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THE CORPORATION OF THE
TOWNSHIP OF BLANDFORD-BLENHEIM
BY-LAW NUMBER 2275-2021
Being a By-Law to regulate ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL, and to provide for a
system of licensing, permits, approvals or registrations respecting the matter
including the imposing of fees and charges.
WHEREAS sections 9 to 11 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2011, c.25, as
amended (hereinafter referred to as "Municipal Act), confer the power to pass by-
laws regulating or prohibiting animals to a lower-tier municipality:
AND WHEREAS section 8(3)(c) of the Municipal Act confers the power upon a
municipality, in exercising its powers to regulate and prohibit respecting a matter, to
provide for a system of licenses, permits, approvals or registrations respecting the
matter, and to impose conditions as a requirement of obtaining, continuing to hold or
renew a license, permit, approval or registration;
AND WHEREAS section 103 of the Municipal Act confers a power upon a
municipality to pass a by-law to provide for the seizure and impounding of animals
being at large or trespassing and the sale of impounded animals under certain
conditions;
AND WHEREAS section 391 of the Municipal Act enables a municipality to pass by-
laws imposing fees or charges on any class of person for services or activities
provided or done by or on behalf of it;
AND WHEREAS the Dog Owners' Liability Act, 1990, R.S.O. 1990, c.D16, as
amended, including amendments made by the Public Safety Related to Dogs
Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005, provides for the control of dogs;
AND WHEREAS the Ontario Police Services Act, R.S.O. 1990 Chapter P. 15 as
amended provides that Council may appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers to
enforce all municipal By-Laws;
AND WHEREAS Council deems it expedient to ensure that animals are kept and
treated in a humane manner and that the owners of animals provide good quality
care to them;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Blandford-
Blenheim enacts as follows:
1.
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2. SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS
In this By-Law:
1.1. Animal means any member of the animal kingdom, other than human, as
defined in the Municipal Act;
1.2. Animal Enclosure means an enclosed place for the keeping of animals but
shall not include the yard of a property where fencing has been erected on or along
the property lines for the purposes of enclosing, in whole or in part, the yard itself;
1.3. Animal Control Officer means the By-Law Enforcement Officer as well as a
person or company or corporation, or their employees, under contract with the
Municipality to enforce the requirements of this by-law, or an employee of the
Corporation of the Township of Blandford-Blenheim employed to administer and
enforce the requirements of this by-law or any Police Officer;
1.4. Animals for Research Act means Animals for Research Act - R.S.O., 1990, c.
A22, as amended;
1.5. At Large or Trespass means an animal being at any place other than the
premises of the owner of the animal and not under the control of the owner or a
person acting on behalf of the owner, and in case of dogs including not being put on
a leash, except where the owner of the property, other than the animal owner's
property, permits the animal to be on his or her property;
1.6. Cat means a domesticated feline animal, male or female, spayed or neutered or
natural, and harboured or kept by any person;
1.7. Certificate of Registration means a certificate of registration issued by an
association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. 8 (4th
Supp.) for an animal of a distinct breed or issued by the Canadian Kennel Club,
American Kennel Club or by the United Kennel Club;
1.8. Commercial Dog Kennel means any building, pen or other structure, but not
including a building used for human habitation, in which a dog or dogs not belonging
to the owner of the property, in return for payment of a fee, are kept for breeding or
boarding;
1.9. Corporation means the Corporation of the Township of Blandford-Blenheim;
1.10. Council means the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Blandford-
Blenheim;
1.11. Dangerous Dog means a dog that in the absence of any mitigating factor has
bitten or attacked a person or domestic animal or has behaved in a manner that
poses a menace to the safety of persons or other domestic animals. Dangerous
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dog also means a dog, previously designated as a potentially dangerous dog, that is
kept or permitted to be kept by its owner in violation of the requirements for such
dog;
1.12. DOLA means the Dog Owners' Liability Act, 1990, R.S.O. 1990, c.D16 as
amended, including amendments made by the Public Safety Related to Dogs
Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005.
1.13. Domestic Animal means an animal kept by or living with human beings;
1.14. Dog means a domesticated canine animal, male or female, spayed or
neutered or natural, harboured or kept by any person;
1.15. Dog Identification means microchip, identifying tattoos, or personalized tag
or collar that provides information on how to contact the dog owner;
1.16.
Kennel shall mean any building, structure, dog run or other facility, which houses
(on a permanent or temporary basis) dogs for the purpose of breeding, boarding or
training for profit or not for profit
1.17. Dwelling Unit means one (1) or more habitable rooms occupied or capable of
being occupied by a person or a family as an independent and separate
housekeeping establishment in which separate kitchen and sanitary facilities are
provided for the use of such person or family, with a private entrance from outside
the building or from a common hallway or stairway inside the building in which the
dwelling unit is located;
1.18. Excrement shall mean the waste matter expelled from the bowels of an
animal;
1.19. Extreme Weather means a cold warning, heat warning or other weather
warning issued be either or both Southwestern Public Health or Environment
Canada for weather in Oxford County.
1.20. Herding Dog shall mean a dog that has been trained and is actively being
used in a bona fide farming operation for the purposes of controlling livestock on the
farm;
1.21. Household Pet means a domestic animal that is taken into the care of one or
more persons for the purpose of personal enjoyment or protection which normally
spends time in the dwelling unit of the owner and shall include but not be limited to
caged birds, caged rodents or rabbits, cats, dogs tropical fish and non-poisonous
indigenous reptiles;
1.22. Hunting/Sporting Kennel means any building, structure, dog run or other
facility, or part thereof, other than a dwelling unit that provides shelter for three or
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more dogs, that are routinely entered into dog sled or other similar races or hunting
events or other authorized sporting competitions;
1.23. Identification Microchip shall mean an object which may be permanently
implanted in a dog by injection or surgical procedure, which is programmed to store
a unique and permanent identification number and is capable of using radio-
frequency signals to relay the stored information to a scanning device;
1.24. Impounded shall mean seized, delivered, received or taken into the pound or
any authorized vehicle operated by an officer pursuant to the previsions of the by-
law;
1.25. Keep means to have temporary or permanent control or possession of an
animal;
1.26. Kennel License means a license issued for a Commercial Dog Kennel,
Purebred Kennel or Hunting/Sporting Kennel, as evidenced by the license records
of the Township;
1.27. Leash means rope, chain or other restraining device suitable to the size of the
dog which may not exceed 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) in length, except for pit bull dogs
the leash for which shall not exceed 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) in length;
1.28. License when used in reference to a pit bull shall mean a pit bull license and
when used in reference to a kennel, shall mean a kennel license;
1.29. Livestock Guardian Dog shall mean a dog that works and/or lives with
domestic farm animals to protect them while repelling predators and is used
exclusively for that purpose;
1.30. Mitigating Factor means circumstances which excuses aggressive behaviour
of a dog without limiting the generality of the foregoing, may include circumstances
where:
1.30.1. The dog was, at the time of the aggressive behaviour, acting in defense
to an attack from a person or domestic animal;
1.30.2. The dog was, at the time of the aggressive behaviour, acting in defense
of its young or reacting to a person or domestic animal trespassing on the
property of its owner, or
1.30.3. The dog was, at the time of the aggressive behaviour, being teased,
provoked or tormented.
1.31. Muzzle shall mean a humane fastening or covering device of adequate
strength which when placed over the mouth of a dog will then prevent that dog from
biting;
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1.32. Muzzle Order means an Order issued by the Animal Control Officer or an
Officer for a muzzle to be placed on a dog;
1.33. Officer is the Animal Control Officer designated by the Council, a Municipal
By-Law Enforcement Officer designated by the Council and/or the Ontario
Provincial Police;
1.34. Owner means a person who keeps, harbours or has custody of an animal,
and, in the case of a minor, "Owner" means the person responsible for the custody
of the minor. If there is more than one owner of an animal, they are jointly and
severally the owner;
1.35. Person means an individual, partnership, association, firm or corporation;
1.36. Pit Bull means the breed of dog which includes:
1.36.1. A pit bull terrier,
1.36.2. A Staffordshire bull terrier,
1.36.3. An American Staffordshire terrier,
1.36.4. An American pit bull terrier, or
1.36.5. A member of a class of dog that have the appearance and physical
characteristics that are substantially similar to the dog referred to above. In
determining whether a dog is a pit bull, regard may be had to breed
standards established, for dogs referred in above, by the Canadian Kennel
Club, the United Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club or the American
Dog Breeders Association.
1.37. Police Work Dog means a dog trained for and engaged in law enforcement
by any federal, provincial or municipal government agency;
1.38. Potentially Dangerous Dog means a dog that in the absence of any
mitigating factors, chases or approaches any person or domestic animal, anywhere
other than on the property of its owner, in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude
of attack, including but not limited to, behaviour such as growling or snarling or
shows the disposition or tendency to be threatening or aggressive.
1.39. Pound means those premises designated by the Corporation for the
detention, maintenance or disposal of animals that have been impounded by an
officer and shall include any building or buildings and enclosures maintained on
behalf of the Corporation by any person or organization as is duly authorized to do
so for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this by-law or the Dog Owner's
Liability Act and such building or buildings and enclosure shall conform to the
Animals for Research Act, 1990, as may be amended;
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1.40. Pound Keeper shall mean the person or organization responsible for
maintaining the pound on behalf of the Corporation for the purpose of enforcing and
carrying out the provisions of this by-law;
1.41. Premises includes a dwelling unit, a house or building and the land or
premises on which the building or house is situated or attached;
1.42. Prohibited Dog means:
1.42.1. A pit bull dog that is not restricted,
1.42.2. A pit bull dog, previously designated as a restricted dog, that is kept or
permitted to be kept by its owner in violation of the requirements for such
dog, or
1.42.3. A dog previously designated as a potentially dangerous dog or a
dangerous dog, which is kept or permitted to be kept by its owner in violation
of the requirement for such dog.
1.43. Protective Care means the temporary keeping of an animal as a result of an
eviction, incarceration, medical or fire emergency, or any other situation that an
Officer deems appropriate for the health and safety of the animal;
1.44. Purebred means a recognized breed, unmixed by crossbreeding; that is
eligible for registration with an association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree
Act (Canada);
1.45. Restricted Dog means a dog that is a pit bull that is owned by a resident on
August 29, 2005, or was born before the end of the 90-day period beginning on
August 29, 2005, and that has been registered by the owner with the Corporation
and maintains a valid dog identification;
1.46. Sanitary Condition means a condition that does not result in an accumulation
of fecal matter, odour, insect infestation, or rodent attractants which endanger the
health, comfort or convenience of any person or animal;
1.47. Sanitize means to clean for the purpose of controlling disease-producing
organisms and "sanitized" has a corresponding meaning;
1.48. Service Animal means a guide dog and other trained service animal
identifiable by a harness and used principally to assist persons with a visual,
hearing or other impediment;
1.49. Veterinarian means a member of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
SECTION 2: ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
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2.1 The Animal Control Officer of the Corporation shall be responsible for the
administration of this by-law, and the Animal Control Officer of the Corporation
shall be responsible for the enforcement of this by-law.
3. SECTION 3: IDENTIFICATION OF DOGS
Requirements of Identification
3.1. Every owner of a dog within the municipality shall obtain identification
for each dog owned by him/her.
3.2. A person who acquires a dog during the year shall obtain identification
within fourteen (14) days after acquiring the dog.
3.3 The owner of any dog(s) who does not have identification for his/her
dog(s) may be subject to a fine as noted in Schedule "A" of this By-Law.
3.4 No person shall own, possess or harbour a dog within the municipality or
allow a dog to be owned, possessed or harboured on the premises of that
person unless a dog tag has been obtained, as required by this by-law and
every owner of a dog shall keep the tag securely fixed on the dog at all times.
3.5 Where a dog tag issued pursuant to the provisions of this by-law has
been lost or destroyed, the owner must replace the identification.
3.6 Every dog owner who takes up residence within the municipality and
where a current tag has been issued by another municipality shall be
required to obtain identification.
3.7 Every officer appointed under this by-law or any other by-law has the
authority to issue a Notice of Offense to the owner of any dog that has not
been identified in accordance with the provisions of this by-law. The owner
of the dog may be subject to a fine in accordance with the amount as set out
in the Fees and Charges By-law.
Exceptions:
3.8 The requirement for dog identification does not apply to a pet shop whose
business includes the sale of dogs.
3.9 The requirement for a dog license shall not apply to a police work dog
trained for and engaged in law enforcement by any federal, provincial or
municipal government agency.
3.10 The requirement for dog identification does not apply to a person who
has a Kennel License by March 15th of each calendar year, and the kennel
license fee in the Township's Fees and Charges By-law shall be paid. The
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kennel licensee shall identify each dog kept as a pet. It shall be the
responsibility of those individuals who purchase dogs from a kennel to obtain
the license and tag as per Section 3.1 and 3.2 of this by-law.
3.11 The requirement for identification does not apply to any person or
organization authorized by the Municipality to be a pound keeper for the
Municipality and shall be exempt from paying the annual kennel license fee.
3.12 Proof of up-to-date rabies inoculation shall be provided when requested
by the Animal Control Officer.
3.13 Herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs are exempt from wearing a
collar and personalized tag provided they have identifying tattoos or
microchips.
SECTION 4: KEEPING OF ANIMALS
General Provisions
4.1. Every owner of an animal shall treat the animal in a humane manner, including
but not limited to the provision of:
4.1.1. A shelter for the animal that is waterproof and that protects the animal from
exposure to the elements;
4.1.2. A shelter for the animal that is adequate for its size and breed;
4.1.3. Adequate amounts of potable water for the animal; and
4.1.4. Food of a type and in amounts nutritionally adequate for the animal.
4.2. No person shall keep an animal in unsanitary conditions.
4.3. Except as otherwise provided in this by-law, no person shall keep, or permit to
be kept more than three of any one species of household pet, at any premises
unless such keeping is in compliance with the Township Zoning By-law.
4.4. If more than three livestock guardian dogs or herding dogs are required, written
permission must be obtained from the Township office.
4.5. Whether temporarily, permanently, or otherwise, no more than 3 domestic dogs
of any age in excess of 3 months shall be kept, harboured, maintained or
possessed at any location within the Municipality.
4.6. Despite section 4.3 hereof, a person who on March 6, 2013, kept or permitted to
be kept more than three dogs for which valid dog licenses were issued pursuant
to By-Law No. 1362-2002 with respect to a dwelling unit, may continue to keep
the said dogs until they are no longer in the possession of their owner, and said
dogs shall not be replaced in such dwelling unit.
4.7. Sections 4.3 does not apply to:
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4.7.1. Pet Shops in the Municipality;
4.7.2. A police work dog in a Police Canine Unit;
4.7.3. Dog kennels and commercial dog kennels located in with the Municipality's
zoning by-law and the Ontario Building Code Act, 1992, as amended, and
licensed by the Corporation;
4.7.4. Security firms' licenses and authorized by the Province of Ontario to
provide guard dog services;
4.7.5. The keeping of animals on lands zoned for agricultural purposes.
4.7.6. An animal hospital or clinic that is lawfully operated and supervised by a
veterinarian licensed by the Ontario Veterinary Association;
4.7.7. A pound or shelter lawfully operated by the Corporation, or the Ontario
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA):
4.7.8. Any organization permitted by law to provide protection and humane
treatment of animals;
4.7.9. Any person while rendering emergency treatment to an injured or
abandoned animal;
4.7.10. The Corporation or other governmental authority while lawfully operating
a public park, exhibition, or zoological garden, and maintaining animals
therein;
4.7.11. Any person in charge of a traveling circus, exhibition, or road show, or
any employee thereof, lawfully displaying animals;
4.7.12. Persons operating premises registered as research facilities under the
Animals for Research Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.A-22, as amended, or the persons
in charge, or the employees thereof, during the course of their duties;
4.8. No person shall keep, or cause to be kept, a reptile, insect or amphibian
permitted under this by-law outside a building or structure unless it is in an
appropriate animal enclosure.
4.9. Keeping of Animals Prohibited
4.9.1. No person shall keep, or permit the keeping of an animal or animals of any
of the following classes anywhere within the Township of Blandford-
Blenheim:
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a)
All marsupials (such as kangaroos and opossums)
b)
All non-human primates (such as gorillas and monkeys)
c)
All felids, except the domestic cat
d)
All canids, except the domestic dog
e)
All viverids (such as mongooses, civets, and genets)
f)
All mustelid, except the ferret (such as skunks, weasels, otters
and badgers)
g)
All ursids (bears)
h)
All artiodactylus ungulates, except the domestic buffalo, deer,
cattle, goats, pigs and sheep
i)
All procyonids (such as raccoons, coatis and cacomistles)
j)
All hyenas
k)
All perissodactylus ungulates, except the domestic horse and
ass
l)
All elephants
m)
All pinnipeds (such as seals, fur seals, and walruses)
n)
All snakes of the families pythonidae and boidae
o)
All venomous reptiles and amphibians
p)
All Diurnal and nocturnal raptors such as eagles, hawks, owls,
falcons (except those owned by falconers licensed by the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and kept on property not
located within settlement areas), etc.
q)
All edentates (such as anteaters, sloths and armadillos)
r)
All bats
s)
All crocodilians (such as alligators and crocodiles)
t)
All arachnids (such as tarantulas)
4.9.2 No person shall sell, offer to sell, permit the sale or otherwise make
available in any way to any person residing in the Township, any of the
animals listed in 4.9.1.
4.9.3 No person shall keep, or permit to be kept, more than three cats, over the
age of eight (8) weeks, at any premises. This section does not apply to cats
that are kept on lands zoned agricultural and used for agricultural operations
as defined in the Farming and Food Production Protection Act, 1998, S.O.
1998, c.1.
4.10. General Restrictions
4.10.1. No person shall keep, harbour or possess a prohibited dog in the Township
of Blandford-Blenheim.
4.10.2. No person who operates a business within the Township that includes the
sale of pets or other animals shall sell, offer to sell, or otherwise make available in
any way, to any person, a prohibited dog.
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4.10.3. No owner of an animal shall allow it to enter onto a splash pad unless such
animal is acting as a Service Animal for a person with a disability who is on the
splash pad.
4.11. Pit Bulls - Special Requirements
4.11.1. No person shall:
4.11.1.1 Own a pit bull, except a restricted pit bull;
4.11.1.2 Breed a pit bull;
4.11.1.3 Transfer a pit bull by sale;
4.11.1.4 Transfer a pit bull by gift or bequest; if the person to whom the pit
bull is transferred will own more pit bulls after August 29th, 2005 than
on that day (maximum number of dogs per premises is three);
4.11.1.5 Transfer more than one pit bull by gift or bequest to a person who
did not own a pit bull on August 29, 2005;
4.11.1.6 Abandon a pit bull other than to a pound operated by or on behalf of
the Municipality, the province or a designated body;
4.11.1.7 Allow a pit bull in his or her possession to stray; or
4.11.1.8 Train a pit bull for fighting.
4.12. Pit Bulls - Other Requirements
4.12.1.1 All other requirements regarding Pit Bulls specifically shall be in
accordance with the Dog Owners Liability Act, 1990 (DOLA), as amended,
including regulations pertaining to DOLA, and the Animals for Research Act,
1990, as amended.
4.12.1.2 The Animal Control Officer is authorized to issue pit bull licenses on
behalf of the Township.
4.12.1.3 Every application for a pit bull license shall include the following as
applicable:
a) Name, address and phone number of the registered owner
b) Address of the property where the pit bull is being kept
c) Description of the pit bull including breed, sex, colour, name
d) Upon first registration evidence satisfactory to the Animal Control Officer
that the pit bull was born in Ontario between August 29, 2005 and
November 26, 2005
e) Evidence satisfactory to the Animal Control Officer that the pit bull has
been sterilized, unless a veterinarian's written opinion is provided that the
pit bull is physically unfit to be anaesthetized because of old age or
infirmity in accordance with section 2(3) of Ontario Regulation 157/05.
f) License fee.
SECTION 5: ANIMAL ENCLOSURES
5.1 General Provisions
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5.1.1 Every owner of an animal shall ensure that the animal enclosure provided
for the animal meets the following requirements, regardless of whether the
animal enclosure is located indoors or outdoors.
5.1.2 The animal enclosure shall be of a size and in a condition such that the
animal may:
5.1.2.1Extend its legs, wings, and body to their full natural extent;
5.1.2.2Stand;
5.1.2.3Sit;
5.1.2.4Perch.
5.1.3 Every reptile, fish, mammal and amphibian shall be provided with an
enclosed space adequate for the needs of the species.
5.1.4 The enclosure is of such a nature and condition that the animal contained
therein would not be harmed and its health would not be negatively affected
for the reason of being placed in such an animal enclosure.
5.1.5 Every animal contained therein may be readily observed unless the natural
habits of the animal require otherwise.
5.1.6 The animal enclosure is kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
5.1.7 The animal enclosure is kept free of offensive odour.
5.1.8 The animal enclosure is escape proof.
5.2 Additional Provisions for Outdoor Animal Enclosures
5.2.1 Except for the keeping of animals on lands zoned for agricultural purposes
no person shall keep, or cause to be kept, any animal enclosure for an
animal outside a building or structure unless:
5.2.2 The animal enclosure is in the rear yard; and
5.2.3 The animal enclosure, is located at least 3.1 metres (10 feet) from the
property line and at least 6.1 metres (20 feet) from any school, church, or
residential building not located on the same lot; and
5.2.4 No person shall keep an animal tethered on a rope, chain, cord or similar
restraining device unless:
5.2.4.1The tether is of appropriate length for the species tethered;
5.2.4.2The animal has unrestricted movement within the range of
such tether;
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5.2.4.3The animal is not tethered for longer than twelve (12) hours
per day;
5.2.4.4The animal has access to water, food and shelter while
tethered;
5.2.4.5The animal cannot injure itself as a result of the tethering;
5.2.4.6The tether shall be a minimum of 3.5 metres in length,
provided the tether does not permit the animal to go beyond the
limits of the animal owner's property, and;
5.2.4.7No person shall keep an animal tethered where a Choke
Collar, a Choke Chain or a Prong Collar forms part of the tether or
a rope, chain, cord or similar restraining device is tied directly
around the animal's neck.
5.2.5 In addition to the requirements in this part of the by-law, an animal
enclosure kept outside shall be:
5.2.5.1 Soundly constructed of hard, durable material;
5.2.5.2 Impervious to water for the housing unit within the enclosure and
the housing unit must comply with all animal enclosure
requirements;
5.2.5.3 Constructed of a material that may be readily sanitized;
5.2.5.4 Maintained in a good state of repair from cracks, holes, rust and
other damage;
5.2.5.5 Kept in a way that minimizes as nearly as practicable the transfer
of disease-causing agents; and
5.2.5.6 Adequately ventilated and maintained at a suitable temperature
and lighting for the health, welfare and comfort of the animal
enclosed therein.
5.2.6 No animal shall be kept outdoors during Extreme Weather unless the
animal has access to an enclosure that will adequately protect the animal
from the elements
5.3 Compliance with the requirements under Part 5 of this By-Law does not exempt
any person from compliance with other applicable laws and by-laws, including the
Building Code Act 1992, as amended, and the municipal zoning by-law, as
amended.
5.4 Every owner shall allow any officer to carry out an inspection of premises where
animal(s) of the owner are kept or to make inquiries deemed necessary for the
purposes of insuring compliance of this by-law.
5.5 Kennels
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5.5.1 Any person or persons who keep more than three (3) dogs, which are
over three (3) months of age, at one (1) location shall obtain a dog
kennel license and section 4.5.3 and Section 5 of this by-law shall be
complied with regarding the location and operation of a kennel.
5.5.2 Unless currently on file, upon first registration with the Township
pursuant to the provisions of this By-law, verification that the kennel
complies with the Township Zoning By-law.
5.5.3 The Municipal Law Enforcement Officer shall have permission from
the owner to enter the dwelling unit at a mutually agreeable time to
carry out inspection of the breeding or whelping area.
5.5.4 Prior to issuance of a kennel license, the Municipal Law Enforcement
Officer shall sign an acknowledgement stating that there have been no
by-law infractions during the previous licensing year, and a site
inspection has been conducted to verify the information of the site plan,
the number of dogs and that the kennel meets the applicable zoning
requirements as set out in the Township of Blandford-Blenheim Zoning
By-law.
5.5.5 The Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may refuse any License
application which does not meet with all of the requirements of this by-
law. The Municipal Law Enforcement Officer shall give notice in writing
to the owner by registered mail or personal delivery if the application is
refused.
5.5.6 Every kennel owner shall allow the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
or designate to carry out inspections of premises where dogs are kept
or to make inquiries deemed necessary for the purposes of insuring
compliance of the by law.
5.5.7 Upon first registration and annually thereafter, a list of all dogs to be
kept at the subject property, and proof of current rabies vaccination for
each dog.
5.5.8 The applicable license fee.
5.5.9 The kennel license must be posted in a conspicuous place on the
kennel premises.
5.5.10 Kennel licenses are not transferable.
5.5.11 The Animal Control Officer may refuse to issue a kennel license with
respect to any kennel that does not meet with all of the requirements of
this By-law.
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SECTION 6: EXCREMENT
6.1. Every owner of an animal shall remove forthwith and sanitarily dispose of any
excrement left by the animal on any property anywhere in the Township
including highways.
6.2. Section 6.1 does not apply to:
6.2.1 Persons reliant upon a service animal while that animal is being used in the
performance of its' duties to aid a person with a visual, hearing or other
impediment;
6.2.2 Permitted farm animals when animals are on lands zoned for agricultural
purposes.
SECTION 7: ANIMALS AT LARGE
7.1. No owner shall cause or permit an animal to be at large, subject to the
provisions of this part of the by-law.
7.2. A dog is not considered to be at large if the dog is:
7.2.1 A service animal or a police work dog; or
7.2.2 On the premises of a person who has consented to the dog on the
person's premises.
7.3. An owner of a dog, when the dog is on the property of the owner or on the
property of some other person with that person's consent, shall keep the dog
from leaving the property on its own by means of:
7.2.1 Enclosure;
7.2.2 Containment within a fenced area; or,
7.2.3 physical restraint of the dog by chain.
7.2.4 Exception - farmland, An owner of a dog ,when the dog is on property of
the owner or on the property of some other person with that person's
consent and the property consists of land that is assessed pursuant to the
Assessment Act as Farmland and are actually used for farm purposes, shall
keep the dog from leaving the property on its own by any reasonable
means.
SECTION 8: SEIZURE AND IMPOUNDMENT
8.1. Any animal found at large contrary to this by-law may be seized by an Officer.
8.2. An Officer may take possession of an animal for the purpose of providing
protective care to it at any time when the Officer deems it necessary to provide
protective care to the animal.
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8.3. A dog seized under this by-law shall be impounded for a period of three (3)
days, exclusive of the day on which the dog was impounded and statutory
holiday and Sundays, unless:
8.3.1 The dog is redeemed by the Owner during this period of impoundment in
accordance with the provisions of this by-law;
8.3.2 The dog was seized for the purpose of providing protective care to it; or
8.3.3 In the opinion of the Animal Control Officer, the dog should be euthanized
or receive veterinary care immediately.
8.3.4 A dog is seized for the purpose of providing protective care, in which case
it shall be impounded for a period of up to ten (10) days, exclusive of the day
on which the dog was impounded and statutory holiday and Sundays,
unless the animal is redeemed by the owner during this period if
impoundment in accordance with the provisions of this by-law or is
euthanized for humane reasons.
8.3.5 Where the pound operator has impounded a dog or a cat that has a tag,
name plate or other means of identification, the operator shall take all
reasonable steps to find the owner of the dog or cat and shall forthwith notify
the owner, if found, that the dog or cat has been impounded and can be
redeemed on payment in full of all costs, fines and penalties.
8.4. Any other animal seized under this by-law shall be impounded for a period of
three (3) days, exclusive of the day on which the animal was impounded and
statutory holidays and Sundays, unless;
8.4.1 The animal is redeemed by the owner during this period of
impoundment in accordance with the provisions of this by-law; or
8.4.2 In the opinion of the Officer, the animal should be euthanized or should
receive veterinary care immediately.
8.4.3 Any other animal seized for the purpose of providing protective care to
it shall be impounded for a period of eight (8) days, exclusive of the day
on which the animal was impounded and statutory holiday and
Sundays, unless the animal is redeemed by the owner during this
period of impoundment in accordance with the provisions of this by-law
or is euthanized for humane reasons.
8.5. The owner of an animal impounded under this by-law may redeem the animal
upon payment of the appropriate impoundment and maintenance fees for the
time of the impoundment and any fines under this and any other applicable
Township by-laws.
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8.5.1 In addition, the owner of a dog seized and impounded shall produce a
valid dog tag for the dog before the owner may redeem it.
8.5.2 If valid identification cannot be produced the owner of the dog shall
obtain identification for the dog and be responsible for the payment of
the penalty in Schedule "A" of this by-law.
8.6. If an animal is not redeemed within the time period specified in this by-law, the
animal shall become the property of the Corporation and may be:
8.6.1 Put up for adoption; or
8.6.2 Euthanized by the Animal Control Officer
8.7. An Animal Control Officer may euthanize an animal without delay without
permitting any person to redeem it if:
8.7.1 The animal seized and impounded under this by-law is seriously
injured or ill and should be euthanized without delay for humane
reasons; or
8.7.2 Euthanasia of the animal seized and impounded under this by-law is
necessary for the safety of persons
8.8. Where, in the opinion of the Animal Control Officer, an animal seized and
impounded under this by-law is injured and requires the services of a
veterinary surgeon, the Animal Control Officer shall arrange for such services
and, in addition to any amount charged under this Part, be entitled to charge the
owner of the animal the cost of the veterinary care to the Animal Control Officer.
SECTION 9: QUARANTINE OF ANIMALS
9.1 If, in the opinion of the local Health Unit or an officer, an animal shall be put in
quarantine, the owner of the animal shelter shall:
9.1.1. Comply with the quarantine order of the Health Unit or Officer; and
9.1.2. Be responsible for the costs associated with the quarantine, including
the costs of any veterinary care required for the animal and any other
applicable fees.
SECTION 10: PRECAUTIONS BY DOG OWNERS
10.1 The owner of a dog shall exercise reasonable precautions to prevent it from:
10.1.1. Biting or attacking a person or domestic animal;
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10.1.2. Behaving in a manner that poses a menace to the safety or persons or
domestic animals;
10.1.3. Shall ensure the dog is properly leashed when not on the property of
the owner, or not on the property of a person who authorizes the dog to
be on his/her property;
10.1.4. Persistently barking or howling;
10.1.5. Fail to prevent your dog from biting.
SECTION 11: MUZZLE ORDER - DOGS
11.1 General Provisions
11.1.1. Where an Officer determines that a dog is a potentially dangerous dog
or a dangerous dog, the Animal Control Officer may issue a Muzzle Order to
the owner of the dog;
11.1.2. The Animal Control Officer may impose conditions on the Muzzle
Order to ensure the health and safety of the owner, the dog, and other
persons and animals, and the order is effective immediately on issuance.
11.2 A Muzzle Order may be served by:
11.2.1 Delivering it personally to the owner of the dog; or
11.2.2 Sending it by registered mail to the last known address of the owner of
the dog.
11.3 Notwithstanding other sections of the By-Law, when a Muzzle Order has been
served, the owner of the dog:
11.3.1. Shall not permit the dog to be off the premises of the owner unless it
is muzzled, and secured on a leash that shall be no longer than 1.8
metres (5.9 feet);
11.3.2. Shall ensure that the dog does not bite, chase or attack a person or a
domestic animal on any property, including that of the owner;
11.3.3. Shall either restrict the dog on a chain capable of restraining the dog
or confine it within a fenced yard capable of preventing the dog from
escaping;
11.3.4. Shall put the dog under the control of a person at least eighteen (18)
years of age when the dog is not on the owner's premises;
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11.3.5. Shall notify the Animal Control Officer within five (5) days of transfer if
the dog is transferred to a new location or if the ownership of the dog is
transferred to another person in the municipality, and the Muzzle Order shall
still apply;
11.3.6. Shall ensure that the dog is spayed or neutered;
11.3.7. Shall obtain a warning sign as prescribed by the Animal Control
Officer which shall be posted and displayed continuously by the owner in a
prominent location in close proximity where the particular dog is kept;
11.3.8. The dog shall be implanted with an identification microchip;
11.3.9. Shall comply with any other conditions imposed in the Muzzle Order.
11.4 A Muzzle Order expires when the dog dies or the Animal Control Officer is
satisfied that it no longer resides in the Township.
SECTION 12: PAYMENT OF FEES
12.1. General Provisions
12.1.1. Every person responsible for the payment of any and all fees, costs and
fines under this by-law shall make such payment in full upon demand by the
Corporation.
12.1.2. The payment of any fees and charges as required under this by-law does
not constitute partial or full payment of any fines imposed by a court of
competent jurisdiction for an offence committed under this or any other by-
laws.
12.1.3. The Township Treasurer may add any charges payable to the tax roll of
any property owned by the animal's owner and collect the amount in the same
manner as taxes.
SECTION 13: OFFENCE
13.1. Every person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is guilty of an
offence and is liable to a fine and any other penalties imposed pursuant to the
Provincial Offences Act, 1990, c. P-33, as amended, the Dog Owner's Liability Act,
1990, as amended, if applicable, and the Pounds Act, 1990, as amended, if
applicable.
13.2. Any person who receives a Notice of Offense is required to comply within
seven (7) days of its delivery.
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SECTION 14: VALIDITY
14.1. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any section or part of a section of
the by-law invalid, it is the intention of Council that the remainder of the by- law
shall continue to be in force.
SECTION 15: REPEAL AND EFFECTIVE DATE
15.1. The following Township of Blandford-Blenheim by-laws are hereby repealed:
By-Law 1313-2000
By-Law 1362-2002
By-Law 1774-2013
SECTION 16: SHORT TITLE
16.1 This by-law shall be referred to as the "Animal Care and Control" By-Law.
READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED ON THIS 18TH
DAY OF MARCH, 2020.
____________________________ _________________________
MAYOR: Mark Peterson Rodger Mordue, CAO/Clerk
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SCHEDULE "A" TO BY-LAW 2184-2020
Part 1 Provincial Offences Act
Short Form Wording and Set Fines
Item
Provision creating or defining offences
Column 2
Offence Creating
Provisions
Column 3
Set Fines
1
Fail to identify dog
Section 3.1
$105.00
2
Fail to keep identification fixed on dog
Section 3.7
$105.00
3
Fail to obtain dog tag after moving to the
Township
Section 3.9
$105.00
4
Fail to provide proof of rabies inoculation
Section 3.18
$105.00
5
Fail to protect animal from exposure to
elements
Section 4.1.1
$300.00
6
Fail to shelter animal adequately for size
Section 4.1.2
$300.00
7
Fail to provide animal with adequate
potable water
Section 4.1.3
$300.00
8
Fail to provide adequate nutritional food
Section 4.1.4
$300.00
9
Keep animal in unsanitary condition
Section 4.2
$300.00
10
Keeping more than three (3) dogs
Section 4.5
$105.00
11
Keeping prohibited animals
Section 4.9
$105.00
12
Fail to ensure that the animal enclosure is
of an appropriate size and/or condition
Section 5.1.2
$300.00
13
Fail to ensure that the animal enclosure for
every reptile, fish, amphibian has an
enclosed space adequate for the needs of
the species
Section 5.1.3
$300.00
14
Fail to ensure that the nature and condition
of the animal enclosure are such that the
animal would not be harmed and its health
would not be negatively affected
Section 5.1.4
$300.00
15
Fail to ensure the animal enclosure is such
that the animal can be readily observed
Section 5.1.5
$300.00
16
Fail to ensure that the animal enclosure is
kept in a clean and sanitary condition
Section 5.1.6
$300.00
17
Fail to ensure that the animal enclosure is
kept free of offensive odour
Section 5.1.7
$300.00
18
Fail to ensure that the animal enclosure is
escape proof
Section 5.1.8
$105.00
19
Fail to keep/cause to be kept an animal
enclosure outside a building or structure in
a rear yard
Section 5.2.2
$105.00
22
20
Fail to keep/cause to be kept an animal
enclosure outside a building or structure at
least 3.1 meters from the property line
Section 5.2.3
$300.00
21
Fail to keep/cause to be kept an animal
enclosure outside a building or structure at
least 6.1 meters from any school, church,
or residential building not located on the
same lot
Section 5.2.3
$105.00
22
Fail to tether dog on restraining device
more than 3.5 meters
Section 5.2.4.6
$300.00
23
Fail to allow officer to carry out inspection
Section 5.4
$105.00
24
Fail to remove excrement left by an animal
on any property
Section 6.1
$105.00
25
Being an owner of an animal, permitting it
to run at large
Section 7.1
$105.00
26
Fail to prevent dog from biting
Section 10.1.5
$500.00
Note: the general penalty provision for the offences listed above is section 13.1 of
By-law 2184-2020, a certified copy of which has been filed.