends
Commercial Dog Walkers may only walk a maximum of three dogs.
1.
Ballantree Park
2.
Cypress Falls Park
3.
Douglas Woodward Park
4.
Klahanie Park (trails only)
5.
McKechnie Park
6.
On Trails and Fire Access Roads on public property north of the Trans
Canada Highway, with the exception of the Cabin Area as shown on
Schedule C1. (For further certainty, the Cabin Area includes the following
roads and trails:
6.1.
West Lake Road
6.2.
Hollyburn Ridge Cabin Area Fire Access Road; and
6.3.
The Grand National Trail.
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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Schedule C1 - Restricted Area - Cabin Area
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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Schedule C2 - Restricted Area - Old Growth Park
SCHEDULE - C2
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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Schedule C3 - Restricted Area - Eagle Lake and
Surrounding Area
SCHEDULE - C3
Animal Control and Licence Bylaw No. 4545, 2008
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Schedule D - Application for Release of Aggressive Dog
I, ____________________________________________________________, of
(name of owner)
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
(address of owner)
in the District of West Vancouver, British Columbia, hereby apply for the release
of a:
____________________________________________________________
(colour, breed and sex of dog)
Named:
____________________________________________________________
(given name of dog)
(the "Dog")
which has been impounded pursuant to the District of West Vancouver Animal
Control and Licence Bylaw, in force from time to time.
1. I am the owner of the Dog.
2. I am aware that the Dog is an "aggressive dog" within the meaning prescribed by the Bylaw
and I am aware of the responsibility and potential liability that rests with me in keeping or
harbouring the Dog.
3. In consideration of the release of the Dog to me, I hereby acknowledge, covenant and agree
with the District of West Vancouver:
a) that I have constructed on the premises where the Dog will be kept an "enclosure" within
the meaning prescribed by the Bylaw;
b) that I will at all times when the Dog is not effectively muzzled, on a leash and under the
care and control of a person competent to control the dog, keep the Dog indoors or within
a securely closed and locked enclosure;
c) that I will save harmless and indemnify the District of West Vancouver, its Animal Control
Officers and any of its other officers, employees, agents or elected or appointed officials
from and against any and all actions, causes of action proceedings, claims, demands,
losses, damages, costs or expenses whatsoever and by whomsoever brought relating to
the release of the Dog to me or the keeping or harbouring of the Dog by me, and without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, for any personal injury or death inflicted on any
other animal or any person by the Dog or any damage to property caused by the Dog;
and
d) that I am aware that if the Dog is ever again found to be at large or not confined as herein
before provided, that the District may seize the Dog and I will be liable for the for costs of
impounding and the dog as an aggressive dog under the Bylaw.
5.
I submit herewith the Sum of $_____________ in payment of all licence and impounding
fees payable by me pursuant to the Bylaw.
_____________________________
Signature of Owner