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Consolidated
Animal Control By-Law
069-22
Revision Date
May 20, 2026
Amending By-Law
Date
Brief Description
Notes
086-22
August 15, 2022
Coming into force - CAO
delegated authority
105-22
September 28, 2022
Various amendments to
include sheep dogs and
livestock guardian dogs
048-23
May 10, 2023
Amendments to running at
large definition and section
030-24
March 27, 2024
Deleting Schedule "A"
(refer to the Fees and
Charges By-Law), adding
protective care provision
009-26
February 11, 2026
Updated to Section 8 and
adding powers of entry
Renumber section
14 to 15
047-26
May 20, 2026
Adding provisions for
administrative penalties
[Editor's Note: Revoked provisions are indicated by a strikethrough. Added provisions are
indicated by underlining.]
This Office Consolidation is provided for convenience and ease of reference only. It comprises the By-Law and all
amendments and modifications up to the last date noted above. The official version of the By-Law and all amending
bylaws thereto are contained in the Clerk's Department. Any reliance upon the Office Consolidation is done at the
sole risk of the user. The Town does not verify the accuracy or completeness of the Office Consolidation and bears
no responsibility or liability to any person or entity for any deficiencies, inaccuracies, errors, or omissions contained in
the Office Consolidation. This Office Consolidation only reflects amendments that have come into force and effect as
of the date of this Consolidation.
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 2 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF INNISFIL
BY-LAW 069-22
A By-law of The Corporation of the Town of Innisfil to provide
for the licensing, restraining, and regulating the control of
Animals, for the impounding and disposing of same, and to
repeal By-Law No. 068-06 and all amendments.
NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Innisfil enacts as follows:
1.
GENERAL
This by-law shall be known as a By-Law for the Licensing, restraining and regulating the
control of Animals and for the impounding and disposing of same and may be cited by its
short title, the "Animal Control By-Law".
1.1
Authority
Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001
The Animals for Research Act R.S.O. 1990 C.A.22
The Pounds Act, R.S.O. 1990 C.P.17
Dog Owner's Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990 C. D. 16
Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, C. H.07
Livestock, Poultry and Honey Bee Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990 C. L.24 as may be
amended from time to time
1.2
Repeal Existing By-laws
By-law 068-06.
1.3
Penalties
Any person who contravenes any provision of this By-Law, unless otherwise
provided herein, is guilty of an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine under
the Provincial Offences Act.
1.3.1 Each day that a breach of this By-Law continues shall constitute a separate
offence.
1.3.2 Sections 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9,10, 11 and 12 inclusive of all subsections
thereunder, of this By-law are hereby designated as parts of this by-law to
which the Administrative Penalty By-law applies.
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 3 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
1.3.3 Any person who contravenes any Designated Provision of this by-law shall,
upon issuance of a penalty notice in accordance with the Administrative
Penalty By-law, be liable to pay an administrative penalty and any
administrative fees.
1.3.4 All the provisions of this by-law continue to apply in the Provincial Offences
Act in addition to the designated provisions of this by-law.
1.3.5 Where a person has not paid the administrative penalty within 30 days in
accordance with the Administrative Penalty By-law, the Town may add the
administrative penalty to the tax roll for any property for which the owner or
owners are responsible for paying the administrative penalty under Section
1.3.3.
[Amended by By-law 047-26]
1.4
Validity
1.4.1 Should any section, sub-section, clause, paragraph or provision of this by-
law be declared by a Court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the same
shall not affect the validity of the by-law as a whole.
1.4.2 Words used in the singular shall have corresponding meanings when used
in the plural.
1.4.3 "May" shall be construed as permissive.
1.4.4 "Shall" shall be construed as imperative.
1.4.5 For the purpose of this By-Law a Dog shall be deemed to be Running At
Large if found in any place other than the premises of the Owner of the Dog
and not under the control of any Person.
1.5
Enforcement
This By-Law shall be enforced by the Municipal Law Enforcement Officers as are
appointed by By-Law.
1.6
Administration
This By-Law shall be administered by the Director of Growth or his duly authorized
representative.
1.7
Force and Effect
1.7.1 This By-Law shall come into effect on and from the day it is finally passed
by Council.
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 4 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
1.7.2 Every License issued under this By-Law shall expire at 12:00 midnight one
year from the day on which the License was issued in each calendar year.
1.8
Except as otherwise provided herein, no Person shall keep, possess or harbor an
Animal listed in Schedule 'B' of this By-Law, on any property within the Town.
1.9
Except as otherwise provided herein, no Person shall keep, protect or harbor any
Animal listed in Schedule "C" of this By-Law on any property within the areas
designated as Primary Settlement Areas, Urban Settlements or Village
Settlements in the Town's Official Plan.
1.10
No Person shall own, control, possess, board or harbor more than two (2) Dogs
on any property within the Town.
1.11
Sections 1.8, 1.9 and 1.10 do not apply to:
1.11.1
A veterinary hospital;
1.11.2
An Ontario Human Society shelter or an Animal control Pound
which complies with the Town's Zoning By-Law;
1.11.3
An Animal being displayed or exhibited for a set period of time in a
Town sanctioned event, which is operated in accordance with the
Town's conditions;
1.11.4
Any Municipal, Provincial or Federal Government agency;
1.11.5
The premises of an Institute of Education where such Animals are
being kept for research, study or teaching purposes, or on property
or premises registered as Research Facilities under the Animals for
Research Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, as amended.
1.11.6
Any lawful Menagerie, Exhibition or Zoo. The property and facilities
must be accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and
Aquariums.
1.12
Section 1.10 does not apply to:
1.12.1
Service Dogs;
1.12.2
A Kennel Licensed under the provisions of this By-Law;
1.12.3
Dogs under the age of 90 days;
1.12.4
A bona fide farmer to a maximum of six (6) Herding Dogs and
Livestock Guardian Dogs on an operating farm property.
[Amended by By-Law 105-22]
1.12.5
A pet store.
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 5 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
1.13
Section 1.9 does not apply to a bona fide farming operation for the keeping of any
Livestock if the keeping of such Livestock was in existence on the date of adoption
of this by-law and the use is permitted under the Town's Zoning By-Law.
1.14
Any Owner who is so requested by the Town shall forthwith provide to the Town,
a written statement indicating the number of Dog(s), Cat(s) or other Animals which
are habitually kept under the property of the Owner.
1.15
No Person shall erect an enclosure for containing an Animal within one metre of
any property line or within three metres of a neighbouring Dwelling Unit.
1.16
Notwithstanding Schedules "B" or "C", any Person may apply in writing to the
Supervisor of Municipal Law Enforcement of the Town for an exemption to keep
an Animal. Prior to granting its exemption, the Supervisor of Municipal Law
Enforcement shall make whatever inquiry is deemed necessary to determine if the
exemption is warranted and will not pose an undue risk to the Public. The decision
of the Supervisor of Municipal Law Enforcement will be final.
Upon granting an exemption to keep an Animal, the Owner of the Animal signs a
document stating they will abide by such terms and conditions as imposed by the
Supervisor of Municipal Law Enforcement in granting the exemption. Such terms
and conditions may include the posting of notices at the premises, the enclosure
of the Animal, the requirement for specific insurance and the requirement for
mandatory periodic inspections of the premises where the Animal is to be kept.
1.17
Any Animal found Running At Large, contrary to the provisions of this By-Law may
be captured and impounded by the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer and
thereafter shall be kept in a Pound for a period of five days and, if not claimed by
the Owner within the said detention period and the proper costs and charges of
the Pound Keeper paid, the Animal may thereafter be destroyed or otherwise
disposed of by or der the direction of the Pound Keeper. A Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer may receive animals into protective care as a result of an
animal owner's eviction, incarceration, fire, emergency, extreme weather, or
medical emergency.
[Amended by By-Law 030-24]
1.18 The Municipal Law Enforcement Officer or Pound Keeper shall make all
reasonable efforts to identify and contact the Owner of every stray Animal
received, whether the Animal is living or dead.
1.19
Where in the opinion of the Pound Keeper, in consultation with a veterinarian, an
Animal seized and impounded is injured or ill and should be destroyed without
delay for humane reasons or for reasons of safety to the public, the Animal may
be euthanized humanely if reasonable efforts to locate the Owner of the Animal
have failed.
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 6 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
1.20
Where an Animal seized and impounded is injured or ill and is treated by a
veterinarian, the person claiming the Animal shall, in addition to any impoundment
fees, pay the Town for the cost of the treatment.
2.
Definitions and Interpretation
For the purpose of this By-Law:
2.1
ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY BY-LAW means the Administrative Penalty By-law
of the Town, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereof.
[Amended by By-law 047-26]
2.2
ANIMAL means all species of fauna excluding humans, fish and aquatic
invertebrates, both Domestic and Prohibited.
2.3
BLIND PERSON means a person in possession of a letter from a qualified
physician certifying that the person is legally blind.
2.4
CAT means male of female feline of the species Felis Catus.
2.5
DANGEROUS DOG means any individual Dog that:
2.5.1 has killed a Domestic Animal without provocation;
2.5.2 has bitten or injured a human being or Domestic Animal without
provocation;
2.5.3 is attack trained;
2.5.4 is kept for the purposes of security or protection of a Person's property
whether residential, commercial or industrial;
2.5.5 shows the disposition or tendency to be threatening or aggressive.
2.6
DEAF PERSON means a person in possession of a letter from a qualified
physician certifying that person to be legally deaf;
2.7
DESIGNATED PROVISION means any section of this by-law designated in
accordance with section 1.3.2.
[Amended by By-law 047-26]
2.8
DOG means any male or female canine of the species Canis familiaris.
2.9
DOMESTIC means an Animal of any species which would customarily be kept for
pleasure or husbandry, which may share habitat (includes cars, houses etc.)
and/or which would normally be considered dependant on humans for food and
shelter. It shall not include Animals which would be normally considered to be wild
or indigenous to a species which would normally be considered wild or Livestock.
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 7 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
2.10
DWELLING UNIT means a separate set of living quarters provided for human
habitation which has a private entrance, from outside the building, or from a
common hallway, or stairway inside a building.
2.11
EXHIBITION means a public showing or display of Animals as sanctioned by the
Town.
2.12 GUIDE DOG shall mean a Dog used by a Blind Person which is professionally
trained by a recognized school for the purpose of training Guide Dogs. A Guide
Dog shall carry an Identification Card issued by the Ministry of the Attorney
General, Canadian Guide Dog for the Blind Organization or other Provincially
recognized institutions.
2.13
HEARING EAR DOG shall mean a Dog used by a Deaf Person which is
professionally trained by a recognized school for the purpose of training Guide
Dogs. A Guide Dog shall carry an Identification Card issued by the Ministry of the
Attorney General, Canadian Guide Dog for the Blind Organization or other
Provincially recognized institutions.
2.14
HERDING DOG means a Dog that has been trained and is actively being used in
a bona fide farming operation for the purposes of guarding, control or protection of
Livestock on a farm. means 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.
[Amended by By-Law 105-22]
2.15
KENNEL means:
2.15.1 an establishment for the breeding and/or boarding of Dogs for which the
Town has issued a License, or;
2.15.2 a place or confine where Purebred Dogs are kept, bred or raised and that
is registered with an association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree
Act (Canada), or;
2.16
LICENSE means an approval issued pursuant to this By-Law. Licensing and
Licensed shall have a corresponding meaning.
2.17
LIVESTOCK means Animals normally associated with a farming operation where
the Animals are kept for the purpose of breeding, sale and the provision of meat.
2.18
LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOG means a dog that works and/or lives with domestic
farm animals (e.g., cattle, sheep, poultry) to protect them while repelling predators
and is used exclusively for that purpose.
[Amended by By-Law 105-22]
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 8 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
2.19
MENAGERIE means a property where Animals are kept and trained for Exhibition
and Licensed by the Town.
2.20
MICROCHIP means an encoded electronic device implanted in an Animal by or
under the supervision of a veterinarian, which contains a unique number that
provides Owner information that is stored in a central database.
2.21
MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER means a Person or Persons duly
appointed by the Council of the Town to enforce the provisions of this By-Law and
includes any Police Officer appointed pursuant to the Police Services Act and/or
an Animal Control contractor as are appointed by By-Law.
2.22 MUZZLE means a humane fastening or covering device of adequate strength to
cover the mouth of an Animal to prevent it from biting.
2.23
NEUTERED MALE means an Animal for which the Owner produces satisfactory
evidence of its being neutered.
2.24
OWNER means any Owner of an Animal, including a Person, partnership,
association or corporation that owns, possesses or has control, care or custody
over the Animal and where the Owner is a "minor", the Person responsible for the
custody of the minor.
2.25
PERSON means any human being, association, firm, partnership, private club,
incorporated company, corporation, agent or trustee and the heirs, executors, or
other legal representatives to whom the context can apply according to law.
2.26
PERSON WITH DISABILITY shall mean a Person who is in possession of a letter
from a qualified physician certifying that Person to be physically disabled.
2.27
POLICE WORK DOG shall mean a Dog trained to aid Police Officers and is
actually being used for police work purposes for the protection of the public,
including the investigation of crime and the apprehension of law violators.
2.28
POUND shall mean such property and facilities designated by the Town as an
Animal control Pound.
2.29
POUND KEEPER means a Person, who has entered into a contract with the Town
to maintain a Pound and any servants or agents of such Person.
2.30
PRIVATE PROPERTY shall mean property other than the property of the Owner
or the normal residence of the Person having care, custody or control of the
Animal.
2.31
PROHIBITED ANIMAL is any live Animal listed in Schedule 'B', attached to this
By-Law, except as otherwise exempted.
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 9 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
2.32
PROTECTIVE CARE means the temporary, time-limited keeping of an animal by
the Town as a result of an eviction, incarceration, fire, emergency, extreme
weather, or medical emergency.
[Amended by By-Law 030-24]
2.33
PUREBRED means an Animal registered or eligible for registration with an
association incorporated under The Animal Pedigree Act (Canada).
2.34
RUNNING AT LARGE means an Animal that is not on the property of the Owner
or when not on the property of the Owner not on a leash and/or under the control
of the Person responsible for the Animal. Run at Large shall have the same
meaning. means an animal found in any place other than the premises of the owner
or person having care, custody or control of the animal and not secured by a leash.
[Amended by By-Law 048-23]
2.35
SERVICE DOG includes Police Dog, Guide Dog, Hearing Ear Dog, and other
recognized service Dogs.
2.36
SOCIETY OR HUMANE SOCIETY means the Ontario Humane Society (Ontario
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
2.37
SPAYED BITCH means a female Animal for which the Owner produces
satisfactory evidence of its being spayed.
2.38
TOWN means the Corporation of the Town of Innisfil.
2.39
URBAN AREA means the entire Lake Simcoe and Kempenfelt Bay shorelines and
the communities of Alcona, Lefroy, Gilford, Stroud, Churchill, Fenells Corner &
Cookstown.
2.40
ZOO means a Property where Animals are kept as a collection for public display
or Exhibition as Licensed by the Town.
3.
Provision of Needs
3.1
Every Person who keeps an Animal within the Town shall provide the Animal, or
cause it to be provided with:
3.1.1 clean, fresh drinking water available and suitable food or sufficient quantity
and quality to allow for normal, healthy growth and the maintenance of a
normal, healthy body weight;
3.1.2 food and water receptacles kept clean and disinfected and located so as to
avoid contamination by excreta;
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 10 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
3.1.3 the opportunity for periodic exercise sufficient to maintain good health,
including the opportunity to be unfettered from a fixed area and exercised
regularly under appropriate control; and
3.1.4 necessary veterinary medical care when the Animal exhibits signs of pain,
illness or suffering;
3.2
Except for bona fide farmers keeping Herding Dogs, every Person who keeps an
Animal which normally resides outside, or which is kept outside unsupervised for
extended periods of time, shall ensure the Animal is provided with an enclosure
that meets the following criteria:
3.2.1 a total area that is at least twice the length of the Animal in all directions;
3.2.2 contains a house or shelter that will provide protection from heat, cold and
wet that is appropriate to the Animal's weight and type of coat. Such shelter
must provide sufficient space to allow the Animal the ability to turn around
freely and lie in a normal position;
3.2.3 in an area providing sufficient shade to protect the Animal from direct rays
of the sun at all times; and
3.2.4 pens and run areas must be regularly cleaned and sanitized and excreta
removed and properly disposed of daily.
3.2.5 a fence suitable to maintain control of the Animal and prevent it from
Running At Large.
3.3
No Person may cause any Animal to be hitched, tied or fastened to a fixed object
where a choke collar or choke chain forms part of the securing apparatus, or where
a rope or cord is tied directly around the Animal's neck.
3.4
No Person may cause an Animal to be hitched, tied or fastened to a fixed object
as the primary means of confinement under circumstances that can be reasonably
deemed to be inhumane.
3.5
No Person may cause an Animal to be confined in an enclosed space, including a
car, without adequate ventilation.
3.6
No Person may transport an Animal in a vehicle outside the passenger
compartment unless it is adequately confined or unless it is secured in a body
harness or other manner of fastening which is adequate to prevent it from falling
off the vehicle or otherwise injuring itself.
4.
Unsanitary Conditions Prohibited
No Person shall keep an Animal in an unsanitary condition within the Town. Conditions
shall be considered unsanitary where the keeping of the Animal results in an accumulation
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 11 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
of fecal matter, an odour, insect infestation or rodent attractants which endanger the health
of the Animal or any Person, or which disturb or are likely to disturb the enjoyment, comfort
or convenience of any Person in or about any dwelling, office, hospital or commercial
establishment.
5.
Animal and Owner's Responsibilities
5.1
The Running At Large of Animals is prohibited within the Town.
5.2
No owner of an animal shall suffer or permit such an animal to run at large within
the Town.
a) Notwithstanding section 5.2, no owner of a dog shall allow his dog to run
at large in a dog off leash recreation area, unless:
i. A Town of Innisfil or other jurisdiction dog tag is affixed to
the dog, and,
ii. A current rabies vaccination tag is affixed to the dog.
No Owner of an Animal shall suffer or permit such an Animal to Run At Large within
the Town. For the purposes of this By-Law, an Animal shall be deemed to be
Running At Large when:
a)
it is found not under the control of a Person and not under leash to, or within
3 metres (10 feet) of that Person;
b)
leashed to a structure, unless the Animal is on the lands of its Owner or a
Person who has consented to it being on his lands while it is unleashed; or
c)
within a designated Off Leash Dog Park.
[Amended by By-Law 048-23]
5.3
No leash shall exceed 3 metres (10 feet) in length.
5.4
Every leash used or carried for the use of restraining any Animal shall be
substantially constructed or composed of strong material and shall be capable, at
all time, of securely restraining such Animal.
5.5
Every Owner of an Animal shall carry on his Person a lease for his/her Animal,
unless the Animal is on his lands or on lands of a Person who has consented to it
being on his lands while it is unleashed.
5.6
If an Animal defecates on any public or private property other than the property of
its Owner, the Owner shall cause such feces to be removed immediately.
5.7
No Owner shall suffer, permit, allow or for any reason have his or her Animal bark
or howl excessively or in any other manner disturb the quiet of any Person.
5.8
No Owner of an Animal shall permit his or her Animal to, without provocation:
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 12 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
5.8.1 chase, bite or attack any Person
5.8.2 chase, bite, attack or fight with any Animal.
5.8.3 damage public or private property.
5.9
No Owner of an Animal shall permit it to trespass on any Private Property.
5.10
Every Person who owns, controls or harbors an Animal shall remove forthwith any
excrement left by such Animal onto public or private lands in the Town of Innisfil.
5.11
Notwithstanding the above, Herding Dogs and Livestock Guardian Dogs actively
engaged in the performance of their trained duty shall not be considered running
at large, chasing, biting, barking or attacking for the purpose of this section.
[Amended by By-Law 105-22]
6.
Licensing
Dogs
6.1
The Owner of a Dog shall obtain a License annually and cause the same to be
registered, numbered, described and Licensed with the Town:
i)
for any Dog over the age of 90 days.
ii)
for any Dog in a Kennel over the age of 180 days.
6.2
The Town shall keep a record of all Dogs Licensed, showing the date and number
of registration and License, and the name and description of the Dog with the name
and address of the Owner.
6.3
The Owner of the Dog shall renew the License with the Town annually prior to
expiration.
6.4
On payment of the License fee, as per Schedule "A" the Fees and Charges By-
Law, the Owner shall be furnished with a Dog License tag and shall keep the Dog's
current License tag securely fixed on the collar or harness of the Dog at all times,
but the tag may be temporarily removed while the Dog is being lawfully used for
hunting.
[Amended by By-Law 030-24]
6.5
The License fee for a Dog owned by a Person over 65 years of age shall be
reduced by 50%. Proof of age shall be provided at the time of registering/Licensing
for the Dog with the Town.
6.6
A Dog used a Service Dog pursuant to Section 2.0 shall be Licensed and shall
wear the current License tag. Any Person who produces evidence satisfactory to
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 13 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
the Town showing that the Dog is required as a Service Dog or for assistance to a
Person With A Disability shall be exempt from paying the License fee.
6.7
No Person shall:
6.7.1 register an unspayed female Dog as a spayed female
6.7.2 register an unneuteured male Dog as a neutered male
6.7.3 use a tag upon a Dog other than that Dog for which it was issued
6.7.4 Each Person shall provide proof of the Dog having been spayed or
neutered acceptable to the Town.
6.8
No License tag under this section shall be transferable and the License tag shall
expire and become void upon the sale, death, or other means of disposal of the
Dog. No refund shall be issued for the unused portion of the License.
6.9
No Person other than the Owner or his agent shall remove the License tag from
the Dog.
6.10 The Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may seize and impound every Dog not
wearing a Dog License tag where one is required pursuant to this By-Law.
6.11
Where the Town refuses to grant, suspends or revokes a License under this By-
Law, the applicant may appeal this decision to the Council of the Town by filing
with the Clerk, an appeal in writing, of the said decision within fifteen days of being
notified of the decision of the Town. The decision of the Council will be final and
binding.
7.
Impoundment
7.1
During the impoundment period, the Owner may claim the Animal upon proof of
ownership of the Animal, and payment to the Town of:
7.1.1 the appropriate fine where applicable as outlined in Schedule A the Fees
and Charges By-Law;
7.1.2 the appropriate License fee where the Animal is not licensed;
7.1.3 maintenance fees as identified in Schedule A the Fees and Charges By-
Law; and
7.1.4 veterinary and treatment fees where applicable.
7.2
Where the Owner of an Animal does not claim the Animal he shall, when known to
the Pound Keeper, pay a pound fee as outlined in Schedule A the Fees and
Charges By-Law and maintenance fees for each day the Animal is in custody.
-OFFICE CONSOLIDATION-
Page 14 of 24
By-Law 069-22
"Animal Control By-Law"
7.3
Any Animal that is impounded and not claimed by the Owner within the time
provided for in this By-Law may:
7.3.1 be adopted for such price as has been established; or
7.3.2 be euthanized by lethal injection of a barbiturate.
[Amended by By-Law 030-24]
8.
Dog Bites or Attacks Dangerous Animals
Dogs
8.1
The Clerk of the Town shall have the authority to designate a Dog as a Dangerous
Dog and make whatever inquiry is deemed necessary to determine if a Dog is a
Dangerous Dog.
Where a dog has bitten or attacked any person or domestic animal, or is alleged
to have bitten or attacked any person or domestic animal, the Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer or other duly appointed officer may issue an Order to the
owner of the dog requiring that the dog be kept muzzled or under other conditions
at such times as are set out in the Order. Such an Order shall set out the conditions
of muzzling, and the owner of the dog shall comply with all conditions of the Order.
The Order shall remain in effect until an action under the provisions of the Dog
Owners' Liability Act is concluded or until it is deemed by the Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer or other duly appointed officer that the dog in question is
otherwise innocent of such a bite or attack.
[Amended by By-Law 009-26]
8.2
Complaint - Inquiry by Clerk
The Clerk may either on its own initiative or as a result of a complaint received by
it from a resident of the Town conduct an inquiry into whether a Dog should be
designated as a Dangerous Dog.
Where a dog has bitten or attacked any person or domestic animal, a proceeding
may be commenced by the Town against the owner of the dog to seek an Order
of the Court necessary for the protection of the public under the provisions of the
Dog Owners' Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16 and any amendments thereto.
[Amended by By-Law 009-26]
8.3
Where the Clerk of the Town designates a Dog as a Dangerous Dog, the Clerk
shall serve notice upon the Owner of such Dog requiring the Owner to comply,
upon receipt of such notice, with the requirements of Section 8.3. The notice shall
include:
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a)
a statement that the Clerk has reason to believe that the Dog is a
Dangerous Dog;
b)
the requirements that the Owner must comply with in accordance with this
By-Law and when such requirements take effect; and
c)
a statement that the Owner may request, within three (3) working days of
receipt of the notice, and is entitled to a hearing by the Council of the Town
which may affirm or rescind the Clerk's designation of the Dog as a
Dangerous Dog and who may substitute its own requirements of the Owner
of the Dog pursuant to Section 8.8.
8.4
Notice - received - hearing requested
Where the Owner of a Dog receives a notice from the Clerk designating such Dog
as a Dangerous Dog so requests in writing to the Clerk of the Town within three
(3) working days of receipt of such notice, the Council of the Town shall hold a
hearing pursuant to the provisions of the Ontario Statutory Powers Procedures Act
within twenty (20) working days of the Clerk's receipt of the request for a hearing
and Council may:
a)
affirm or rescind the Clerk's designation of the Dog as a Dangerous Dog;
b)
substitute its own requirements of the Owner of the Dog pursuant to Section
8.8.
8.5
Upon receipt of notice from the Clerk of the Town, the Owner of a Dangerous Dog
shall ensure that:
8.5.1 Such Dog is Licensed with the Town as a Dangerous Dog in accordance
with the fees outlined in Schedule A; the Fees and Charges By-Law;
[Amended by By-Law 030-24]
8.5.2 such Dog is Spayed or Neutered;
8.5.3 at all times when off the Owner's property, the Dangerous Dog shall be
muzzled;
8.5.4 at all times when off the Owner's property, the Dangerous Dog shall be on
a leash not longer than one metre and under the control of a responsible
Person over the age of eighteen;
8.5.5 when such Dangerous Dog is on the property of the Owner, it shall be either
securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or
structure, suitable to prevent the escape of the Dangerous Dog and
capable of preventing the entry of any Person not in control of the
Dangerous Dog. Such pen or structure must have minimum dimensions of
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two metres by four metres and must have secure sides and a secure top.
If it has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides must be embedded into
the ground no less than thirty centimetres deep, (1 foot). The enclosure
must also provide protection from the elements for the Dangerous Dog.
The pen or structure shall not be within one metre of the property line or
within three metres of a neighbouring Dwelling Unit. Such Dangerous Dog
may not be chained as a sole means of confinement;
8.5.6 a sign is displayed at each entrance to the property and building in which
the Dangerous Dog is kept warning in writing, as well as with a symbol, that
there is a Dangerous Dog on the property. This sigh shall be visible and
legible from the nearest road or thoroughfare;
8.5.7 a policy of liability insurance, satisfactory to the Town, is in force in the
amount of at least one million dollars, covering the twelve month period
during which licensing is sought for injuries caused by the Owner's
Dangerous Dog. This policy shall contain a provision requiring the Town to
be named as an additional insured for the sole purpose of the Town to be
notified by the insurance company of any cancellation, termination or
expiration of the policy.
8.5.8 The Dangerous Dog shall be implanted with a microchip for the purposes
of identifying such Dog as a Dangerous Dog.
8.6
Owner Requirements - Compliance Deadline
The requirements of Section 8.5 which may be imposed on a Dog Owner by the
Clerk pursuant to such Section shall not be required until either the time for appeal
under Section 8.4 has elapsed without the Dog Owner requesting an appeal
pursuant to that Section or the Council of the Town has ordered such requirement,
whichever occurs earlier.
8.7
Change of Ownership - Notice to the Clerk
An Owner of a Dog which has been designated a Dangerous Dog pursuant to this
By-Law shall advise the Clerk immediately if he/she transfers ownership of such
Dog to another Person or changes the address at which such Dog is kept and
furnish the Clerk with particulars of same.
8.8
Notices - How Served
Any notices served by the Clerk or requests for hearing made by an Owner
pursuant to this By-Law shall be provided by hand delivery or prepaid registered
mail and in the event of service by prepaid registered mail, shall be deemed to be
received on the fifth (5th) working day after the date of mailing.
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8.9
If the Owner of a Dog that has been designated as a Dangerous Dog is unwilling
or unable to comply with the requirements of this section, said Dangerous Dog
shall then be seized, impounded and humanely euthanized by a Pound, dog
control agency or licensed veterinarian, after a fourteen day holding period. Any
Dog that has been designated as a Dangerous Dog under this By-Law may not be
offered for adoption. The cost of humanely euthanizing the Dangerous Dog will be
at the Owner's expense.
[Amended by By-Law 009-26]
9.
Immunization
9.1
Rabies Certificate - Requirement
A valid rabies certificate from a veterinary surgeon registered as a member of the
Ontario Veterinary Association under the Veterinarians Act, and amendments
thereto shall be produced when a License is purchased.
9.1.1 Rabies Certificate - Validity - One Year
A rabies certificate shall be dated no longer than one year from the date of
the purchase of the License.
9.1.2 Rabies Certificate - Failure to Produce
Failure to produce a rabies certificate shall constitute an offence under the
provisions of this By-Law and in addition to any other penalty or remedial
action provided herein, the failure to provide such a certificate shall be
forthwith reported to the Simcoe County District Health Unit.
10.
Kennel
10.1
Every Person who owns or operates a Kennel shall, upon application and payment
of a License fee as set out in Schedule 'A' the Fees and Charges By-Law and upon
the approval of the Town, obtain a License to operate such a Kennel.
[Amended by By-Law 030-24]
10.2
Every Kennel License shall be for one year from the date of issue.
10.3
Every Person who owns or operates a Kennel shall comply with the requirements
set out in a "A Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations" (Canadian
Veterinary Medical Association, September 1994).
10.4
Every Person who owns or operates a Kennel shall comply with all the By-Laws of
the Town.
10.5
Where an Owner or Operator of a Kennel fails to comply with a By-Law of the
Town, the License may be suspended or revoked.
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10.6
Every Person who owns or operates a Kennel shall permit a Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,
the Chief Building Official, or his/her designate under the Building Code Act or such
other Person as may be appointed by Council and/or Police Officer to enter and
inspect the Kennel at all reasonable times, upon production of proper identification,
for the purpose of determining compliance with this By-Law.
10.7
Every person who holds a Kennel License, or the operator of the Kennel, shall not
admit a Dog into the Kennel unless it is immunized against distemper, hepatitis,
rabies and parvo virus. If a veterinarian confirms that a Kennel has an outbreak of
distemper, hepatitis, rabies, parvo virus, or any infectious or contagious disease,
the Kennel may be closed forthwith by a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, the
Simcoe County District Health Unit, or other persons appointed by Council and the
License suspended. The Kennel may reopen and have its License reinstated by
Council upon a written report from the veterinarian that danger of disease is past.
10.8
No Owner of a Kennel shall construct, erect or maintain:
10.8.1 a Kennel, except in accordance with all other applicable By-Laws of the
Town;
10.8.2 a Kennel, except on a parcel of land with an area of not less than one
hectare and a frontage of not less than 73 metres on a public highway;
10.8.3 runs, pens or exercise yards within 15 metres of any lot line or inhabited or
habitable buildings, or
10.8.4 any buildings for the purpose of housing a kennel within 15 metres of any
property lines, inhabited or habitable buildings.
11.
Veterinarian Clinics - Animal Hospitals
11.1
No Person shall own or operate a veterinarian clinic or animal hospital unless it is
located in an area zoned to permit such a use pursuant to the Town's Zoning By-
Law.
12.
Protective Care
The designated canine shelter/Town is authorized:
12.1
To receive dogs pursuant to an eviction, incarceration, fire, emergency, extreme
weather, or medical emergency.
12.2
To temporarily keep such dogs for a maximum of five days.
12.3
To charge the owner the sheltering fees and any other costs for veterinary
medical care when the dogs are redeemed by the owner.
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12.4
At the end of the five-day protective period, unless other arrangements are
agreed to between the owner and the Town to treat the dogs as day one
impounded animals in accordance with this by-law.
[Amended by By-Law 030-24]
13.
Traps
No person shall use, set or maintain a leg hold trap, a killing trap or a snare within the
Urban Areas of the Town.
14. Entry on Lands
14.1 An Municipal Law Enforcement Officer has the power to enter upon any land,
at any reasonable time, to carry out an inspection to determine if a
contravention of this By-law is being committed.
14.2
An Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may be accompanied by such other
person(s) as they deem necessary to carry out their duties.
14.3 A Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may make examinations and take tests,
samples or photographs as the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer determines
necessary for the purposes of the inspection.
[Amended by By-Law 009-26]
15.
This By-Law shall come into force and effect on a date to be named by the Town's CAO.
on August 15th, 2022.
[Amended by By-Law 086-22]
Passed this 22nd day of June 2022.
_____________________________
Lynn Dollin,
Mayor
_____________________________
Lee Parkin,
Clerk
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SCHEDULE 'A'
DOG LICENSING FEES
To establish fees for the Licensing, impoundment, boarding and other related charges for the
Owners of Dogs.
1.
Unless otherwise provided for in this By-Law, the Owner of each Dog shall pay a Dog
License fee in accordance with the following schedule:
With Microchip
Or Breeder Tattoo
Without Microchip
1.1
For each male or female
Dog
$30.00
$35.00
1.2
For a Neutered Male or
Spayed Female
$15.00
$20.00
1.3
For a Dangerous Dog
$250.00
$250.00
1.4 The Town may appoint an agent to sell Dog Licenses and pay a
commission as may be established from time to time.
2.
Every Owner shall pay a fee of $5.00 for the replacement of lost or stolen Dog License
tags.
3.
The Owner of any Dog impounded, pursuant to the provisions of this By-Law shall pay to
the Pound Keeper:
3.1
a fee of $110.00 to be known as a pick up fee;
3.2
a fee of $25.00 for the first day or part thereof to by known as an impounding fee;
3.3
a fee of $20.00 per diem for every day thereafter that the Dog remains
impounded to be known as a boarding fee;
3.5
all pick up fees will be remitted to the Town of Innisfil along with the monthly
report.
3.6
the Pound Keeper may charge an administrative fee in the amount of $2.00 for
each Dog Tag sold at the Pound.
3.7
the Owner of any Dog who request the assistance of the Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer for the transportation of any pet to the Pound Keeper for
disposal; shall pay the applicable disposal fee plus and additional $100.00 pickup
fee to the Town of Innisfil.
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4.
The Owner of Kennel, as defined in this By-Law, shall:
4.1
pay an annual License fee of $100.00, and;
4.2
pay a License fee for each Dog that he/she owns in accordance with the fees as
set out below:
1 or 2 Dogs
Regular Fees
3 to 10 Dogs
$10.00 each
11+ Dogs
$5.00 each
5.
If a Municipal Law Officer seizes any Animal found to be Running At Large, contrary to
the provisions of this By-Law, and the Owner of such Animal is known and is requesting
return of the Animal prior to impoundment, a voluntary penalty invoice may be issued
requiring the voluntary payment of a catch and holding penalty be paid by the Owner to
the Town, in the amount of:
5.1
First Time
-One Hundred and Ten dollars
-$110.00
5.2
Seconded Time
-One Hundred & Seventy Five
dollars
-$175.00
5.3
Third Offence
-Two Hundred dollars
-$200.00
5.4
Dangerous Dogs:
5.4.1
First Offence
-Seven Hundred
and Fifty dollars
-$750.00
5.4.2
Second Offence
-One Thousand
Five Hundred
dollars
$1500.00
(Municipal Act, 2001, Section 103)
[Amended by By-Law 030-24]
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SCHEDULE 'B'
PROHIBITED ANIMALS
1.
All Didelphimorphia
(such as Kangaroos, Opossums, Koala,
Cuscus)
2.
All Paucitubrerculata
"
3.
All Microbiotheria
"
4.
All Dasyuromorphia
"
5.
All Peramelemorphia
"
6.
All Notoryctemorphia
"
7.
All Diprotodontia
"
8.
All non human Primates
(such as Monkeys, Apes, Chimpanzees,
Lemurs)
9.
All Carnivora
(such as Wolf, Coyote, Fox), except Dom-estic
Dogs permitted
(such as Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Panther, Lynx),
except Domestic Cat permitted
(such as Weasels, Ferret, Wolverine, Mink,
Badger), except Domestic Ferret permitted
(such as Bear, Panda)
(such as Hyena)
(such as Raccoon, Panda, Coatimundi, Skunk,
Otter)
(such as Mongoose, Civet, Genet)
(such as Seals, Sea Lions, Walruses)
10.
All Perissodactyla
(such as Zebra, Tapir, Rhinocerous)
11.
All Aeriodactyla
(such as Hippopotamus, Camel, Giraffe,
Llama)
12.
All Xenartha
(such as Anteaters, Sloth, Armadillos)
13.
All Proboscidea
(such as Elephants)
14.
All Chiroptera
(such as Bats)
15.
All Sirenia
(such as Manatees, Grey Whales)
16.
All Odontoceti
(such as Dolphins, Sperm Whales)
17.
All Monotremata
(such as Platypuses, Echidnas)
18.
All Insectivora
(such as Mole, Solenodon) except Hedgehog
19.
All Rodentia
(such as Porcupine, Squirrel, Beaver,
Woodchuck) except Domestic Guinea Pig,
Hamsters, Gerbils, Chinchilla permitted
20.
All Crocodilia
(such as Crocodiles, Alligators, Caimans,
Gavials)
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21.
All Chelydridae
(such as Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtle),
except Green Turtle
22.
All Squamata
(such as Anacondas, Pythons, Boa)
(such as Kraits, Coral Snake, Cobra)
(such as Vipers, Rattlesnakes, Pit Viper,
Adder)
(such as Water Mossasin, Bushmaster, Fer-
De-Lance)
(such as Sea Snake)
(such as File Snake)
(such as Lizards, Gila Monster, Dragos,
Beaded Lizard), except Gekko Lizards
23.
All Arachnida
(such as Tarantulas, Spiders, Scorpions)
24.
All Struthioniformes
(such as Rhea, Pampas, Ratite Birds)
(such as Cassowaries)
(such as Kiwis)
25.
All Falconiformes
(such as Hawks, Eagles, Kites, Harriers,
Osprey)
26.
All Strigiformes
(such as Owls, Vultures, Buzzards)
27.
All Charadriformes
(such as Woodcock, Snipe, Auk, Puffin,
Penguin)
28.
All venomous insects, except bees as defined in the Bees Act, R.S.O. 1990, B.6
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SCHEDULE 'C'
(Typical Farm-related Animals)
1. Those Anseriformes such as geese, swans, ducks
2. Those Artiodactyla such as Cows, Bulls, Oxen, Bison, Sheep, Goats, Antelopes
3. Those Equidae such as horses, donkeys, mules
4. Those Columbiforms such as pigeons, doves
5. Those Galliformes such as Grouse, Peacock, Chickens, Pheasants, Turkeys
6. Those Suidae such as Pigs, Boars
7. Those Lagomorpha such as Rabbit, Hare or Domestic Rabbits
8. Those Struthioniformes such as Ostrich or Emus
9. Those Austroargiolestes such as Elk