Animal Control By-law (Municipal Code Chapter 206 - Dogs - Other Animals)
Brantford, Ontario
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DOGS - OTHER ANIMALS
1
ANIMALS
Chapter 206
DOGS - OTHER ANIMALS
CHAPTER INDEX
Article 1
INTERPRETATION
206.1.1
Altered - defined
206.1.1.2
Animal - defined
206.1.2
Animal Control Officer
206.1.3
Control - defined
206.1.4
Dangerous dog - defined
206.1.5
Dog Show - defined
206.1.6
Kennel - defined
206.1.7
Leash - defined
206.1.8
Leash free park - defined
206.1.9
Licence agent - defined
206.1.10
Mitigating factor - defined
206.1.11
Muzzle - defined
206.1.12
Order - defined
206.1.13
Owner - defined
206.1.14
Pen - defined
206.1.15
Pit bull - defined
206.1.16
Potentially dangerous dog - defined
206.1.17
Poultry - defined
206.1.18
Pound - defined
206.1.19
Poundkeeper - defined
206.1.20
Prohibited dog - defined
206.1.21
Property - defined
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206.1.22
Restricted dog - defined
206.1.23
Service dog - defined
Article 2
GENERAL PROVISIONS
206.2.1
Dogs - maximum - three per location - exception
206.2.2
Cats - maximum - three per location - exception
206.2.3
Rabbits - maximum - five per location - exception
206.2.4
Exceptions - animal hospital - pound - zoo - park
206.2.5
Dog - excrement - stoop - scoop
206.2.6
Pound - established - purpose
206.2.7
Poundkeeper - records - submission - monthly
206.2.8
Poundkeeper - responsibilities - care of animals
206.2.9
Direction - giving of notice
Article 3
CONTROL OF VICIOUS DOGS COMMITTEE
Repealed: By-law 86-2025; 26 August 2025.
Article 4
GENERAL PROHIBITIONS
206.4.1
Prohibited classes - set out
206.4.1.1
Prohibited foods - shark fins
206.4.2
Farm animals - appropriate zoning - required
206.4.3
Exemption - animals kept - prior to enactment
206.4.4
Pit bull - special requirements
206.4.5
Pit bulls - other requirements
206.4.6
Pit bulls - impounded
206.4.7
Potentially dangerous dogs - requirements
206.4.8
Potentially dangerous dogs - other requirements
206.4.9
Dangerous Dog - designation - special requirements
206.4.10
Dangerous dog - other requirements
DOGS - OTHER ANIMALS
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206. 4.11
Appeal
206.4.12
Appeal - time for
206.4.13
Appeal - confirmation of designation
206.4.14
Appeal - no stay muzzle order
206.4.15
Direction - compliance with
Article 5
EXEMPTIONS
206.5.1
Exemptions - dog shows
Article 6
DOGS - LICENSING
206.6.1
Licence - required - by owner - immediately
206.6.1.1
Licence fee - new dog
206.6.2
Licence - required - annually
206.6.3
Licence - issue - by licence agent - Treasurer
206.6.4
Licence - issue - when fee paid - Schedule 'A'
206.6.4.1
Licence fee - altered dog
206.6.5
Tag - issued - fee paid
206.6.6
Tag - serially numbered - information - year of issue
206.6.7
Tag - affixed to dog - exception
206.6.8
Tag - removal - prohibited - exception
206.6.9
Dog - unlicensed - deemed contravention
206.6.10
Transfer - licence
206.6.11
Transfer licence - prohibited
206.6.12
Licence - required - dogs - reclaimed - purchased
Article 7
DOGS - AT LARGE AND TRESPASS
206.7.1
Running at large - prohibited
206.7.2
Dog - not under control - off owner's premises
206.7.3
Contravention - capture - impoundment - authority
206.7.4
Trespassing - capture - impoundment - permitted
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206.7.5
Impoundment - redemption - within 72 hours - fee
206.7.6
Other penalties - liabilities- applicable
206.7.7
Dog - not redeemed
206.7.8
Dog - at large - prevention
206.7.9
Exception - farmland
206.7.10
Exception - agricultural land - restricted dogs
206.7.11
Exception - leash free park
Article 8
ANIMALS - AT LARGE AND TRESPASS
206.8.1
Running at large - trespassing - prohibited
206.8.2
Contravention - capture - impoundment - authority
206.8.3
Trespassing - capture - impoundment - permitted
206.8.4
Impoundment - redemption - within 72 hours - fee
206.8.5
Other penalties - liabilities - applicable
206.8.6
Animal - not redeemed
206.8.7
Exemptions - cats - dogs - banded pigeons
Article 9
PIGEONS - KEEPING
206.9.1
Permitted - registered member - recognized group
206.9.2
Released for flight - not deemed at large - conditions
206.9.3
Club/association - activities
Article 10
CHICKENS - KEEPING
206.10.1
Chickens - Permit Required
206.10.2
Chickens - Limit
206.10.3
Chicken - Coop
Article 11
PENS
206.11.1
Location - distance from other structures
206.11.2
Clean - sanitary condition - at all times
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206.11.3
Exemption - pen - conforming - prior to enactment
Article 12
PET STORES
206.12.1
Sale - prohibited animals - prohibited
206.12.2
Number limitations - not applicable
206.12.3
Dogs - licensing - not required
Article 13
ENFORCEMENT
206.13.1
Fine - for contravention
206.13.2
Contravention - pit bull
206.13.3
Powers of Entry and orders
206.13.4
Inspection
206.13.5
Obstruction
Article 14
REPEAL - ENACTMENT - CONDITIONAL
206.14.1
By-laws - previous
206.14.2
Effective date - upon approval - set fines - exception
SCHEDULE
Schedule 'A' - Fees and penalties
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Article 1
INTERPRETATION
206.1.1
Altered - defined
"altered" means a dog that has either been spayed or neutered by a licenced veterinarian. By-law 129
2007, 13 August, 2007.
206.1.1.2
Animal - defined
"animal" means an animal as defined in the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended.
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206.1.2
Animal Control Officer
"Animal Control Officer" includes a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, or a person, society, or
association who has entered into a contract with the municipality to control animal and to operate a
pound, and any employee of such person, society or association, all of which are hereby appointed
Municipal By-law Enforcement Officers for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Chapter.
By-law 148-2024, 29 October, 2024
206.1.3
Control - defined
"control" means that a dog is under the effective control of a person or is otherwise physically restrained
and the words "controlled" and "controlling" have corresponding meanings. Sound or voice command is
not deemed control under this Chapter.
206.1.4
Dangerous dog - defined
"dangerous dog" means:
a. a dog that in the absence of any mitigating factor has bitten or attacked a person or domestic
animal; or
b. 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.
206.1.5
Dog Show - defined
"dog show" means a conformation show, an agility trial, an obedience trial, a tracking test and an earth
dog test. A dog show is an approved dog show if it is an event, that is sanctioned, in writing, by one or
more of the following dog registries:
a. the Canadian Kennel Club;
b. the United Kennel Club;
c. the American Kennel Club;
d. the American Dog Breeders Association.
206.1.6
Kennel - defined
"kennel" means a kennel as defined in the City of Brantford Applicable Zoning By-law, as amended. By-
law 101-2022, 28 June 2022.
206.1.7
Leash - defined
"leash" means a line or cord not exceeding two metres (6.5 feet) in length which is used to secure or
restrain a dog, unless otherwise defined in Sections 206.4.4, 206.4.7 and 206.4.9. By-law 93-2005, 24
May, 2005.
206.1.8
Leash free park - defined
"leash free park" means a community off-leash area for dogs that has been approved and designated by
the Council of The Corporation of the City of Brantford. By-law 162-2006, 6 November, 2006.
206.1.9
Licence agent - defined
"licence agent" means the person, society, or association which has entered into an agreement with The
Corporation of the City of Brantford for the purpose of enforcing this Chapter.
206.1.10
Mitigating factor - defined
"mitigating factor" means a circumstance which excuses aggressive behaviour of a dog and without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, may include circumstances where:
a. the dog was, at the time of the aggressive behaviour, acting in defense to attack from a person or
domestic animal;
b. 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
c. the dog was, at the time of the aggressive behaviour, being teased or provoked or tormented.
206.1.11
Muzzle - defined
"muzzle" means a humane fastening or covering device of adequate strength placed over a dog's mouth
to prevent it from biting and the words "muzzled" and "muzzling" have corresponding meanings.
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206.1.12
Order - defined
"Order" means a direction issued by an Animal Control Officer pursuant to this Chapter and requiring
compliance with the standards prescribed by this Chapter, and "orders" shall have a corresponding
meaning. By-law 148-2024, 29 October, 2024
206.1.13
Owner - defined
"owner" of an animal includes a person who possesses or harbours an animal or dog and shall include a
person or persons who are temporarily the keeper of the animal, and the words "owns" and "owned" shall
have corresponding meanings.
206.1.14
Pen - defined
"pen" means any building, structure or other enclosure constructed or used primarily for the purpose of
enclosing animals, and includes any enclosure commonly known or referred to as a coop, corral, hutch,
paddock, or run.
206.1.15
Pit bull - defined
"pit bull" means the breed of dog which includes:
a. a pit bull terrier;
b. a Staffordshire bull terrier;
c. an American Staffordshire terrier;
d. an American pit bull terrier; or
e. a dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to dogs
referred to in (a) through (d) above.
206.1.16
Potentially dangerous dog - defined
"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.
206.1.17
Poultry - defined
"poultry" means both the male and female of domestic fowl which are commonly raised for meat or eggs,
and includes chickens, ducks, geese, grouse, pheasants, turkeys, and pigeons.
206.1.18
Pound - defined
"pound" has the same meaning as in the Animals for Research Act, as amended, and is the facility
designated by The Corporation of the City of Brantford as a pound.
206.1.19
Poundkeeper - defined
"Poundkeeper" means the person, society or association who has entered into a contract with the City of
Brantford to maintain and administer the pound.
206.1.20
Prohibited dog - defined
"prohibited dog" means:
a. a pit bull dog;
b. 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
c. a dog, previously designated as a dangerous dog, that is kept or permitted to be kept by its owner
in violation of the requirements for such dog.
206.1.21
Property - defined
"Property" means land, including a building or structure, or part of a building or structure. By-law 148-
2024, 29 October, 2024
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206.1.22
Restricted dog - defined
"restricted dog" means a dog that is a pit bull and that has been registered by the owner with the City of
Brantford and maintains a valid municipal dog licence, issued under Article 6. By-law 93-2005, 24 May,
2005.
206.1.23
Service dog - defined
"service dog" means a dog trained to provide service for a person who, because of a disability as defined
in section 2 of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, c. 11, as amended, is dependent
on a service dog. By-law 106-2008, 18 August, 2008.
Article 2
GENERAL PROVISIONS
206.2.1
Dogs - maximum - three per location - exception
Whether temporarily, permanently, or otherwise, no more than three domestic dogs of an age in excess
of six months shall be kept, harboured, maintained or possessed at any location within the City of
Brantford. A maximum of one dangerous dog shall be permitted at any one location.
206.2.2
Cats - maximum - three per location - exception
Whether temporarily, permanently, or otherwise, no more than three domestic cats of an age in excess of
six months shall be kept, harboured, maintained or possessed at any location within the City of Brantford.
206.2.3
Rabbits - maximum - five per location - exception
Whether temporarily, permanently, or otherwise, no more than five domestic rabbits of an age in excess
of three months shall be kept, harboured, maintained or possessed at any location within the City of
Brantford.
206.2.4
Exceptions - animal hospital - pound - zoo - park
The provisions of this Article shall not apply to prevent the keeping of animals at any of the following:
a. an animal hospital, animal shelter, clinic, or kennel;
b. a shelter lawfully operated by the Ontario Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals;
c. the operators or employees of a pound, supply facility or research facility, in accordance with the
Animals for Research Act, as amended; and
d. a zoological garden, zoo, or public park.
206.2.5
Dog - excrement - stoop - scoop
The owner of a dog, except a guide dog, shall remove forthwith excrement left by the dog anywhere
within the City of Brantford.
206.2.6
Pound - established - purpose
A City Pound, to be under the authority and management of the Poundkeeper, shall be established for the
purpose of receiving and disposing, as hereinafter provided, of all dogs impounded under the authority of
this Chapter.
206.2.7
Poundkeeper - records - submission - monthly
The Poundkeeper shall keep a record of all animals impounded pursuant to Articles 7 and 8, and shall
prepare a monthly summary for the Clerk, showing the number of impounded animals by species, the
length of time that each animal remained at the pound, how the animals were dealt with in accordance
with the Animals for Research Act, as amended, and the amount of money collected as poundage fees
and as proceeds of sales.
206.2.8
Poundkeeper - responsibilities - care of animals
The Poundkeeper shall feed and supply with water all animals after they have been impounded for a
length of time which has exceeded six hours, and at least daily thereafter until the animals have been
disposed of in accordance with this Chapter.
DOGS - OTHER ANIMALS
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206.2.9
Direction - giving of notice
Any direction or notice pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, shall be personally served on the owner
of the dog or shall be given by registered mail addressed to the last known address of the owner and
shall be deemed received on the fifth working day after the date of mailing.
Article 3
CONTROL OF VICIOUS DOGS COMMITTEE
Repealed: By-law 86-2025; 26 August 2025.
Article 4
GENERAL PROHIBITIONS
206.4.1
Prohibited classes - set out
No person shall keep, harbour or possess any animal or animals of any of the following classes anywhere
within the City of Brantford:
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;
c. all canids, except the domestic dog;
d. all viverrids (such as mongooses, civets, and genets);
e. all mustelids (such as skunks, weasels, otters and badgers); (g) all ursides (bears);
f.
all artiodactylus ungulates, except domestic goats, sheep, pigs and cattle;
g. all procyonids (such as raccoons, coatis and cacomistles);
h. all hyenas;
i.
all pinnipeds (such as seals, fur seals, and walruses);
j.
all snakes of the families pythonidae and boidae;
k. all venomous reptiles;
l.
all ratite birds (such as ostriches, rheas, cassowaries);
m. all diurnal and nocturnal raptors (such as eagles, hawks, and owls);
n. all edentates (such as anteaters, sloths and armadillos);
o. all bats;
p. all crocodilians (such as alligators and crocodiles);
q. all arachnids (such as tarantulas); and
r.
all prohibited dogs. By-law 93-2005, 24 May, 2005.
206.4.1.1
Prohibition foods - shark fins
No person shall possess, consume, sell, offer for sale, trade, or distribute shark fin or shark fin food
anywhere within the City of Brantford. By-law 65-2011, 24 May, 2011.
206.4.2
Farm animals - appropriate zoning - required
No person shall keep, harbour or possess any horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, mules or poultry
anywhere within the City of Brantford, unless on a property which is assessed pursuant to the
Assessment Act, as amended as farm lands and used only for farm purposes by the owner or tenant
thereof, or, in the case of poultry, in accordance with Article 10 Chickens-Keeping. By-law 101-2022, 28
June 2022.
206.4.3
Exemption - animals kept - prior to enactment
Sections 206.4.1 and 206.4.2 shall not prevent any person from keeping, harbouring or possessing any
animal if such animal was lawfully being kept, harboured or possessed by that same person on the date
on which the prohibition in either such Section came into full force and effect if and for so long as the
animal continues to be kept, harboured or possessed by that person.
206.4.4
Pit bull - special requirements
The exemption provided in Section 206.4.3 shall only apply in respect of particular pit bulls if each and
every one of the following requirements is satisfied and remains continuously satisfied without interruption
or exception in respect of such particular pit bull:
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a. the particular pit bull must not have been the subject of a previous direction to muzzle or, if the
particular pit bull was the subject of a direction to muzzle, such direction must have been
removed on appeal pursuant to Section 206.3.5;
b. the particular pit bull shall be muzzled at all times while not on the property of its owner, subject to
a right of appeal to the Appeal Committee;
c. at all times when not on the property of its owner, the particular pit bull shall be:
(i)
under the effective control of a person at least eighteen years of age, sound or voice
command is not deemed to be control under this Chapter; and
(ii)
under leash, which leash shall be not greater than 0.9144 metres (3 feet) in length.
d. at all times when the particular pit bull is on the property of the owner, it shall be confined within a
building on the property or within a:
(i) wholly fenced yard, or
(ii) a pen constructed and maintained in compliance with Article 11.
e. the particular pit bull must not have engaged in any of the following actions:
(i)
the dog has bitten or attacked a person or a domestic animal;
(ii)
in the absence of any mitigating factor, the dog has behaved in a manner that poses a
menace to the safety of persons or domestic animals.
f.
on or before the 1st day of April, 2005, the particular pit bull shall have been registered with the
Clerk (in addition to the other licensing requirements in this Chapter) as a pit bull which is being
kept, harboured and possessed by the person prior to the date on which Section 206.4.1(t) came
into full force and effect and, at the time of such registration, the following shall have been
provided to the Clerk:
(i)
a certificate from a licensed Ontario veterinarian at- testing to the fact that the particular
pit bull has been spayed or neutered;
(ii)
a certificate from a licensed Ontario veterinarian at- testing to the fact that a microchip
has been inserted into the pit bull;
(iii)
an insurance certificate demonstrating that the owner has taken out the insurance
described in item (g) below;
(iv)
a completed registration form signed by the owner of the pit bull containing such
particulars relating to the owner of the pit bull and the particular pit bull as the Clerk may
from time to time require.
g. the owner of a particular pit bull shall take out and keep in full force and effect a policy of liability
insurance which includes public liability and property damage coverage, to be issued by an
insurer licensed to carry on business in Ontario, and which has a policy amount of not less than
$1,000,000. The owner shall supply the Clerk with certificate of insurance upon initial registration
of the dog and as required from time to time where the forgoing insurance is renewed or
transferred to another insurer. Such revised insurance certificate shall be supplied within 72 hours
of any such renewal or transfer.
h. the owner of a particular pit bull shall at the time of registration, obtain a warning sign as shall
have been prescribed and supplied from time to time by the Clerk of the municipality, which sign
shall be posted and displayed continuously by the owner in a prominent location in close
proximity to the location where the particular pit bull is normally kept;
i.
the ownership of the particular pit bull does not change. In the event that the ownership of the pit
bull is transferred to another owner, whether such disposition is inter vivos or testamentary, the
exemption provided by Section 206.4.3 shall immediately cease.
j.
the particular pit bull shall have had a microchip implanted into it;
k. the particular pit bull shall have been spayed or neutered, as the case may be.
206.4.5
Pit bulls - other requirements
In addition to the requirements of Section 206.4.4, the owner of any pit bull shall, regardless of the
availability of the exemption provided by Section 206.4.3:
a. notify the Clerk within forty-eight hours of the death of a pit bull;
b. where the pit bull has been transferred whether by sale, gift or otherwise, notify the Clerk within
forty-eight hours of such transfer and provide the Clerk with the identity of the new owner and the
address outside the City to which the pit bull has been removed; and
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c. take all reasonable steps to prevent the pit bull from engaging in the actions described in Section
206.4.4(e).
206.4.6
Pit bulls - impounded
Any pit bull impounded under the provisions of Article 7 of this Chapter, shall not be redeemed under
Section 206.7.5 and shall be disposed of in accordance with section 20 of the Animals for Research Act,
as amended.
206.4.7
Potentially dangerous dogs - requirements
If the Animal Control Officer designates a dog as a potentially dangerous dog, the Animal Control Officer
shall serve a potentially dangerous dog notice upon the owner, requiring the owner upon receipt of such
notice, to comply with the following requirements, as set out in the notice:
a. the owner shall purchase a potentially dangerous dog licence from the Clerk;
b. the dog shall be muzzled at all times while not on the property of the owner, subject to right of
appeal to the Appeal Committee;
c. at all times, when the dog is on the property of the owner, it shall be confined within a building on
the property or within a:
(i) wholly fenced yard; or
(ii) a pen constructed and maintained in compliance with Article 11.
d. at all times, when not on the property of the owner, the dog shall be:
(i) under the effective control of a person at least eighteen years of age; and
(ii) under leash, which leash shall be not greater than 0.9144 metres (3 feet) in length.
e. a certificate from a licensed Ontario veterinarian attesting to the fact that a microchip has been
inserted into the dog, shall be provided to the Clerk, at the time that the owner purchases the
potentially dangerous dog licence;
f.
a certificate from a licensed Ontario veterinarian attesting to the fact that the dog has been
spayed or neutered;
g. the owner of the dog shall have received at the time of purchasing the dog licence, a warning sign
as shall have been prescribed and supplied from time to time by the Clerk of the municipality,
which sign shall be posted and displayed continuously by the owner in a prominent location in
close proximity to the location where the particular dog is normally kept;
h. the designation of a potentially dangerous dog may be removed by the Animal Control Officer,
following a period of two years from designation and pending a review that no offences have
occurred.
206.4.8
Potentially dangerous dogs - other requirements
In addition to the requirements of Section 206.4.7, the owner of any potentially dangerous dog shall:
a. notify the Clerk within forty-eight hours of the death of the dog;
b. where the change of ownership of the dog has occurred, notify the Clerk within forth-eight hours
of such transaction and provide the Clerk with the identity of the new owner and their address and
telephone number;
c. take all reasonable steps to prevent the dog from engaging in the following actions:
(i) biting or attacking a person or domestic animal;
(ii) in the absence of any mitigating factor, the dog is behaving in a manner that poses a menace
to the safety of persons or domestic animals.
206.4.9
Dangerous Dog - designation - special requirements
If an Animal Control Officer designates a dog as a dangerous dog, the Animal Control Officer shall serve
a dangerous dog notice upon the owner, requiring the owner upon receipt of such notice, to comply with
the following requirements, as set out in the notice:
a. the owner shall purchase a dangerous dog licence from the Clerk;
b. the dog shall be muzzled at all times while not on the property of its owner, subject to the right of
appeal to the Appeal Committee;
c. at all times, when the dog is on the property of its owner, it shall be confined within a building on
the property or within a:
(i) wholly fenced yard; or
DOGS - OTHER ANIMALS
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(ii) a pen constructed and maintained in compliance with Article 11.
d. at all times, when not on the property of the owner, the dog shall be:
(i) under the effective control of a person at least eighteen years of age; and
(ii) under leash, which leash shall be not greater than 0.9144 metres (3 feet) in length.
e. a certificate from a licensed Ontario veterinarian attesting to the fact that a microchip has been
inserted into the dog, shall be provided to the Clerk, at the time the owner purchases a dangerous
dog licence;
f.
a certificate from a licensed Ontario veterinarian attesting to the fact that the dog has been
spayed or neutered;
g. the owner of the dog shall have received at the time of purchasing the dog licence, a warning sign
as shall have been prescribed and supplied from time to time by the Clerk of the municipality,
which sign shall be posted and displayed continuously by the owner in a prominent location in
close proximity to the location where the particular dog is normally kept.
206.4.10
Dangerous dog - other requirements
In addition to the requirements of Section 206.4.9, the owner of any dangerous dog shall:
a. notify the Clerk within forty-eight hours of the death of the dog;
b. where the change of ownership of the dog has occurred, notify the Clerk within forty-eight hours
of such transaction and provide the Clerk with the identity of the new owner and their address and
telephone number;
c. take all reasonable steps to prevent the dog from engaging in the following actions:
(i) biting or attacking a person or domestic animal;
(ii) in the absence of any mitigating factor, the dog is behaving in a manner that poses a menace
to the safety of persons or domestic animals.
206.4.11
Appeal
A dog owner who has been directed in accordance with Sections 206.4.7, and 206.4.9 may request and
is entitled to a hearing by the Appeal Committee, which may exempt the owner in whole or in part from
the muzzling requirement. Any such exemption may be granted subject to such conditions as the
Committee deems appropriate.
206.4.12
Appeal - time for
A dog owner whose dog has been designated as a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog, may appeal
to the Appeal Committee by forwarding a Notice of Appeal to the Clerk, within fourteen days after being
served with a Notice of Designation.
206.4.13
Appeal - confirmation of designation
A Notice of Designation that is not appealed within the time frame referred to in Section 206.3.6 shall be
deemed to be confirmed.
206.4.14
Appeal - no stay of muzzle order
A request of the owner of a dog for a hearing does not act as a stay of the muzzling requirement.
206.4.15
Direction - compliance with
Every person shall comply with any direction given pursuant to Section 206.4.7 and Section 206.4.9,
unless and until the direction is modified on appeal.
Article 5
EXEMPTIONS
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206.5.1
Exemptions - dog shows
Pit bulls that are not restricted dogs and who are not owned by a resident of Brantford shall be allowed to
be on site of and participating in an approved dog show, so long as the following conditions are met:
a. the pit bull is registered as a Staffordshire bull terrier, an American Staffordshire terrier or an
American pit bull terrier with one or more of the dog registries named in Section 206.1.5;
b. the owner of a pit bull has given written notice to one of the dog registries named in Section
206.1.5 stating the owner's intention that the pit bull participate in approved dog shows; and
c. the event coordinator for an approved dog show shall provide the Clerk with notice of the event,
dates, times, location and a list of pit bulls participating in the event. By-law 93-2005, 24 May,
2005.
Article 6
DOGS - LICENSING
206.6.1
Licence - required - by owner - immediately
Every person who is the owner of a dog, other than a service dog, shall immediately:
a. after the dog comes into his/her possession;
b. after the dog has reached the age of three months,
whichever is the later, cause the dog to be licensed for a one-year period. By-law 45-2024, April 30, 2024.
206.6.1.1
Licence - fee - new dog
Any new dog six months of age or under shall be charged the altered rate, as set out in Schedule 'A', in
the initial licensing year. To receive the altered rate thereafter, compliance with Section 206.6.4.1 is
required.
206.6.2
Licence - required - annually
Every person who is the owner of a dog, other than a service dog, shall, cause the dog to be again
licensed for the one-year period commencing on the last date of licensing in that year. By-law 106-2008,
18 August, 2008. By-law 45-2024, April 30, 2024.
206.6.3
Licence - issue - by licence agent - Treasurer
All dog licences shall be issued by the licence agent or the Treasurer.
206.6.4
Licence - issue - when fee paid - Schedule 'A'
Except as may be otherwise provided in this Chapter, a dog licence shall be issued upon payment of the
annual licence fee prescribed in Schedule 'A' to this Chapter. By-law 93-2005, 24 May 2005.
206.6.4.1
Licence fee - altered dog
All newly acquired dogs or existing dogs altered must provide the Licence Agent with a certificate from a
licenced Ontario veterinarian attesting to the fact that the dog has been altered. By-law 129-2007, 13
August, 2007. By-law 45-2024, April 30, 2024.
206.6.5
Tag - issued - fee paid
On payment of the licence fee, the owner shall be furnished with a dog tag.
206.6.6
Tag - serially numbered - information - year of issue
A tag shall bear a serial number and the year in which it was issued and a record shall be kept by the
licence issuer showing the name and address of the owner and the serial number of the tag.
206.6.7
Tag - affixed to dog - exception
Every person who is the owner of a dog shall ensure that the dog tag furnished pursuant to Section
206.6.5 of this Chapter is affixed to the dog, and remains affixed to the dog, unless it is removed to
replace an expired tag with a current tag or to administer medical treatment to the dog.
206.6.8
Tag - removal - prohibited - exception
No person shall remove a tag from a dog, other than to replace an expired tag with a current tag or to
administer medical treatment to the dog.
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206.6.9
Dog - unlicensed - deemed contravention
Every person who is the owner of an unlicensed dog, where said dog is required to be licensed pursuant
to Section 206.6.1 or 206.6.2 is guilty of an offence.
206.6.10
Transfer - licence
Once a dog is licensed in a particular year, the licence can be transferred at no charge to any new owner.
Upon the death of a licensed dog, the owner can transfer the licence to a new dog at no charge.
206.6.11
Transfer licence - prohibited
A licence transfer is prohibited for restricted dogs, potentially dangerous dogs and dangerous dogs.
206.6.12
Licence - required - dogs - reclaimed - purchased
Despite Section 206.6.1, every dog purchased or reclaimed from the pound shall have been licensed
before it is removed from the pound, regardless of its age.
Article 7
DOGS - AT LARGE AND TRESPASS
206.7.1
Running at large - prohibited
No person shall suffer, allow, or permit any dog of which he/she is the owner to run at large or trespass
within the City of Brantford.
206.7.2
Dog - not under control - off owner's premises
A dog shall be deemed to be running at large or trespassing if found in any place other than the premises
of the owner of the dog and not under the control of any person.
206.7.3
Contravention - capture - impoundment - authority
Any dog running at large contrary to the provisions of this Chapter may be captured and impounded by
any police constable or Animal Control Officer.
206.7.4
Trespassing - capture - impoundment - permitted
Any person may capture any dog running at large and trespassing on their property and deliver the same
to the Animal Control Officer, who shall impound the said dog.
206.7.5
Impoundment - redemption - within 72 hours - fee
All dogs impounded under the authority of this Article shall be taken to the City Pound, where they shall
be kept confined, subject to the right of the owner to redeem the dog or dogs within seventy-two hours,
exclusive of holidays, from the time of impounding by paying to the Poundkeeper the fees as set forth and
described in Schedule 'A'.
206.7.6
Other penalties - liabilities- applicable
The payment of the fees as set out in Section 206.7.5 shall not be construed as relieving the owner or
any other person of any liability to pay any other penalty which may become payable pursuant to the
provisions of this Chapter.
206.7.7
Dog - not redeemed
Any dogs not redeemed by the owner within seventy-two hours, exclusive of holidays, from the time of
impounding shall be disposed of in accordance with the Animals for Research Act, as amended.
206.7.8
Dog - at large - prevention
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:
a. enclosure;
b. containment within a fenced area; or
c. physical restraint of the dog by chain.
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206.7.9
Exception - farmland
Despite Section 206.7.8, 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.
206.7.10
Exception - agricultural land - restricted dogs
The provisions of Section 206.7.9, shall not apply to a restricted dog. By-law 93-2005, 24 May, 2005.
206.7.11
Exception - leash free park
The provisions of Section 206.7.2 are not applicable to dogs running within the confines of any City
designated leash free park, and not previously designated as a restricted, potentially dangerous or
dangerous dog. By-law 162-2006, 6 November, 2006.
Article 8
ANIMALS - AT LARGE AND TRESPASS
206.8.1
Running at large - trespassing - prohibited
No person shall suffer, allow or permit any animal of which he/she is the owner, to run at large or trespass
upon private property within the City of Brantford.
206.8.2
Contravention - capture - impoundment authority
Any animal running at large or trespassing contrary to the provisions of this Article may be captured and
impounded by any police constable or Animal Control Officer.
206.8.3
Trespassing - capture - impoundment - permitted
Any person may capture any dog running at large and trespassing on their property and deliver same to
the Animal Control Officer, who shall impound the said animal.
206.8.4
Impoundment - redemption - within 72 hours - fee
All animals impounded under the authority of this Article shall be taken to the City Pound, (or such other
suitable location as may be designated by the Poundkeeper) where they shall be kept confined, subject to
the right of the owner to redeem the animal or animals within seventy-two hours, exclusive of holidays,
from the time of impounding by paying to the Poundkeeper the fees set forth and described in Schedule
'A'.
206.8.5
Other penalties - liabilities - applicable
The payment of the fees as set out in Section 206.8.4 shall not be construed as relieving the owner or
any other person of any liability to pay any other penalty which may become payable pursuant to the
provisions of this Chapter.
206.8.6
Animal - not redeemed
Any animals not redeemed by the owner within seventy-two hours, exclusive of holidays, from the time of
impounding shall be disposed of in accordance with the Animals for Research Act, as amended.
206.8.7
Exemptions - cats - dogs - banded pigeons
The provisions of this Article shall not apply to:
a. cats running at large;
b. dogs running at large; or
c. pigeons to which Section 206.9.2 applies. By-law 93-2005, 24 May, 2005.
Article 9
PIGEONS - KEEPING
206.9.1
Permitted - registered member - recognized group
Section 206.4.2 shall not apply to prevent the keeping, harbouring, or possession of any number of
pigeons by any person on any property within the City of Brantford if the person keeping, harbouring, or
possessing the pigeons obtains a permit from the City of Brantford and is a registered member in good
standing of the Brant County Pigeon, Poultry, and Pet Stock Association Inc., or the Brantford Invitational
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Racing Pigeon Club; or any other organization as may be approved by the City and the pigeons are being
raised for exhibition at a bona fide agricultural exposition or for other competition. By-law 27-2026, 24
March, 2026.
206.9.2
Released for flight - not deemed at large - conditions
Article 8 shall not apply to pigeons released for flight where the following requirements have been
satisfied:
a. the pigeons have been banded with an identifying leg-band issued or approved by the Brant
County Pigeon Poultry and Pet Stock Association Inc., the Brantford Racing Pigeon Club, or the
Brantford Invitational Racing Pigeon Club;
b. the pigeons are kept within a pen except during the permitted daily flight periods;
c. each pigeon is released for no more than two flights per day; and
d. only one-half of the number of pigeons kept by any one person are released for flight at any one
time. By-law 93-2005, 24 May, 2005.
206.9.3
Club/association - activities
a. The organizations referred to in Section 206.9.1 are to submit, annually, to the City of Brantford,
Clerk's Department, a current membership list indicating the names and addresses for those
members residing within the City of Brantford.
b. The organizations referred to in Section 206.9.1 are to submit, annually, to the City of Brantford,
Clerk's Department, on a bi-annual basis, a report on membership activities relative to bona fide
shows, races or other competitions. Members are required to participate in a minimum of one
such activity within a two year period.
c. The organizations referred to in Section 206.9.1 are to submit to the City of Brantford, Clerk's
Department new membership information for those members residing within the City of Brantford
prior to establishing any coop, pens or other such structures for the keeping of pigeons.
d. That a review of the Article 9 of Chapter 206 of the City of Brantford Municipal Code be
conducted on a bi-annual basis.
e. Failure to comply with the conditions and terms of this Chapter may result in immediate
prohibition of the activities permitted under Article 9. By-law 21-2012, 21 February, 2012.
Article 10
CHICKENS - KEEPING
206.10.1
Chickens - Permit Required
No person shall keep, harbour or possess or cause to keep, harbour or possess chickens, without first
having obtained a permit from the City of Brantford. Permit fees shall be in accordance with the By-law to
Fix Fees and Charges to be collected by the Corporation of the City of Brantford for 2021 - By-Law 52-
2021, as amended from time to time. By-law 101-2022, 28 June 2022.
206.10.2
Chickens - Limit
The limit of chickens permitted on a property at any time is as follows:
a. Up to a maximum of 10 chickens;
b. A maximum of 1 rooster may be included in the limit of 10 chickens referred to in part a.
By-law 101-2022, 28 June 2022.
206.10.3
Chicken - Coop
All chickens shall be housed in a properly maintained coop that provides a protective shelter from the
elements and predators, and is a safe space for the hens to lay eggs.
A coop, in addition to the requirements of Article 11 Pens, shall:
a. not be located in the front yard or exterior side yard as defined in the City of Brantford Applicable
Zoning By-law as amended; and
b. be no less than 7.5m from structures on other lots,
c. include proper floor and/or hardware wire, as well as windows and/or hardware wire covered
openings for protection against predators; and
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d. have regular cleaning to remove debris and other potential hazards including soiled material that
could cause foul odour, and is disposed of or composted in accordance with all applicable laws
and legislation; and
e. have proper ventilation to support a healthy flock; and
f.
have appropriate bedding, e.g., straw/pine/leaves, to help reduce smells within the coop; and
g. have perches for hens; and
h. have nest boxes for hens to lay eggs.
By-law 101-2022, 28 June 2022.
Article 11
PENS
206.11.1
Location - distance from other structures
Where any person keeps any animal in one or more pens on any property within the City of Brantford,
that person shall locate all portions of such pen or pens at least 7.5 metres (24.6 feet) distant from the
closest point on any outside wall of any school, church, or dwelling unit other than a dwelling unit
occupied by the occupant of the land upon which the pen is located.
206.11.2
Clean - sanitary condition - at all times
Where any person keeps any animal in one or more pens on any property within the City of Brantford,
that person shall keep and maintain all portions of such pens in a clean and sanitary condition.
206.11.3
Exemption - pen - conforming - prior to enactment
Sections 206.11.1 and 206.11.2 shall not require the relocation of any building, structure or other
enclosure if such building, structure or other enclosure was lawfully being used as a pen on the day of the
passing of the enabling by-law; but only for so long as the building, structure or other enclosure continues
to be so used.
Article 12
PET STORES
206.12.1
Sale - prohibited animals - prohibited
No person who operates a business within the City of Brantford that includes the sale of pets or other
animals shall sell, offer to sell, or otherwise make available in any way to any person any animal listed in
Section 206.4.1.
206.12.2
Number limitations - not applicable
Sections 206.2.1, 206.2.2 and 206.2.3 shall not apply to prevent the keeping of any number of domestic
cats, domestic dogs or domestic rabbits at a shop whose business includes the sale of pets.
206.12.3
Dogs - licensing - not required
The provisions of Article 6 shall not apply to require the licensing of dogs at a shop whose business
includes the sale of pets.
Article 13
ENFORCEMENT
206.13.1
Fine - for contravention
Every person who contravenes any provision of this Chapter is guilty of an offence and upon conviction is
liable to pay a penalty recoverable under the provisions of the Provincial Offences Act.
206.13.2
Contravention - pit bull
In addition to the loss of exemption provided by Section 206.4.3, when the owner of a pit bull has failed to
comply with any of the conditions in Section 206.4.4 (b), (c), (d), (f), (g), (h), (j) and (k), the owner of the
pit bull is guilty of an offence and upon conviction is liable to pay a penalty recoverable under the
provisions of the Provincial Offences Act, as amended.
206.13.3
Powers of Entry and Orders
An Animal Control Officer may enter onto Property at any reasonable time for the
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purpose of carrying out an inspection to determine whether any provision of this By-law or an Order made
under this By-law is being complied with. By-law 148-2024, 29 October, 2024
206.13.4
Inspection
For the purposes of conducting an inspection pursuant to this By-law, an Animal Control Officer may:
a) require the production for inspection of documents or things relevant to the
inspection;
b) inspect and remove documents or things relevant to the inspection for the purpose of making
copies or extracts;
c) require information from any Person concerning a matter related to the inspection; and
d) alone, or in conjunction with a Person possessing special or expert knowledge, make
examinations or take tests, samples or photographs necessary for the purpose of inspection.
By-law 148-2024, 29 October, 2024
206.13.5
Obstruction
No person shall prevent, hinder or obstruct, or attempt to hinder or obstruct an Animal Control Officer who
is exercising a power or performing a duty under this By-law. By-law 148-2024, 29 October, 2024
Article 14
REPEAL - ENACTMENT - CONDITIONAL
206.14.1
By-laws - previous
By-law 20-83 (as amended by By-laws 137-86 and 152-89) is hereby repealed.
206.14.2
Effective date - upon approval - set fines - exception
Section 206.12.1, shall come into force at midnight on the date which is one year from the date on which
the enabling by-law was passed. By-law 93-2005, 24 May, 2005.
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SCHEDULE
Schedule 'A' - Fees and penalties
1. DOG LICENCES FEES
Altered $ 45
Unaltered $ 75
Senior - Altered $ 25
Senior - Unaltered $ 30
Service Dog No Charge
Replacement Tag $ 5
SPECIALLY DESIGNATED DOGS - NO DISCOUNT RATE AVAILABLE
Additional requirements apply. Refer to by-law
Restricted Dog (Pit Bull - as per by-law) $ 30
Potentially Dangerous Dog $ 100
Dangerous Dog $ 250
2. CAT LICENCES
All domestic cats -$10 each (Voluntary).
3. IMPOUND AND MAINTENANCE FEES FOR ANIMALS
a. A minimum impound fee of $50 plus a daily maintenance fee of $10 per animal will apply.
This minimum impound fee shall be in addition to any fine levied for an infraction of this
Chapter.
b. An impound fee of $100 per animal will apply to potentially dangerous dogs plus a daily
maintenance fee of $10 per animal will apply. This minimum impound fee shall be in addition
to any fine levied for an infraction of this Chapter.
c. An impound fee of $200 per animal will apply to dangerous dogs plus a daily maintenance
fee of $10 per animal will apply. This minimum impound fee shall be in addition to any fine
levied for an infraction of this Chapter.
d. In addition to the above mentioned impound fees, the Poundkeeper shall be reimbursed for
any and all additional expenses incurred, including but not limited to veterinarian care for the
animal.
By-law 116-2010, 4 October, 2010; Schedule 'A'; By-law 29-2018, 27 February, 2018. By-law 45-2024,
April 30, 2024; By-law 86-2025, 26 August 2025