Do I need a dog licence? What are the leash rules?
In the Town of Essex, Ontario, dogs & animal control rules are set by Town of Essex Animal Control By-law No. 1966, verified 2026-10-23. Fines: Schedule "D" set fines: $125.00, $150.00, $200.00, $250.00, $300.00, $500.00. A licence is required. Leash rule: No Dog shall Run at Large; off the Owner's Premises, a Dog must be on a Leash not exceeding two (2) metres.
Town of Essex Animal Control By-law No. 1966
adopted bylaw
licence required
yes
3.1.1
leash rule
No Dog shall Run at Large; off the Owner's Premises, a Dog must be on a Leash not exceeding two (2) metres.
3.6.1; 3.6.5
max animals
three (3) Dogs
3.4.1
fine range
Schedule "D" set fines: $125.00, $150.00, $200.00, $250.00, $300.00, $500.00
Schedule "D"
scout note
Licences and controls animals in Essex: dog licensing with fee schedule (about $21.10 per dog early, $42.20 later), running at large, dangerous dogs, prohibited species, livestock, abandonment; set fines mostly $200-$500. Scanned PDF, OCR read.
Essex by-laws index
Town by-law list linking Animal Control By-law 1966, the older By-law 1606 (2017) and Kennel Licensing By-law 2221.