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The Corporation of the Township of North Huron
By-law No. 10-2024
Being a By-law of the Township of North Huron for licensing, regulating, and requiring
registration of Dogs and Kennels; for imposing a License fee on Owners; and for
prohibiting or regulating the running at large of Dogs within the Township of North
Huron
This accessible version of this by-law is printed under the authority of the Council of
the Township of North Huron.
Printing Date: February 22, 2024
Disclaimer:
The following version is an electronic reproduction made available for information only.
It is not an official version of the by-law. The format may be different, and plans,
pictures, other graphics or text may be missing or altered. The Township of North
Huron does not warrant the accuracy of this electronic version. This consolidation
cannot be distributed or used for commercial purposes. It may be used for other
purposes only if you repeat this disclaimer and the notice of copyright. Official versions
of all by-laws can be obtained from the Clerk's Department by calling 519-357-3550.
The Corporation of the Township of North Huron
By-law No. 10-2024
_____________________________________________________________________
Being a By-law of the Township of North Huron for licensing, regulating, and
requiring registration of Dogs and Kennels; for imposing a License fee on
Owners; and for prohibiting or regulating the running at large of Dogs within the
Township of North Huron
______________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS Section 9 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c. 25 provides that a
Municipality has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person for the
purpose of exercising its authority;
AND WHEREAS Section 11(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c. 25 authorizes a
lower-tier municipality to provide any service or thing that the municipality considers
necessary or desirable for the public, subject to the rules set out in Subsection (4) of the
Act;
AND WHEREAS Section 11(3) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c. 25 authorizes a
lower-tier municipality to pass by-laws respecting animals;
AND WHEREAS Section 12 of the Dog Owners' Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. d.16
designates a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer as a Peace Officer for the purposes of
enforcing the Act;
AND WHEREAS Section 103(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c. 25 provides that
municipalities may pass a by-law regulating or prohibiting with respect to the being at
large or trespassing of animals and may provide for the seizure, impounding and sale of
such animals being at large or trespassing contrary to the by-law;
AND WHEREAS Section 105 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c. 25 provides that a
municipality shall, upon the request of the Owner of the dog, hold a hearing to determine
whether or not to exempt the Owner in whole or in part from the requirement to muzzle a
dog;
AND WHEREAS Section 391 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c. 25 authorizes a
municipality to impose fees or charges on persons for services or activities provided or
done by or on behalf of it;
AND WHEREAS Section 398 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c. 25 allows a
Municipality to add fees and charges imposed by the municipality to the tax roll and collect
them in the same manner as municipal taxes;
AND WHEREAS the Corporation of the Township of North Huron has appointed by By-
law an Animal Control Officer who shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of the
Animal Control By-law;
AND WHEREAS the Corporation of the Township of North Huron deems it desirable to
pass a By-law with respect to the control of animals and prohibited animals;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Township of North Huron enacts
as follows:
1. Interpretation
1.1
This By-law may be cited as the "Animal Control By-law".
1.2
The purpose of this By-law is to protect and promote the health, safety, comfort,
convenience and general welfare of the public and of dogs within the Township of
North Huron.
1.3
Words in singular shall be deemed to include plural and words in plural shall be
deemed to include singular and shall read with all changes in gender or number
as the context may require.
1.4
All references to applicable law are ambulatory and apply as amended from time
to time.
1.5
Where there is a conflict between a provision of this By-law and a provision of any
other Township By-law, it shall be at the discretion of the Animal Control Officer to
determine which By-law shall apply. Any provincial or federal legislation or
regulation that imposes a higher standard shall supersede this By-law.
2. Definitions
2.1.
"Act" means the Municipal Act, 2001, R.S.O. 2001, Chapter 25, as amended from
time to time.
2.2.
"Animal Control Officer" shall mean the Person, department or agent designated
by the Corporation of the Township of North Huron, whose duty it is to enforce
ordinances regulating the ownership of animals and to respond to incidents in
which animals are involved.
2.3.
"Agreement" shall mean the current agreement, duly signed by the Officers of the
Corporation setting out the fees and duties of the Pound Keeper.
2.4.
"Boarding Kennel" shall mean any building, structure, run or facility, or part
thereof, used for the boarding, grooming, showing, training, or temporary housing
of more than one (1) dog, but does not include a veterinarian clinic.
2.5.
"Breeding Kennel" shall mean any building, structure, dog run or facility, or part
thereof:
(a) where more than two (2) dogs are kept for other than, boarding, hunting,
sporting or dog sledding purposes, despite the age or breed of the dog;
(b) where dogs are kept for breeding, housing, or selling purposes;
(c) the operator may or may not own the dogs which will be bred, housed,
or sold from the facility.
2.6.
"Clerk" means the Clerk appointed by the Council of the Corporation of the
Township of North Huron pursuant to the Act.
2.7.
"Council" shall mean the Council of the Corporation of the Township of North
Huron.
2.8.
"Dog" means any dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and includes an animal which is a
cross between a dog and another member of the Canis genus, including but not
limited to a wolf.
2.9.
"Dog Tag" means a metal tag bearing a serial number in which it was issued by
the Township of North Huron.
2.10. "Dwelling Unit" means a room or suite of two or more rooms, designed or
intended for use by any Person or Persons, in which sanitary conveniences are
provided and in which facilities are provided for cooking or installation of cooking
equipment and the land on which it is located.
2.11. "Herding Dog" shall mean a dog that has been trained and is actively being used
in a bona fide farming operation for the purposes of controlling livestock on the
farm.
2.12. "Inspector" shall mean the Person, department or agent designated by the
Corporation of the Township of North Huron to inspect a Kennel.
2.13. "Kennel" shall mean a licensed establishment where more than three (3) dogs
are kept for the purpose of show, training, keeping, breeding, and raising for profit
or gain, but shall not apply to the keeping of animals in a veterinary establishment
for the purpose of observation and/or recovery to veterinary treatment. Includes:
Boarding Kennel, Breeding Kennel, or Hunting/Sporting/Sled Dog Kennel.
2.14. "License" shall mean the legal authorization or permission granted by the
Township of North Huron to an Owner or Person for the keeping or ownership of
dogs. The License may include conditions or requirements relating to the licensing
and registration of dogs and/or Kennels.
2.15. "Licensing Agent" shall mean a Person designated by the Township to issue Dog
Licenses.
2.16. "Livestock Guardian Dog" shall mean 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.
2.17. "Municipal Law Enforcement Officer" shall mean a By-law Enforcement Officer,
interim or full time, as appointed by Council for the Corporation of the Township of
North Huron.
2.18. "Muzzle" means a humane fastening or covering device of adequate strength
placed over the mouth of an animal to prevent it from biting.
2.19. "Owner" means any Person who owns, possesses, harbors or has custody of an
animal, or the registered Owner of a Boarding Kennel, Breeding Kennel or
Hunting/Sporting/Sled Dog Kennel. Where the Owner is a minor, the Person
responsible for the custody of the minor shall be deemed the Owner.
2.20. "Person" includes an individual, partnership or corporate entity.
2.21. "Pound" means the place which is used for the temporary housing and care of
dog(s) that have been impounded pursuant to this By-law and so designated by
the Council.
2.22. "Pound Keeper" means the Person or agency designated by the Township to
oversee and operate a yard and/or enclosure for the safe keeping of such
animals.
2.23. "Service Animal" an animal that can be readily identified as one that is being
used by the Person for reasons relating to the Person's disability, as a result of
visual indicators such as the vest or harness worn by the animal; or an animal for
which the Person provides documentation from one of the following regulated
health professionals confirming that the Person requires the animal for reasons
relating to the disability:
- A member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
of Ontario.
- A member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.
- A member of the College of Nurses of Ontario.
- A member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.
- A member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario.
- A member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
- A member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
- A member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
- A member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered
Mental Health Therapists of Ontario.
2.24. "Township" shall mean the Corporation of the Township of North Huron.
2.25. "Vicious Dog" means a dog which has, without provocation, attacked or bitten a
Person or another animal or communicated by its actions or intention, habit,
tendency or has demonstrated a propensity to do so.
2.26. "Without provocation" means in the absence of teasing, tormenting, abusing or
assaulting actions upon the dog, or its Owner, either in the past or the present, by
the Person or domestic animal, who sustained the bite or attack.
2.27. "Zone" shall mean a designated area of land used as outlined in the Township's
most recent Zoning By-law, as may be amended from time to time and "Zoned"
has corresponding meaning.
3. Responsibility to Care for Dogs
3.1
Every Person who keeps a dog or dogs within the Township shall ensure that
such dog(s) is provided with:
(a) a clean and sanitary environment free from an accumulation of fecal matter,
odour, insect infestations or rodent attractants that disturb or are likely to
disturb the enjoyment, comfort, convenience of a Person or may endanger
the health of any Person or animal; and
(b) adequate and appropriate care, food, water, shelter, and opportunity for
physical activity.
4. Limit Number of Dogs
4.1
No Person, other than an Owner of a Kennel which has been properly Licensed
shall keep more than four (4) dogs per dwelling unit which have surpassed
eight (8) weeks of age.
4.2. Any dogs not Licensed at the time of passing of this By-law shall be deemed
in violation of this By-law.
4.3
Section 4.1 does not apply in the event that:
a) The Person is keeping livestock upon the same premises;
b) The dogs are Livestock Guardian Dogs and/or Herding Dogs;
c) The premises is within an agricultural zone;
d) The dogs are Licensed annually in accordance with this By-law; and
e) Proof of compliance is satisfactory to the Animal Control Officer.
5. Licensing and Registration of Dogs
5.1
Every Owner of a dog in the Township of North Huron, within ten (10) days of
acquiring such dog, shall License a dog, over 8 weeks of age.
5.2
Every License shall expire annually, three hundred and sixty-five (365) days
from the License start date.
5.3
The Township may appoint licensing agents to act on behalf of the Township
to sell Licenses.
5.4
The Clerk and any licensing agents shall keep a License registration
information records, including but not limited to the following:
a) Name, address, email address and telephone number of the Owner; and
b) Name of the dog; and
c) Breed and description of the dog (sex, colour, age, etc.); and
d) Spayed or neutered; and
e) Microchipped; and
f) Rabies vaccination and date within the last 24 months; and
g) Alternate contact information for the Owner of the dog; and
h) Dog date of birth.
5.5
Every License application shall be accompanied by the following:
a) Name, address, email address and telephone number of the Owner; and
b) Name of the dog; and
c) Breed and description of the dog (sex, colour, age, etc.); and
d) Spayed or neutered; and
e) Microchipped; and
f) Rabies vaccination and date within the last 24 months; and
g) Alternate contact information for the Owner of the dog; and
h) Dog date of birth; and
i) License fee, plus a late fee, if applicable.
At the discretion of the Township, additional registration information may be required.
5.6
Notwithstanding Section 5.5 hereof, the fees to License and register a Service
Animal shall be waived with appropriate documentation, as determined by the
Clerk.
5.7
Upon meeting the application requirements, the Owner shall be furnished with
a tag bearing the serial number; and
a) The tag shall be fixed securely on the dog for which it was issued, at all
times until such time as the tag is renewed or replaced.
b) Where a tag has been lost, an Owner shall be made to the Township for a
replacement tag.
c) The application for replacement tag shall be accompanied by proof that the
current year's License fee has been paid and the application replacement
tag fee.
5.8
No person shall remove a tag from a licensed dog, unless:
o The dog is actively engaged in hunting, showing or dog trials; or
o The dog is actively engaged in farming practices.
5.9
The Owner of a dog shall notify the Clerk of the change in Ownership of the
dog or of the death of the dog.
6. Vicious Dogs
6.1
An Owner of a Vicious Dog shall post "Beware of Dog Signs" on the perimeter
of the property upon which the dog is housed.
6.2
An Owner of a Vicious Dog shall keep such dog confined within the premises,
or keep such dog confined in an enclosed pen of sufficient dimension and
construction to provide humane shelter for the dog while preventing the dog
from escape and preventing entry from unsupervised children.
6.3
An Owner of a Vicious Dog shall ensure that the enclosure or other structure
is locked at all times.
6.4
An Owner of a Vicious Dog shall notify the Animal Control Officer immediately
upon discovery that the following has occurred:
a) The dog is running at large; or
b) The dog attacks or bites any Person or domestic animal; or
c) The dog becomes deceased.
6.5
No Owner of a Vicious Dog shall permit it to be walked by a Person under
eighteen (18) years of age and shall ensure that the Vicious Dog is muzzled
and leashed.
6.6
No Person shall abandon a Vicious Dog other than to a pound operated by, or
on behalf of a municipality in Ontario, or to a registered research facility or
supply facility under the Animals for Research Act.
6.7
All requirements for a Vicious Dog shall be required until the dog is destroyed,
or Council exempts the Owner from the vicious dog requirements.
6.8
Council shall, upon the request of the Owner of the dog, hold a hearing to
determine whether or not to exempt the Owner in whole or in part from the
Vicious Dog requirements.
6.9
Nothing in this Section shall apply to limit the provisions of Section 4.1 and 5.1
of the Dog Owners' Liability Act.
6.10 All Owners of a Vicious Dog shall be liable for additional licensing fees as
established in the most current Township Fees & Charges By-law.
7. Running at Large Dogs
7.1
No Owner of a dog shall permit such dog to run at large. The Owner of every
dog within the Township shall restrain or cause such dog to be restrained by a
leash when it is not on land or within any building or structure owned or leased
by the Owner of such dog or is not within any building in which the Owner or
such do temporarily or permanently reside.
7.2
For the purposes of this By-law, a dog shall be deemed to be running at large
when it is found off the premises upon which it is habitually kept and not under
the control of any Person.
7.3
A dog, which is running at large contrary to the provisions of this By-law, may
be seized and impounded by an Animal Control Officer or Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer. A dog must be held for the appropriate time as specified
in Section 7.4; and if not claimed and released or sold to an interested party,
may be destroyed by the Pound Keeper. If the dog is sold by the Pound Keeper,
the selling price must be credited to the Township.
7.4
With respect to any dog impounded under this By-law, the maximum period for
redemption shall be three (3) days, exclusive of the day of which the dog was
impounded, Statutory Holidays and Saturdays and Sundays.
7.5
A dog impounded under this By-law shall not be released by the Pound Keeper
to the Owner without evidence of the following:
a) A Dog Release Certificate has been issued by the Township of North Huron
Animal Control Officer, or designate; and
b) That the dog has been properly Licensed by the Township of North Huron,
or if applicable, the municipality in which it resides; and
c) All appropriate municipal administration fees as set out in the most recent
Township Fees and Charges By-law have been paid to the Township; and
d) All boarding and veterinary fees as set out in the agreement with the Pound
Keeper have been paid to the Pound Keeper.
7.6
Female dogs in heat must be confined to a building isolated from other dogs
and must remain there until such time as the heat has ended.
7.7
Every Owner of a dog shall ensure such dog is secured so that it shall not be
within three (3) feet (0.9 meters) of the property line, when not under the care
and control of a Person.
8. Liability for Fees
8.1
Where a Dog License has been issued in accordance with Section 5 of this By-
law and the fee has not been paid, the fees may be collected by action or in
the same manner as municipal taxes.
8.2
Where a dog is impounded in accordance with Section 7 of this By-law, the
Owner of the dog shall be liable for all prescribed fees, including the fees for
destruction of the dog when the dog has been destroyed, whether or not the
dog is claimed by the Owner. Where fees have not been paid, the fees may be
collected by action or in the same manner as municipal taxes.
8.3
Where a Kennel License has been issued in accordance with Section 11 of this
By-law and the fee has not bee paid, the fees may be collected by action or in
the same manner as municipal taxes.
8.4
If the Owner has not paid the fees within thirty (30) days of the written demand
for payment, such fees may be collected by action or in the same manner as
municipal taxes.
9. Dog Causing a Disturbance
9.1
No Person, having control of a dog, or being the Owner of a dog or a Kennel
shall permit a dog or dogs to engage in persistent barking, calling, whining or
other similar persistent noise likely to disturb the inhabitants, such that the
sound is clearly audible at any point on the premises of a Person other than
those premises where the sound originates for a continuous period of:
a) more than one-half hour between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., or;
b) longer than fifteen (15) minutes between the hours of 10:00 p.m. of one day
and 8:00 a.m. of the following day.
10. Removal of Dog Excrement
10.1 A dog Owner shall remove forthwith excrement left by the dog anywhere in the
Township.
10.2 In any prosecution pursuant to a violation of Section 12.1 of this By-law, proof
that the defendant is a blind person shall constitute a defense to such
prosecution.
11. Kennels
Kennel Licenses - General
11.1 No Person shall own, operate, manage, control or supervise a Kennel on any
property within the Township without a License.
11.2 Only an Owner may apply for and be issued a Kennel License. A License
issued to an Owner is not transferable. The Kennel Owner must reside on the
subject property.
11.3 Every Owner who applies for a License shall do so, in writing, on the form
prescribed by the Township.
11.4 Each Owner who applies for a License shall pay all applicable fees, as
established in the most current Township Fees & Charges By-law. The fee for
a Kennel License shall cover all dogs owned and maintained by the Kennel
Owner.
11.5 All Kennel Licenses shall be valid for a one-year period commencing January
1st in the year of issuance, regardless of the date of issuance and expiring on
December 31st of the same year.
11.6 Kennels shall at all times comply with and shall only be permitted in accordance
with the Township's Zoning By-law, as amended.
11.7 A Kennel shall have a maximum of twenty-five (25) dogs at any one time.
Kennels that lawfully existed at the time of original adoption of this By-law and
that had more than 25 dogs shall be permitted to continue operating so long
as the License remains in good standing and is reapplied for each year without
any discontinuance of operations, but such operations shall not be permitted
and expanded.
11.8 The Owner of a Licensed Kennel shall notify the Township immediately upon
ceasing operation of the Kennel.
Kennel License - Application Requirements
11.9 Every Owner applying for a License shall, on or before the 31st of December
of each year, submit the following to the Township:
a) Name, address, phone number, email address, property roll number,
business/Kennel name.
b) Indication if the Kennel will be a Breeding Kennel, Boarding Kennel, or
Hunting/Sporting, Dog Sled Kennel
c) Upon initial application for a License, or where any change is proposed to
an existing Licensed Kennel, a Site Plan drawn to scale showing the
location of all buildings, structures, dog runs or facilities on the subject
property, including the location of all buildings, structures, dog runs or
facilities, or parts thereof, to be used as a Kennel. The Site Plan must also
specify the distance which separates the Kennel from all property lines and
all buildings, structures, dog runs or facilities, including any residential
buildings situated on adjacent properties.
d) A floor plan, drawn to scale, of any building, structure, dog run, or facility
using for the housing of dogs. The floor plan must graphically indicate the
area being used for a Kennel including pens, dog runs, walkways, exits, fire
extinguishers, etc.
e) A plan demonstrating how dog excrement will be handled and disposed of.
f) As determined necessary by the Clerk or Inspector, proof that acoustical
barriers have been installed, or in the case of a new Kennel the Clerk may
require a noise study from a qualified acoustical consultant demonstrating
that predicted noise will not cause exceedances of environmental noise
guidelines from stationary sources as published by the Ministry of the
Environment, Conservation and Parks from time to time.
g) Professional affiliation of Owner of the Kennel (i.e. Canadian Kennel Club,
including a membership number, or other professional Kennel association).
h) In the case of a Breeding Kennel, a list of all dogs currently being kept at
the subject property, including both purebreds and non-purebreds, noting
verification of current rabies vaccination for each dog, except where there
is proof that they are under 4 months of age.
i) In the case of a Sled Dog Kennel, proof of active participation or registration
in dog sled or similar races within the previous or upcoming twelve (12)
months as may be deemed acceptable by the Licensing Officer.
j) In the case of a Hunting/Sporting Dog Kennel, proof of active membership
in an Association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act (Canada) for
registered Hunting Dogs; or proof of active membership in an Association
for the purpose of Hunting Dog Training or Trailing; or a Hunting Dog
License for each dog issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources within the
previous twelve (12) months; or such other proof of active participation or
registration in hunting activities within the previous or upcoming twelve (12)
months as may be deemed acceptable by the Licensing Officer.
k) The applicable fees, as established in the current Township Fees &
Charges By-law.
l) Proof of insurance by way of a Certificate of Insurance showing a minimum
limit of $2,000,000 (two million dollars) in Commercial General Liability.
m) Subsequent to a Site Inspection, written clearance from the Animal Control
Officer, confirming compliance with the Kennel License application and all
Sections of this By-law.
n) Sworn declaration that the Owner has not been convicted under Section
446 of the Criminal Code of Canada pertaining to animal cruelty or an
offence under the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Act, the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 or the Dog Owners'
Liability Act.
11.10 In the case of a new or amended Kennel License, a Site inspection shall be
required within 30 days of the issuance of the License to confirm that the
Kennel was constructed in accordance with the Site Plan and meets all other
requirements of this By-law. Failure by the Owner to allow for such Inspection
shall be grounds for revocation of the License.
11.11 In the case of a renewal of a Kennel License, a Site Inspection shall be required
one time annually in conjunction with the renewal of the License. Failure by the
Owner to allow for such Inspection shall be grounds for revocation of the
License.
Kennel License - Refusal or Revocation
11.12 The Clerk of the Township has the authority to refuse to issue a Kennel License
where:
a) All of the submission requirements set out in this By-law are not met;
b) The location of the Kennel does not meet all of the applicable zoning
requirements;
c) In the case of an existing Kennel, the Owner is not in good standing under
the By-law or any other Township By-law.
11.13 In the event that a Kennel License has been refused, the Clerk shall provide
written notice to the applicant and/or Owner in accordance with Section 15,
together with the reason for the refusal.
11.14 The Township may, at any time, revoke a Kennel License prior to its expiration,
for any contravention of the provisions of this By-law if:
a) The Township provides written notice of the By-law contravention to the
Owner; and
b) The Owner has not corrected the contravention within thirty (30) days of
receiving the Township's written notice.
11.15 The aforesaid written notice in Section 11.13 or 11.14 shall state that the
Owner of the Kennel shall have the opportunity to make submissions to
Council, either written or in person, as to why the Kennel should be Licenses
or why the Kennel License should not be revoked: said submissions to Council
must be made within thirty (30) days of receiving the Township's written notice.
11.16 The written notice described in Section 11.13 or 11.14 shall be given in
accordance with Section 15, to the applicant or Owner of the Kennel.
11.17 When considering any written submission outlined above, Council shall
consider:
a) The Kennel License Application;
b) The reason for refusal or revocation;
c) Any recommendations for conditions to be placed on the Kennel License;
and
d) Any oral or written submissions made by the Owner or their representative.
11.18 Council may:
a) Issue the Kennel License, with or without conditions; or
b) Refuse to issue the Kennel License.
11.19 The Clerk shall notify the applicant/Owner, in writing, of the Council decision
within ten (10) days of the decision.
11.20 The Council decision shall be final and not subject to further review.
Kennel Conditions
11.21 No Kennel shall be located within any part of any dwelling unit or attached to
any dwelling unit. No part of any building or structure enclosing a Kennel shall
be used for human habitation.
11.22 Every Person who owns or operates a Kennel shall have regard for the
guidelines set out in the most recent version of "A Code of Practice for
Canadian Kennel Operations" of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
11.23 No Person who owns or operates a Kennel shall keep dogs in an unsanitary
condition. Conditions shall be considered unsanitary where the keeping of the
dogs results in an accumulation of fecal matter, an odour, insect infestations,
or rodent attractants which endanger the health of the animal, any Person or
property.
11.24 Using the specifications and standards set out in "A Code of Practice for
Canadian Kennel Operations" every Person who owns a Kennel shall provide
the animals under their care, or cause them to be provided with:
a) Clean, fresh, accessible drinking water and suitable food of sufficient
quantity and quality to allow normal, healthy growth and the
maintenance of normal, healthy body weight;
b) Food and water receptacles kept clean and disinfected and located so
as to avoid contamination by excreta;
c) 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;
d) Necessary veterinary medical care when any animal exhibits signs of
pain, injury, illness or suffering;
e) An enclosure with protection from heat, cold and wet that is of sufficient
size to allow the animal the ability to turn around freely and lie in a
normal position;
f) A run or pen area that is kept in a sanitary, well-ventilated condition, free
from offensive odours, disease, insects or rodent infestation and excreta
removed and properly disposed of daily.
11.25 No Person who owns a Kennel may cause a dog to be hitched, tied or fastened
within a Kennel.
11.26 The Owner of a Kennel shall maintain compliance with all environmental laws
pertaining to the disposal of animal waste at all times.
Breeding Kennel Conditions
11.27 Every Breeding Kennel shall maintain the whelping bitch in separate
accommodation from the balance of the dogs in the Kennel and shall keep any
puppies in a whelping box that prevents puppies from escaping or harming
themselves.
11.28 The whelping box shall be constructed with four sides and a floor made from
impermeable materials and provide absorbent bedding in the whelping box to
keep the puppies clean and dry.
11.29 Adequate supplemental heat shall be provided at all times to the Breeding
Kennel.
11.30 All Breeding Kennels shall provide sufficient designated space for the proper
enrichment and socializing of puppies to be offered for sale.
Kennel Records
11.31 Every Person who owns a Kennel shall maintain records of the following
minimum information:
a) The names and addresses of the Owners of all dogs cared for at the
Kennel;
b) The dates of arrivals and departures of individual dogs from the Kennel;
c) Breeding and identification records of all whelping bitches and stud dogs
and the resulting litters;
d) The age and breed of all dogs visiting, kept, bred and sold; and
e) The names and addresses of the purchasers of individual dogs;
11.32 Veterinarian records on individual dogs maintained in Breeding Kennels must
kept on site.
11.33 Vaccination records must be provided to the Kennel Owner of individual dogs
maintained in Boarding Kennels.
Kennel Inspections-Posting of License
11.34 Every Person who holds a Kennel License shall, at all reasonable hours, be
open to Inspection by the Township's Animal Control Officer and/or a Municipal
Law Enforcement Officer, Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (OSPCA), Provincial Animal Welfare Service (PAWS) or such other
persons trained in the area of disease control and sanitation as may be
authorized by the Township.
11.35 Every Person who holds a Kennel License keep the License posted up in some
conspicuous place on the premises and shall, when requested by any Person
authorized by the Township, produce such License for Inspection.
11.36 Every Person who owns or operates a Kennel shall supply any records
required under this By-law to the Animal Control Officer and/or Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer forthwith upon request from the Officer.
12. Exemption from Kennel License
12.1 Section 11 of this By-law shall not apply to:
a) any of the Township's animal care and control centres, as applicable,
b) the premises of the OSPCA, PAWS, or other governmental agency,
c) the premises of an accredited animal hospital, clinic, veterinary facility or
Kennel lawfully operating under the supervision of a veterinarian Licensed
pursuant to the Veterinarians Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter V.3, as amended.
13. Administration and Enforcement
13.1 The administration of this By-law is assigned to the Clerk who may delegate
the performance of their functions under this By-law, from time to time as
occasion requires;
13.2 The Clerk shall issue or renew a License where the requirements and
conditions of this By-law have been fulfilled.
13.3 No License shall be issued to any Person where the application made is in
contravention of this By-law or any applicable legislation.
13.4 This By-law shall be enforced by an Animal Control Officer, Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer or Peace Officer, designated for the purpose of enforcing
this By-law.
13.5 The Animal Control Officer or Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may at any
time request the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police to enforce any
provision of this By-law.
13.6 An Animal Control Officer, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, or Peace
Officer, upon producing proper identification, may enter on and inspect any
land, at any reasonable time, without a warrant, for the purposes of carrying
out an Inspection to determine whether or not the following are being complied
with:
a) This By-law;
b) A direction or order of the Township made under the Municipal Act, 2001,
or a By-law of the Township passed under the Municipal Act, 2001; and
c) A condition of a License.
13.7 For the purposes of an Inspection, the Township 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 including their name, address, phone number and identification; 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
purposes of the Inspection.
13.8 Any Person who hinders or obstructs, or attempts to hinder or obstruct, any Person
who is exercising a power or performing a duty under the By-law is guilty of an
offence.
13.9 A Person who fails to provide an Officer their name, address, date of birth, phone
number or identification, after being lawfully required to do so, shall be guilty of an
offence under Section 13.8.
13.10 No Person shall make a false statement on any registration, application, or form
under this By-law.
14. Orders
14.1 Where the Township is satisfied that a contravention of this By-law has occurred,
the Township may make an Order requiring the Person who contravened this By-
law, or caused or permitted the contravention, or Owner or occupier of the land on
which the contravention occurred, to discontinue the contravening activity or to do
work to correct the contravention.
14.2 An Order under this By-law shall set out:
a) reasonable particulars of the contravention adequate to identify the
contravention and the location of the land on which the contravention occurred;
and
b) the date by which there must be compliance with the Order, or
c) the work to be done and the date by which the work must be done.
14.3 Any Person who contravenes an Order under Section 14.1 of this By-law is guilty
of an offence.
14.4 If a Person fails to do a matter or thing, including comply with an Order under this
By-law, as directed or required by this By-law, the Township may, in default of it
being done by the Person directed or required to do it, do the matter or thing at the
Person's expense. The Township may recover the cost of doing a matter or thing
from the Person directed or required to do it by action or by adding the costs to the
tax roll and collecting them in the same manner as municipal taxes.
15. Notice
15.1 An Order, notice or decision under this By-law shall be served personally or by
registered mail. A copy of the Order, notice or decision may also be:
a) Emailed to the last known address for the Person to whom the Order is directed;
b) Deposited in a mailbox or mail slot of the Person to whom the Order is directed;
or,
c) Sent by pre-paid regular mail to the last known address of the Person to whom
the Order is directed.
15.2 Where service is made by:
a) Registered mail, it shall be deemed to be made on the second (2nd) day after
the date of mailing;
b) Personal service, it shall be deemed to be made on the day the document
served was delivered.
16. Offences
16.1 Every Person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offence,
and upon conviction is liable to a fine or penalty as provided for by the Provincial
Offences Act R.S.O. 1990 Chapter P.33, as amended.
16.2 A director or officer of a corporation who knowingly concurs in the contravention of
this By-law by the corporation is guilty of an offence.
16.3 Each day on which a Person contravenes any provision of this By-law shall be
deemed to constitute a separate offence under this By-law as provided for in
Section 429(2) of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended.
16.4 If a Person is convicted of an offence under this By-law, the court in which the
conviction has been entered and any court of competent jurisdiction may, in
addition to any other remedy and to any penalty imposed, make an order
prohibiting the continuation or repetition of the offence by the Person convicted.
17. Repeal of By-law
17.1 That this By-law repeals and replaces By-law No. 88-2019 and all previous Animal
Control By-laws.
17.2 This By-law shall come into force and take effect on the day of the final passing
thereof.
Read a first and second time this 20th day of February, 2024.
Read a third time and passed this 20th day of February, 2024.
__________________________________
Paul Heffer, Reeve
CORPORATE SEAL
__________________________________
Carson Lamb, Clerk
SCHEDULE "A"
Township of North Huron
Part I Provincial Offences Act - Bylaw No. 10-2024: Animal Control
Being a By-law of the Township of North Huron for licensing, regulating and
requiring registration of Dogs and Kennels; for imposing a License fee on
Owners; and for prohibiting or regulating the running at large of Dogs within the
Township of North Huron.
ITEM
COLUMN 1
Short form wording
COLUMN 2
Provision creating
or defining
offence
COLUMN 3
Set Fine
Licensing
1
Owner keeps more than four dogs
4.1
$75.00
2
Owner fails to obtain a dog License
5.1
$75.00
3
Remove dog tag from dog
5.8
$75.00
Vicious Dogs
4
Failure to post Vicious Dog signage
6.1
$75.00
5
Fail to keep Vicious Dog confined
6.2
$150.00
6
Fail to provide humane shelter to Vicious Dog
confined in pen
6.2
$150.00
7
Fail to ensure enclosure is locked
6.3
$100.00
8
Fail to notify the Animal Control Officer that a
Vicious Dog is at large
6.4 (a)
$200.00
9
Fail to notify the Animal Control Officer of
Vicious Dog attack/bite -Person or domestic
animal
6.4 (b)
$300.00
10
Owner permits a Person under eighteen to
walk Vicious Dog
6.5
$100.00
11
Owner fails to keep Vicious Dog muzzled
when walking
6.5
$150.00
12
Owner fails to keep Vicious Dog leashed
when walking
6.5
$150.00
13
Abandon Vicious Dog at non-approved
location
6.6
$200.00
Running at Large Dogs
14
Permit dog to run at large
7.1
$100.00
15
Fail to secure dog to remain inside three feet
of property line
7.7
$75.00
Nuisance
16
Permit dog to engage in persistent barking,
calling, whining or similar noise
9.1
$100.00
17
Owner fails to remove dog excrement
10.1
$100.00
Kennels
18
Operate Kennel without a valid Kennel
License
11.1
$150.00
19
Keep dogs in Kennel in unsanitary condition
11.23
$100.00
20
Fail to maintain Kennel records
11.31
$150.00
21
Fail to allow Inspection of Kennel
11.34
$200.00
22
Fail to keep Kennel License posted on
premises
11.35
$75.00
23
Fail to supply Kennel records upon request
11.36
$150.00
Obstruction
24
Obstruct/Hinder an Officer
13.8
$500.00
25
Make false statement on
registration/application/form required by By-
law
13.10
$500.00
Orders
26
Contravenes an Order
14.3
$500.00
NOTE: The general penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 16 of By-
law No. 10-2024, a certified copy of which has been filed.