Responsible Animal Ownership By-law 170-2021
Chatham-Kent, Ontario
This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot 6b4d622736c1 · verified 2026-06-09 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Skip to main page content
[email protected]
|
519-360-1998
* Chatham-KentCurrently selected
+ Apply, Pay & Report
- Grants & Funding
* Together CK Municipal Grant
* Core Grant Funding
* Councillor Ward Funding Program
* Public Art Funding
* Gleaning Project Grant
- Jobs
* About Our Corporation
* Municipal Career Opportunities
* A Career with Chatham-Kent
* How to Apply
* Emergency Services Recruitment
* Hiring Process
* Student Job Opportunities
- Licences
* Bingo Licence
* Bingo Hall Licence
* Break Open Tickets
* Business Licence
* Consumer Fireworks Licence
* Dog Licence
* Door-to-Door Salesperson Licence
* Golf Cart Pilot Project
* Kennel Licence
* Liquor Licence
* Lottery Licence
* Marriage Licence
* Raffle Licence
* Rental Renovictions Review
* Short-Term Dwelling Rentals
* Vehicle for Hire
- Permits
* Building Permit
* Demolition Permit
* Moving Permit
* Open Burn Permit
* Parking Permit
* Pool Enclosure Permit
* Public Works Permit
* Septic Permit
* Sewer Connection Permit
* Sign Permit
- Registrations
* Birth Registrations
* Death Registrations
- Hosting Local Events
* How to Get Started
- Pay Tickets
- CK Cools
+ Business & Growth
- Building & Construction
* Zoning
* Building Permits
* Before you Dig
* Property Surveys
* Additional Dwelling Units
- Development Charges
* Municipal Building Development Charges
* Water & Wastewater Development Charges
- Economic Development
- RFPs, Bids & Tenders
- Planning & Development
* Planning Applications and Fees
* Development Review Process
* Development Standards
* Site Plan Control
* Comprehensive Zoning By-Law
* Chatham-Kent Official Plan
* Community Improvement Plan
* Planning Notices
* Heritage Conservation
- Advertising & Sponsorship
* Advertising
* Sponsorship
* Naming Rights
* Donations
* Community Programs
- Filming Locally
* Filming Locally in CK
* Residents & Business Owners
* Film Permit
* Plan Your Shoot
* Traffic Rules & Road Closure Permit
* Special Effects Filming
* Filming Guidelines
- Municipal Affordable Housing Development
* Affordable Housing Builds
* Housing Needs Assessment
* Affordable Housing SEED Funding
* Strategic Housing Action Plan
+ Community & Family
- Child Care
* Finding Child Care
* Help Paying for Child Care
* Special Needs Services
* Information for Operators
* Inclusion Support Services
- Children & Youth
* A.L.L. For Kids Program
* Chatham-Kent Heartwork
* Child & Youth Planning Network (CYPN)
- EarlyON Centres
- Employment Support
* Community Job Board
* Chatham-Kent Jobs
* Community Navigators
- Food Resources
- Housing Services
* Community Housing
* Rental Options
* Housing Locations
* Affordable Homeownership
* Renovations Program
* Tenant Information
- Homeless Prevention
* Homeless Response Line
* Homes 4 Youth
* Shelter Solutions
* Housing Stability Program
- Income Support
* Social Assistance
* Applying for Social Assistance
* Immigration Status & Social Assistance
* Ontario Works Online Forms
* MyBenefits
* Ontario Disability Support
* Ontario Electricity Support Program
* Ontario Trillium Benefit
- Public Health
- Riverview Gardens
* Experience Riverview Gardens
* Amenities
* Join the RVG Team
* Long-Term Care
* Outbreaks & Visiting Guidelines
- Love My Hood
* Good Neighbour Recognition Program
* Community Recognition Awards
* Growing Together
- Let's Talk CK
+ Explore & Enjoy
- Arts + Culture
- Galleries
* Gallery Programs
* TAG + ArtSpace
- Museums
* CK Museum
* Ridge House Museum
* Milner Heritage House
* Museum Programs
- Theatres
- Creative Camps
- Public Library
- Pools & Swimming
* Pools & Swimming
* Become A Lifeguard
* Swimming Lessons
- Recreation Programs
- Parks & Trails
* Parks
* Trails
* Boat Launches & Docks
* Splash Pads
- Ice Skating
- Venues & Facilities
* Arena Rentals
* Picnic Shelter Rentals
* Sports Field Rentals
* Hall & Meeting Room Rentals
- Living in Chatham-Kent
- Tourism
+ Local Government
- Office of the Mayor
* Mayor Darrin Canniff
* Connect with the Mayor
* Connect with Members of Parliament
* CK Community Leaders' Cabinet
- Municipal Council
* Council Meetings
* Council Attendance
* Council Code of Conduct
* Contact Council
* Speaking to Council
* Committees of Council
* Council Policies
* Mayoral Powers
- Councillors
* Councillors by Ward
* Conor Allin
* Lauren Anderson
* Michael Bondy
* Anthony Ceccacci
* Marjorie Crew
* Ryan Doyle
* Amy Finn
* Aaron Hall
* Melissa Harrigan
* Rhonda Jubenville
* Jamie McGrail
* Brock McGregor
* Carmen McGregor
* Alysson Storey
* Trevor Thompson
* John Wright
* Morena McDonald
- Budget & Finance
* Our Budget Process
* Openbook - Budget Tool
* Our Municipal Budgets
* Our Business Plans
* Our Financial Statements
* Asset Management Plan
* Financial Policies
- Access to Information
- Civil Marriage Ceremonies
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Educational Resources
- Government Resources
* Commemorative Naming
* Municipal Flag Raising
- By-laws
* List of By-laws
* By-law Enforcement
- Municipal Elections
* 2026 Municipal Election
* Election Employment
* Candidates
* Candidate Information
* Third Party Advertising
* Voter Information
* Post Election Information
* School Board Elections
- Municipal Projects
* Mitchell's Bay Elevated Tank
* St Clair Road Proposed Watermain
- News & Media Releases
- Properties For Sale
* Tax Sales
* Surplus Municipal Properties
* Municipal Business Parks
- Studies & Plans
- Provincial Offences Court
* General Information
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Fine Payment Information
* Forms
* Court Services
* Court Appearances
* Ticket Options
- La Cour Des Infractions Provinciales
* Information Général
* Comparutions devant le tribunal
* Formulaires
* Information sur les paiements des amendes
* Options de Contreventions
* Questions fréquemment posées
* Services Judiciaires
+ Residential Services
- Animals & Pets
* Adopt a Pet
* Animal Complaints
* Animal Control Services
* Livestock & Deceased Animals
* Lost and Found Pets
* Stray & Feral Cats
* Pit Bulls
* Responsible Animal Ownership By-law
* Wildlife
* Friends of the Animal Shelter
* Backyard Chickens
- Cemeteries
* Cemetery Information
* Landscaping
- Contact Us
- Digital Resources
* Business & Service Directory
* BizPal
* Check It CK
* CK Tickets
* Refurbished Computer Request
* Immunization Reporting
* Paytickets.ca
* Property Tax Payment (PaymentUS)
* Maps
* Subscription Services
* Tax Certificates
- Drainage
* Municipal Drains
* Tile Loans
* Drainage Projects
* Chatham-Kent vs Canadian Pacific Railway
* Provincial Drainage Act
* Drainage Mapping
* Drainage FAQs
* Burk Drainage Works
- Emergency Services
* Crime Stoppers
* Emergency Preparedness
* Emergency Management Program
* Fire & Rescue Services
* Police Services
* Victims Services
- Garbage & Recycling
* Curbside Garbage Collection
* Curbside Recycling Collection
* Curbside Bulk Item Collection
* Waste Depots
* Household Hazardous Waste
* Leaf and Yard Depots
* Brush & Leaf Collection
* Organic Waste
- Getting Around
* Cycling
* Chatham Airport
* Public Transit
* Electric Vehicles
* Weekly Traffic Report
- Construction Projects
* Construction
* Warranty
* Design
- Maintenance
* Grass & Weeds
* Basement Flooding Information
* Railway Crossings
* Sidewalk Repair
* Snow Plow Tracker
* Snow Removal FAQs
* Trees
* Stormwater Projects
* Water Repairs
- Property Taxes
* Pay Property Taxes
* Property Tax Portal
* Tax Certificates
* Tax Rebate & Relief Programs
* Tax Calculator, Rates & Due Dates
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Tax Account Maintenance
- Roads & Bridges
* Breakwalls
* Bridges
* Gravel Roads
* Reduced Load Restrictions
* Road Maintenance
* Road Upgrade Policy
* Traffic Signs & Policies
* Streetlights
* Traffic Signals
* Road Safety Action Plan
* Parking Changes
- Water & Wastewater Services
* Public Utilities Commission
* Frequently Asked Water Questions
* Backflow Prevention Program
* Bulk Water Stations
* Water & Wastewater Development Charges
* Drinking Water
* New Water or Sanitary Service
* Sewers
* Wastewater
* Water & Wastewater Rates
* Fats, Oils & Grease
- CKAlert
* Animals & Pets
+ Adopt a Pet
+ Animal Complaints
+ Animal Control Services
+ Livestock & Deceased Animals
+ Lost and Found Pets
+ Stray & Feral Cats
+ Pit Bulls
+ Responsible Animal Ownership By-lawCurrently selected
+ Wildlife
+ Friends of the Animal Shelter
+ Backyard Chickens
* Cemeteries
+ Cemetery Information
+ Landscaping
* Contact Us
* Digital Resources
+ Business & Service Directory
+ BizPal
+ Check It CK
+ CK Tickets
+ Refurbished Computer Request
+ Immunization Reporting
+ Paytickets.ca
+ Property Tax Payment (PaymentUS)
+ Maps
+ Subscription Services
+ Tax Certificates
* Drainage
+ Municipal Drains
+ Tile Loans
+ Drainage Projects
+ Chatham-Kent vs Canadian Pacific Railway
+ Provincial Drainage Act
+ Drainage Mapping
+ Drainage FAQs
+ Burk Drainage Works
* Emergency Services
+ Crime Stoppers
+ Emergency Preparedness
+ Emergency Management Program
+ Fire & Rescue Services
+ Police Services
+ Victims Services
* Garbage & Recycling
+ Curbside Garbage Collection
+ Curbside Recycling Collection
+ Curbside Bulk Item Collection
+ Waste Depots
+ Household Hazardous Waste
+ Leaf and Yard Depots
+ Brush & Leaf Collection
+ Organic Waste
* Getting Around
+ Cycling
+ Chatham Airport
+ Public Transit
+ Electric Vehicles
+ Weekly Traffic Report
* Construction Projects
+ Construction
+ Warranty
+ Design
* Maintenance
+ Grass & Weeds
+ Basement Flooding Information
+ Railway Crossings
+ Sidewalk Repair
+ Snow Plow Tracker
+ Snow Removal FAQs
+ Trees
+ Stormwater Projects
+ Water Repairs
* Property Taxes
+ Pay Property Taxes
+ Property Tax Portal
+ Tax Certificates
+ Tax Rebate & Relief Programs
+ Tax Calculator, Rates & Due Dates
+ Frequently Asked Questions
+ Tax Account Maintenance
* Roads & Bridges
+ Breakwalls
+ Bridges
+ Gravel Roads
+ Reduced Load Restrictions
+ Road Maintenance
+ Road Upgrade Policy
+ Traffic Signs & Policies
+ Streetlights
+ Traffic Signals
+ Road Safety Action Plan
+ Parking Changes
* Water & Wastewater Services
+ Public Utilities Commission
+ Frequently Asked Water Questions
+ Backflow Prevention Program
+ Bulk Water Stations
+ Water & Wastewater Development Charges
+ Drinking Water
+ New Water or Sanitary Service
+ Sewers
+ Wastewater
+ Water & Wastewater Rates
+ Fats, Oils & Grease
* Recent
* CKAlert
Menu
# Responsible Animal Ownership By-law
SocialMedia
Page Content
## What is the purpose of the by-law?
The
Responsible Animal Ownership By-law 170-2021
includes all animals and promotes responsible animal ownership.
---
## At what age does my dog need a licence?
Dogs four months of age and older are required to be licensed.
---
## How many dogs can I have?
Maximum three dogs per premise.
---
## How many cats in total can I have?
Maximum of five cats per premise. If your property is zoned agricultural under the
Zoning By-law, you are allowed more than five cats on your premises.
---
## What are the kennel licence requirements?
A kennel must meet the requirements in the
Responsible Animal Ownership By-law 170-2021 and the
Zoning By-law. The kennel must be in an agricultural zone. No part of a kennel is permitted closer than 200 m (656 feet) to any existing dwelling. See section 6 of the by-law
for more details. Visit our Kennel Licence page for more information on how to apply for a kennel licence.
---
## Does the by-law address animals at large?
* Yes. Dogs or other animals, other than cats, should not be allowed to run free at large except when on premises owned or occupied by the owner, or on the premises of a person who has given prior consent.
* Dogs that are
**not** restricted pit bulls, designated as dangerous or potentially dangerous may also run free off-leash under the owner's control in an off-leash recreation area (off-leash dog park) or when lawfully used for hunting.
---
## Does the by-law cover removal of dog excrement?
Yes. All dog owners are responsible to remove and sanitarily dispose of excrement left by the dog anywhere within the municipality.
---
## Are animal tethers permitted?
Animals are not allowed to be tied up for longer than 9 hours in a 24-hour period. See
Section 9 of the by-law
for more details regarding tethering.
---
## Does the by-law deal with animals in vehicles?
Yes. Animals are not allowed to be left unattended in a motor vehicle if the weather conditions are not suitable. See
Section 11 of the by-law
for more details.
---
## Does the by-law deal with dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous dogs?
If an animal control officer deems a dog potentially dangerous or dangerous there may be several conditions required to address the danger. See
Section 12 of the by-law
for further details.
---
## If my dog has been deemed potentially dangerous or dangerous, can I appeal this decision?
Yes, you may appeal to the By-law Appeal Committee within 30 days of receiving the designation/order.
---
## Prohibited animals - what is permitted in rural vs. urban areas?
See
Section 15 of the by-law
for the list of animals that are prohibited.
---
## Are potbelly pigs permitted in an urban area?
No. See
Section 15.1 of the by-law - Artiodactyla. They are only permitted on premises zoned agricultural under the
Zoning By-law.
---
## Are pheasants, turkeys or chickens permitted in an urban area?
No. See
Section 15.1 of the by-law - Galliformes. They are only permitted on premises zoned agricultural under the
Zoning By-law.
---
## Are lizards and snakes permitted?
Yes, if the snake or lizard doesn't produce any poison, venom or toxin while in captivity that could cause harm to human health. In addition, the snake must measure under three metres in length. Lizards must not exceed two metres in length. See
Section 15.1 of the by-law - Squamata.
---
## Are snakes and lizards permitted to be in public places?
No. However, there are some exceptions, which are listed under
Section 3.2 of the by-law.
---
## Can a person keep an animal that produces poison, venom or toxin?
No. You are not allowed to keep an animal that produces any poison, venom or toxin while in captivity that could cause harm to human health.
Section 15.2 of the by-law.
---
## Who can I contact for more information?
Please email
[email protected] or call 519-360-1998 for questions or concerns.
Photo Gallery URL
## Helpful Links
Home
Menu
Close
Search
Cancel
© Copyright 2020 Municipality of Chatham-Kent
All Rights Reserved
Legal Information
|
Privacy
|
Accessibility
Land Acknowledgment
|
Change Text Size
|