This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot b51718ce3d87 · verified 2026-06-09 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
The Corporation of the City of Pembroke
By-Law Number 2025-85
Being a by-law to regulate the keeping and control of animals, or any class
thereof, the animal identification system, licensing and restraint of dogs and
cats and certain other aspects of animal control within the City of Pembroke
Whereas Section 10(2.9) of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, C. 25 states that a single-
tier municipality may pass by-laws respecting the following matters: animals; and
Whereas Section 103 of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001 , C. 25, provides that Council
may pass by-laws regulating or prohibiting with respect to the being at large or
trespassing of animals and may provide for the seizure and impounding along with
the sale of impounded animals; and
Whereas Section 20 of the Animals for Research Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, provides
for the impounding and sale or destruction of any cat or dog pursuant to the
provisions thereof; and
Whereas Section 3(2) of the Dog Owners' Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16,
provides for the protection of persons and property caused by getting bitten or
attacked by a dog; and
Whereas Section 55 of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, S.O. 2019, c.1,
as amended, provides that a municipality may appoint persons to enforce by-laws of
the municipality; and
Whereas Section 82 of the Game and Fish Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. G.1, provides for the
prohibition of keeping or harboring of wild animals;
Now Therefore the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the City of Pembroke
Enacts as Follows:
1.
Definitions:
As used in this by-law, the following terms shall have the meaning hereinafter
ascribed to them:
"Abandon" means the failure to provide necessary care and proper living conditions
for animals whether voluntary or involuntary. This includes inadequate food, shelter
and/or medial attention leading to sever consequences for the animals involved.
"Animal" means any member of the animal kingdom other than a human.
"Animal Control Officer" means a person appointed or employed by the Corporation
of the City of Pembroke for the purposes of supervising all animal husbandry matters
within the limits of the City of Pembroke and shall also be appointed a Municipal By-
law Enforcement Officer responsible for the enforcement and provision of this by-law
and related Provincial Offences by authority of the Community Safety and Policing
Act, 2019, S.O. 2019, c.1, as amended.
"Animal Shelter" means any premises authorized by the Corporation for the purpose
of quarantines, impounding, caring of and lawful adoption.
"At Large" - any animal will be deemed to be at large when it is off the property of its
owner and not under physical control.
"Bite" means an action with the mouth of any dog or cat on any person or animal that
result in contact.
"Cat" shall mean any feline over the age of three (3) months of any domesticated cat
or crossbreed domesticated cat.
Page 1 of 16
"Corporation" shall mean the City of Pembroke.
"Dangerous Dog" shall mean any dog which demonstrates the disposition or
tendency to be threatening or aggressive and which poses a concern for the well-
being or safety to another animal or to a human.
"Dog" shall mean Canis Familiaris, male or female, over the age of three (3) months
and shall not include wolf or fox or any other wild or part wild species of Canis
Familiaris.
"Excessive" shall mean, any animal sound which, in the opinion of the Animal Control
Officer, police officer or any other person appointed to carry out enforcement of this
by-law, is persistent and excessive that unreasonably disturbs the peace, quiet
and/or comfort of any person in the vicinity.
"Exhibit" means an exhibition of animals permitted and/or prohibited by this by-law.
"Feral Cat" means an unsocialized outdoor cat and tends to be fearful of people and
keeps its distance from humans.:.
"Immunization" shall mean to protect against disease by annual inoculation of
immunizing serums and vaccines.
"Kennel" shall mean any person, group of persons, partnership or corporation
engaged in the commercial business of breeding, buying, selling, or boarding of dogs
and cats.
"Leash" includes any form of lead or restraint which does not exceed one point eight
(1.8) meters in length and has the capability to control an animal from annoying,
bothering, or irritating persons or other animals.
"Microchip" shall mean an object which may be permanently implanted in a dog by
injection or surgical procedure, which is programmed to store a permanent
identification number and is capable of relaying stored information to a scanning
device.
"Medical Officer of Health" means the Medical Officer of Health for the County of
Renfrew or authorized assistants acting under his or her authority.
"M.N.R. Dog" means a dog trained specifically for the Ministry of Natural Resources.
"Muzzle" means a humane fastening or covering device of adequate strength placed
over a dog's mouth to prevent it from biting without interfering with the breathing,
panting or vision of the dog or with the dog's ability to drink.
"Nuisance Animal" shall mean any animal found to be causing a common nuisance,
irritation, annoyance or bother to other persons or other animals.
"Owner" means any person who possesses, keeps, feeds, or harbors an animal and,
where the owner is a minor, the person responsible for the custody of the minor. Also
includes a caregiver.
"Police Officer" means a police officer with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
"Pet" shall include cat or dog, or both, and any other common animal, fish or bird that
may be kept as a pet that is not prohibited in this by-law.
"Pet Shop" means any person, group of persons, partnership or corporation
operating an establishment where live animals, birds and fish are kept other than
those listed in Appendix "A" of this by-law are kept for retail as pets.
"Petting Zoo" means a collection of animals that are for display.
"Physical Control" means the restraint of an animal by the owner or person having
care and custody of the animal, by means of a leash, chain, cord, enclosure or other
Page 2 of 16
device or manner sufficient to prevent the animal from running at large, attacking or
causing annoyance to any person, animal or property.
"Police Dog" means a dog trained specifically for police duties as deemed by the
OPP.
Pound - shall mean such premises and facilities designated by the Corporation of
the City of Pembroke which is used for the temporary housing and care of animals
(canines - dogs or cats and felines - cats) that have been impounded pursuant to
this by-law;
Pound Keeper - shall mean a person, persons, association or society appointed by
the Corporation of the City of Pembroke to maintain and administer the pound.
"Prohibited Animal" shall mean any animal or category of animal that is forbidden to
be kept or raised in the City of Pembroke as listed in Appendix "A" to this by-law.
"Protective Custody" means the temporary, time-limited keeping of an animal by the
Pound Keeper as a result of an eviction, incarceration or fire or medical emergency
or any other situation that the Chief Administrative Officer deems appropriate.
"Public Utility Emergency Vehicle" means the vehicle used by the Animal Control
Officer, or his/her designate, while on duty.
"Registered Period" shall mean the period from January 1 to December 31 of which
year with an extended period to March 15 of the next year which shall be an
extension of the prior year registration period to allow owners of animals that were
registered in the prior year to purchase new pet tags.
"Service Animal" means an animal that is trained by a recognized school for service
as a guide dog for the blind or visually-impaired, a guide dog for the deaf or hearing-
impaired, or special skills dog for other disabled persons and includes an animal
used in therapy, registered with a recognized organization for that purpose.
"Sterilized Animal" shall mean any spayed/neutered dog or cat that is in support of
such certificate from a licensed veterinarian.
"Veterinarian" shall mean a member of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
"Veterinary Hospital" shall mean any establishment maintained and operated with a
licensed veterinarian for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of
animals and birds.
"Vicious Animal" shall mean any animal that displays vicious tendencies such as
growling, baring of teeth, charging, or lunging, attacking, or biting a person or other
domestic animal.
2.
Enforcement
The provisions of this by-law shall be enforced by the Corporation, its servants,
agents, workmen, employees, or any of them.
3.
Keeping of Animals
a)
Except as provided herein, no person shall keep, raise or sell any animal
identified under Appendix "A" to this by-law on any property or in any building
or structure on such property within the limits of the City of Pembroke.
1.
Any such classifications or types of animals as listed in Appendix "A"
that have been found, seized, or apprehended in any property or in any
building or structure on such property within the limits of the City of
Pembroke shall be considered the property of the City of Pembroke.
The City of Pembroke reserves all options to itself when in possession
of any such classifications or types. Any such classifications or types in
Page 3 of 16
the possession of the City may at the City's sole discretion, be placed
into the care of an accredited zoo for the purposes of continuing life or
destroying said classifications or types.
ii.
The City of Pembroke, its employees, agents, servants, and the Animal
Control Officer shall not be held liable for damages or compensation for
any classification or type listed in Appendix "A" that has been seized
under the provisions of this by-law and no damages or compensation of
any type or for any reason shall be paid to any individual, group,
business, or corporation by the City of Pembroke.
b)
No person shall own, keep, harbour, or possess any animal that is found
repeatedly to be a nuisance animal on any property or in any building or
structure on such property within the limits of the City of Pembroke.
c)
Every person who keeps, owns, or cares for an animal in the City of Pembroke
shall ensure that such animal is provided with:
1.
A clean and sanitary environment free from accumulation of fecal
matter;
ii.
Adequate and appropriate care necessary for its general welfare, food,
water, shelter, protection from the elements including the sun and
harmful temperatures, medical attention, and opportunity for physical
activity sufficient to maintain good health.
d)
Every person who keeps, owns, or cares for an animal in the City of Pembroke
shall ensure that such animal is not kept under conditions where an
accumulation of fecal matter, odour, insect infestations, or rodent attractants
may disturb or is likely to disturb the enjoyment, comfort or convenience of a
person or may endanger the health of a person or animal.
e)
No person shall allow an animal to be left alone in a vehicle.
f)
The Animal Control Officer shall have the authority to seize or impound any
animal from a person found to be in contravention of the provisions outlined in
this section of the by-law.
g)
No person shall permit a prohibited animal, as described in Appendix "A", to
be a large within the boundaries of the City of Pembroke.
4.
Licensing and Animal Identification System:
a)
The owner/caregiver of every dog three (3) months of age or older, within
three (3) days of his/her becoming such, shall cause it to be licensed with a
valid pet tag, numbered, and described with the City, which provision shall be
called the Animal Identification System.
b)
The owner/caregiver of every cat three (3) months of age or older within three
(3) days of his/her becoming such, shall cause it to be registered with a valid
pet tag, numbered, and described with the City, which provision shall be called
the Animal Identification System.
c)
The Pet License and Registration fees are listed in the City of Pembroke's
User Fee and Charges By-law. Such license and registration shall expire on
December 31 st of each year and shall be renewed annually prior to March 31 st
of each year.
d)
The owner/caregiver of every dog or cat shall not claim such dog or cat to be
sterilized when such cat or dog is not sterilized, and wrongful claiming shall
subject the owner or harborer to the penalty provided for in this by-law.
e)
Upon payment of the required fee, the owner shall be furnished with a tag for
each dog or cat owned by him with a serial number and the year in which it
was issued marked thereon and the owner shall keep said tag securely fixed
on the dog or cat for which it was issued at all times during the year and until
Page 4 of 16
he procures a tag for the following year. A record shall be kept by the
Licensing Officer showing the name and address of the owner and the serial
number of the tag. In the event that a tag is lost, the person to whom it was
issued shall immediately claim another from the License Issuer and shall pay
the sum set out in the City of Pembroke's User Fee and Charges By-law.
f)
Every owner or harbourer of a dog or cat shall obtain a tag and keep it
securely fixed on this dog or cat and shall not affix the tag upon a dog or cat
other than the dog or cat for which the said tag was issued. Affixing a tag
upon a dog or cat other than the dog or cat for which the said tag was issued
shall subject the owner or the harbourer of the penalty provided for in this by-
law.
g)
Section 4 of this by-law does not apply to police dogs during the course of
fulfilling its duties.
h)
Section 4 of this by-law does not apply to M.N.R. dogs during the fulfillment of
its duties.
5.
Kennels:
a)
Every person who owns, operates, or conducts a kennel for pure breed dogs
which is registered with the National Kennel Club pursuant to the Statutes of
Ontario enacted in that behalf, shall be located in the proper zone under the
City of Pembroke's Zoning By-law and pay to the City of Pembroke,
immediately following the first day of January in any year, a license fee as set
out in the City of Pembroke's User Fee and Charges By-law. Each dog kept
shall be licensed by the Corporation with the exception of pups that have not
been weaned yet.
b)
If there is a change of ownership of a kennel during the license year the new
owner must purchase a new license.
c) For the purposes of this by-law:
1.
No person shall keep kennels for the breeding of dogs other than as set
out in Section 5 (a) of this by-law within the limits of the City of
Pembroke without first having received a license so to do. Upon
applying for a license to be issued, the applicant shall file with the
Treasurer a certificate from the Renfrew County and District Health Unit
dated within ten (10) days of the application setting out that the quarters
where the kennels for the breeding and boarding of dogs meet the
health requirements and whether or not the keeping of such animals as
set out in the application for a permit would constitute a nuisance to
other residents in the City of Pembroke.
ii.
The Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Pembroke, upon any
application under Section 5 (c) (i), may issue the required license but if
he/she does not issue such license at the request of the applicant,
he/she shall refer the application to the Council of the City of Pembroke
at its next regular sitting and the Council may, at its discretion, grant or
refuse the issuing of a permit hereunder.
iii.
Any license which may be issued pursuant to an application under
Section 5 (c) (i) shall expire on the 31 st day of January in the year
following the issuing of such permit and the same requirements for the
original application will apply.
d) The City's Animal Control Officers shall be permitted to conduct an annual
inspection of the kennel to ensure all conditions associated with the kennel are
being upheld.
Page 5 of 16
6.
Immunization
No person who resides within the City of Pembroke shall own or harbour any dog or
cat over the age of six (6) months without immunization for rabies and such rabies
that is current.
This section shall be jointly enforced by the Medical Officer of Health pursuant to the
provisions of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7, as
amended, and the Animal Control Officer for the City of Pembroke pursuant to the
provisions of this by-law.
7.
lmpoundment:
a)
Dogs and/or cats found running at large, stray and/or abandoned shall be
taken up by the agents of the Corporation and impounded in the pound for the
City of Pembroke and there confined in a humane manner for a period of not
less than three (3) days, exclusive of the day of impoundment and exclusive of
holidays and may thereafter be disposed of in a humane manner if not claimed
by their owners. Animals not claimed by their owners at the expiration of three
(3) days shall become the property of the Pound Keeper.
b)
Sick or injured dogs or cats found at large and taken up by the agents of the
Corporation shall not be placed into the animal shelter to save harm to other
animals and possible contamination of the pound facility. A quick attempt
shall be made by the agents to find the owner. If the owner is not
ascertainable during the attempt the agent may seek medical attention for the
animal.
c)
The City of Pembroke or its animal control Agents will not pick up or impound
feral cats.
d)
Dogs or cats found at large by an Animal Control Officer or any Police Officer
that poses a threat to the safety of persons or other animals may be destroyed
forthwith.
e)
Animals found pursuant to an animal owner's eviction, incarceration, or as a
result of fire or medical emergency, or for any other situation that the Chief
Administrative Officer deems appropriate shall be taken up by the agents of
the Corporation and impounded in the pound for a maximum of five (5) days.
The owner of the dog and/or cat shall be charged the current per diem
sheltering fee and all costs for required veterinary medical care, when animals
are redeemed. Further at the end of the five (5) day of the protective custody
period, unless other arrangements are agreed to between the owner and the
City, treat such animals as day-one impounded animals.
f)
The owner shall be entitled to regain possession of any impounded animal
except as hereinafter provided in the cases of certain animals, upon
compliance with the license or identification provisions of Section 4 of this by-
law and the payment of impoundment fees set forth in Section 8 of this by-law.
g)
Any animal impounded under the provisions of this by-law and not reclaimed
by its owner within three (3) days or five (5) days (if under protective care),
exclusive of the day of impoundment and exclusive of any day the pound may
be closed during the impoundment, may be humanely destroyed by the Pound
Keeper or placed in the custody of some person deemed to be a responsible
and suitable owner who will agree to comply with the provisions of this by-law
and such other regulations as shall be fixed by the Corporation.
h)
The Pound Keeper shall hold the animal for a minimum of three days or five
days (if under protective care), excluding the day of impoundment and
statutory holidays. The Animal Control Officer and/or the Pound Keeper shall
make three documented attempts to notify the owner on different days within
the holding period. If unclaimed, the animal becomes the property on the
Page 6 of 16
Pound Keeper and may be made available for adoption or other disposition
per shelter policy. Both the Pound Keeper and the Animal Control Officer
shall maintain documentation records for minimum of 2 years.
8.
lmpoundment Fees
Any animal impounded hereunder may be reclaimed provided the owner pays the
required fees to the Pound Keeper.
lmpoundment fees and such additional sums as required for the keeping of animals,
shall be collected by the Pound Keeper, and retained by it to help defray the costs of
keeping such animals.
9.
Restraint
a)
No owner or person shall allow, permit or cause an animal to create a
nuisance or disturbance by:
i.
excessively barking;
ii.
biting;
iii.
excessively howling;
iv.
chasing, barking or biting at motor vehicles;
v.
chasing, barking or biting at bicycles;
vi.
chasing, barking or biting at persons; or,
vii.
causing damage when running at large;
viii.
causing damage to commonly shared property.
b)
Any such person who owns or possesses any animal that is a nuisance as
defined in this by-law and has breeched this by-law with convictions recorded
shall be subject to the penalty provided. The C.A.O. for the City of Pembroke
shall order the subject animal out of the City of Pembroke or provide
conditions under which the owner must abide by to allow the animal to stay in
the City. If the owner of the subject animal can prove the nuisance behavior
has been corrected the Animal Control Officer may permit re-entry of the
subject animal. Any person who possesses such animal not having
permission to re-enter the City of Pembroke shall be subject to the penalty
provided for in this by-law.
c)
No person who owns, keeps, harbors, or possesses any animal shall allow it
to trespass on private property even when on a leash.
d)
No owner or person shall allow, permit or cause an animal to run at large. An
animal shall be deemed to be running at large if found in any place other than
that of its owner/keeper and not under the physical control of any person.
e)
No person who owns, keeps, harbors or possess any animal shall allow it to
run on City-owned property except when on a leash or within the City's
designated Dog Park or other non-leash areas as may be designated by
Council. The annual permit fee for the City's Dog Park or other areas is listed
in the City of Pembroke's User Fee and Charges By-law.
f)
For the purposes of this by-law, the following shall be prohibited:
i.
Any person who owns, keeps, harbors, or possesses any animal which
defecates on a public, commonly shared or private property, other than
that of the said owner or keeper thereof, shall forthwith clean up after it.
11.
No person who owns, keeps, harbors, or possesses any animal shall
allow a build up of animal fecal matter on the property where the animal
is kept and where it becomes offensive to other members of the
community.
g)
No person shall control a dog while off its property with a leash that is not held
by the person in his or her hand or is not securely affixed to some immovable
Page 7 of 16
structure other than private property from which the dog cannot escape and
that such leash does not exceed 1.8 m in length.
10.
Outdoor Dogs
a) No person shall allow an animal to remain outdoors during extreme weather,
except for brief walks or brief period of exercise, unless the animal has access
to an animal enclosure that will adequately protect the animal from the
elements.
b) Every owner of a dog shall ensure that the animal enclosure meets the
following requirements:
i)
the enclosure must be weather-proofed and insulated;
ii)
the size and design of the enclosure must be adequate and appropriate
for the dog;
iii)
maintained in good repair;
iv)
be adequately ventilated; and
v)
contain adequate amount of clean, dry bedding material.
11.
Dangerous or Vicious Dog Restriction
a) No person shall keep a dangerous or vicious animal within the limits of the
Corporation and any owner, keeper or harbourer of such animal found to be
fierce, dangerous, or vicious shall be dealt with under The Dog Owners
Liability Act, R. S.O. 1990, c. D.16.
b) Dangerous dogs may include, any individual dog which:
i) Has on one or more occasions bitten or attached a person or domestic animal;
ii) Has on one or more occasions behaved in a manner that poses a menace to
the safety of persons or domestic animals;
iii) When an owner/caregiver of the dog has on one or more occasions failed to
exercise reasonable precautions to prevent the dog from:
1.
Biting or attacking a person or domestic animal and/or
ii.
Behaving in a manner that poses a menace to the safety of persons or
domestic animals.
c) Where an owner is served with a dangerous dog order to comply pursuant to,
the owner shall, at the owners' expense and for the life of the dangerous dog
ensure:
i.
The dangerous dog is muzzled at all times when off the owner's
property;
ii.
The dangerous dog is not permitted to enter into a designated lease-
free area of a City park at any time;
iii.
That a dangerous dog tag is purchased from the City, the dangerous
dog tag fee, as stated in the City's User Fees and Charges By-law, is
paid and the dangerous dog is wearing the dangerous dog tag provided
by the City at all times;
iv.
That a warning sign is posted on the owners' private property in the
form and location required by the Chief Administrative Officer;
v.
That the dangerous dog is microchipped;
vi.
That arrangements are made with the City to enable the City to collect a
photograph of the dangerous dog and any other necessary identifying
information; and
vii.
That the dangerous dog receives training in the form required by the
Chief Administrative Officer within 90 days of the order to comply being
served on the owner.
viii.
An owner shall provide proof of compliance to the satisfaction of the
Chief Administrative Officer within 14 days of achieving compliance with
each of the following requirements:
a)The microchipping requirement and
b) The training requirement.
Page 8 of 16
12.
Report of Bite Cases:
It shall be expected that every Physician or other practitioner shall report the names
and addresses of persons treated for bites inflicted by animals, together with such
other information as will be helpful in rabies control to the Renfrew County and
District Health Unit.
13.
Responsibilities of Veterinarians:
It shall be the duty of every licensed veterinarian to report to the Renfrew County and
District Health Unit his or her diagnosis of any animal observed by them as a rabies
suspect.
14.
Exemptions:
a)
Special Circumstances for Circuses, Exhibitions, and other Like Shows
Where an exhibition, circus, traveling show, petting zoo or any other like show that
has prohibited animals, as defined in Appendix "A" of this by-law, requests entry into
City limits for the purpose of public display of such animals it must first:
i.
Request, in writing, at least thirty (30) days prior to the intended date of
entry to the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Pembroke,
permission to enter the City with prohibit animals for the said purpose.
ii.
With written approval from the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of
Pembroke, be furnished with a permit from the City of Pembroke for the
said purpose.
iii.
To pay a non-refundable fee to the City of Pembroke for the permit
issued by the Chief Administrative Officer.
iv.
Provide proof of an up-to-date Comprehensive Insurance Policy
indicating Public Liability and Property Damage coverage acceptable to
the City and reflecting coverage of at least Two Million Dollars.
v.
Be subject to reasonable inspections before, during and after the
display concerning the animals in their containment, proximity of the
animals to the public and any other concerns that may arise by the
Animal Control Officer.
vi.
Be in full conformance of all federal, provincial and municipal laws
governing the possession, keeping and transportation of the subject
animals being used in the said function in the City as well as where the
subject animals are being kept on a permanent basis.
vii.
Be accredited by Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (C.A.Z.A.)
or the American Zoo and Aquarium Association; and
viii.
Not exceed three consecutive days within the City for the said function
unless authorized by the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of
Pembroke.
b)
Hospitals, Clinics
Hospitals, clinics, and other premises in operation with licensed veterinarians for the
care and treatment of animals are exempt from the provisions of this by-law, except
where such duties are expressly stated.
c)
Non-Resident Animals
i.
The licensing and pet identification system of this by-law shall not apply
to any animal belonging to a non-resident of the City and kept within the
City for not longer than thirty (30) days provided such animals shall, at
all times while in the City, be kept within a building or vehicle, or be
Page 9 of 16
under restraint by the owner. No person shall keep, harbour, or
possess a non-resident animal that has not been duly immunized at the
resident municipality for the current year.
ii.
Any person who owns, keeps, harbors, or possesses any non-resident
animal within the limits of the City of Pembroke shall ensure valid
immunization and identification papers are kept with the animal at all
times while in the City. Should the requirements of Section 14 (c) (i)
and (ii) be ignored, the owner, keeper, harbourer, or possessor shall be
subject to the penalty provided for in this by-law.
d)
Police Dogs
Section 9 of this by-law does not apply to Police dogs during the fulfillment of their
duties.
e)
Ministry of Natural Resources Dogs
Section 9 of this by-law does not apply to M.N.R. dogs during the fulfillment of their
duties.
f)
Animal Control Services
This bylaw shall not apply to Animal Control Services.
g)
Animal Shelter used by City
This bylaw shall not apply to the animal shelter utilized by the City.
h)
Permitted Reptiles and Amphibians
Section 3 (a) of this by-law does not apply to the sale, keeping or raising of the
following list of reptiles and amphibians, provided these reptiles and amphibians do
not exceed a full-grown length of 1 foot (12 inches/30 centimetres):
Reptiles: Agamids, Anoles, Leopard geckos, Newts, Salamanders,
Amphibians: Horned frogs, Mantilla Frogs, Pacman Frogs, Tree Frogs
15.
Inspections and Orders
a) For the purposes of this section, the Animal Control Officer or a Police Officer
is authorized to seize and impound any animal in contravention of the by-law
and to deliver it to a pound or shelter facility designated by the municipality.
b) For the purpose of ensuring compliance with this by-law, the Animal Control
Officers or Police Officers may, at all reasonable times, enter upon and inspect
any property to determine whether or not the following are being complied
with:
i) this By-law;
ii) a direction or order made under this by-law; or
iii) a prohibition order made under s. 431 of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001 , c. 25.
c) Animal Control Officers or Police Officers may, for the purposes of the
inspection under Section 15(b );
i) require for inspection, the production of documents or things relevant to the
inspection;
ii) inspect and remove documents or things relevant to the inspection for the
purpose of making copies or extracts;
iii)require information in writing or otherwise as required by the officer from any
person concerning a matter related to the inspection; and
iv) 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.
Page 10 of 16
d) If an officer is satisfied that a contravention of this by-law has occurred, the
officer may make an order requiring the person who contravened the By-law
and/or who caused or permitted the contravention and/or the owner or
occupier of the premises on which the contravention occurred, to discontinue
the contravening activity.
e) An order under Section 15(d) shall set out:
i) reasonable particulars of the contravention adequate to identify the
contravention and the location of the premises on which the contravention
occurred;
ii) the work or actions to be completed; and
ii) the date or dates by which there must be compliance with the order.
f) Any cost incurred by the City in exercising its authority to inspect under this section
including but not limited to the cost of any examination, test, sample or photograph
necessary for the purposes of the inspection, shall be paid by the owner or occupant
of the property where the inspection takes place. Such costs may be recovered by
the Corporation in like manner as property taxes.
g) If an animal is found in contravention to this by-law, the Pound Keeper is
contacted in advance to confirm space availability, as well as information is provided
to the Pound Keeper regarding animal description, circumstances of seizure and
known owner information (if available).
16.
Offences and Fines:
Any person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence.
Every person who is convicted of an offence under this by-law is liable to a fine as
provided for in the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, as amended. and
upon conviction shall forfeit and pay the fine for such offence as provided for under
Section 61 of the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33.
When a person has been convicted of an offence under this by-law the Ontario Court
of Justice or the Ontario Provincial Court may, in addition to any other penalty
imposed on the person convicted, make an order prohibiting the continuation or
repetition of the offence by the person convicted.
Where a person contravenes the same provision of this by-law twice or more within
one 12-month period, the fine in respect to the second or more contravention is
double the amount specified in respect of that provision. Repeat incidents involving
the same owner/address will be reviewed by the municipality to determine if
additional enforcement measures, ie. Dog Owners' Liability Act and/or Part Ill of the
Provincial Offences Act, are required.
Where there is more than one owner of an animal, they are jointly and several liable
and thus all owners can be charged.
17.
Repeals:
That By-law 2021-75 and any other by-law inconsistent with the provisions contained
in this by-law are hereby repealed.
18.
Severability:
If any part of this by-law shall be held void such part shall be deemed severable and
the invalidity thereof shall not affect the remaining parts of this by-law.
19.
This by-law shall come into force and take effect upon the date of the final
passing thereof.
Page 11 of 16
Passed and enacted this 2nd Day of December, 2025
Victoria Charbonneau
Clerk
Page 12 of 16
Appendix "A" to By-law Number 2025-85
It is prohibited to keep or raise any domestic animal, farm animal, wild animal, exotic
animal, amphibian (except as permitted by Section 14 (i)), reptile (except as
permitted by Section 14 (i)), arachnid, fish, or insect including any tamed or
domesticated wild animal or part wild animal on any property or in any building or
structure on such property within the limits of the City of Pembroke that is included in
this appendix hereunder and therefore it is prohibited to keep or raise:
1.
All protected or endangered animals being all animals, native or non-native,
whose possession or sale is prohibited because they are designated or
protected or endangered pursuant to an international, federal, or provincial
law, regulation, rule, or agreement, unless the animal has been obtained in
accordance with international, federal, or provincial law as applicable, and if
the animal is not identified in Appendix "A".
2.
All dogs, other than domesticated dogs (canis familiaris), including but not
limited to wolf, fox, coyote, hyaena, dingo, jackal, raccoon dog, bush dog, and
any hybrid offspring of a wild dog and domesticated dog.
3.
All cats, other than domesticated cats (felis catus), including but not limited to
lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, puma, panther, mountain lion, cheetah, wild
cat, cougar, bobcat, lynx, serval, and any hybrid offspring of a wild cat and
domesticated cat.
4.
All bears, including but not limited to polar, grizzly, brown and black bear.
5.
All fur bearing animals of the family Mustelidae, including but not limited to
weasel, martin, mink, badger, ermine, skunk, otter, pole cat, wolverine, except
the domestic ferret (putorius furo).
6.
All Procyonidae, including but not limited to raccoon, kinkajou, cacomistle, cat
bear, panda, and coatimundi.
7.
All carnivore mammals of the family Viverridae, including but not limited to
civet, mongoose and angente.
8.
All bats (chiroptera).
9.
All nonhuman primates, including but not limited to monkey, ape, chimpanzee,
gorilla, and lemur.
10.
All squirrels (sciuridae).
11.
Reptiles (repitilia):
a. All helodermatidae (gila monster and Mexican bearded lizard);
b. All front fanged venomous snakes, even if devenomized, including but
not limited to:
i.
All Viperidae (viper, pit viper);
ii.
All elapidae (cobra, mamba, krait, coral snake);
111.
All atractaspididae (African burring asp);
iv.
All hydrophiidae (sea snake); and
v.
All laticaudidae (sea krait).
c. All venomous mid or rear fanged, duvernoy-glanded members of the
family colubridae even if devenomized;
d. Any member of the family boidae;
e. Any member of the family Pythonidae.
Page 13 of 16
f.
Any member of the family Varanidae including but not limited to white
throated monitor, the water monitor, the komoda monitor or dragon, the
bornean earless monitor, the nile monitor, and the crocodile monitor.
12.
Birds (ayes):
a. All predatory or large birds (Accipitridae, cathartidae), including but not
limited to eagle, hawk, falcon, owl, vulture, and condor.
b. All Anseriformes, including but not limited to ducks, geese, and swans.
c. All Galliformes, including but not limited to pheasants, grouse, guinea
fowl, and turkeys.
d. All Struthioniformes, including but not limited to flightless ratitis such as
ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, emus, and kiwis, and
e. All Columbiformes, including but not limited to pigeons.
13.
All arachnida, chilopoda, and venomous arthropods, including but not limited
to centipede, spider, and scorpion.
14.
All large rodents (rodentia) including but not limited to gopher, muskrat, paca,
groundhog, marmat, beaver, prairie dog, and porcupine.
15.
All even toed ungulates (artiodactyla), including but not limited to domestic
sheep, antelope, giraffe, and hippopotamus.
16.
All odd toed ungulates (perissodactyla), including but not limited to
domesticated horses, zebra, rhinoceros.
17.
All marsupials, including but not limited to tazmanian devil, bandicoot,
kangaroo, wallaby, possum, wombat, koala bear, cuscus.
18.
All sea mammals (cetacean, pinnipedia and sirenia), including but not limited
to dolphin, whale, seal, sea lion, and walrus.
19.
All elephants (proboscides).
20.
All hyraxes (hyracoidean).
21 .
All pangolin (Pholidota).
22.
All sloth and armadillo (edental).
23.
All insectivorous mammals (insectivore), including but not limited to aardvark
(tubulidentata), anteater, shrew, otter shrew, mole, and hedgehog.
24.
All gliding lemurs (dermoptera).
25.
All dangerous fish, including but not limited to piranha, electric eel.
26.
All insects, including but not limited to cockroaches, ants, bees.
27.
All prohibited pit bull dogs (not grandfathered).
28.
All other venomous, poisonous, or constricting animals.
Page 14 of 16
Appendix "B" - Set Fines
Prescribing Standards for the Regulation of the Animal Control By-law
Within the City of Pembroke
Part 1 Provincial Offences Act
Item
Column 1 Short Form Wording
Column 2
Column
Number
Provisions
3 Set
creating or
Fines
defininQ offence
1
Keep/raise/sell prohibited animal
Section 3 (a)
$650.00
2
Own/keep/harbour/possess a
Section 3 (b)
$600.00
nuisance animal
3
Fail to keep/own/care for an animal Section 3 (c) (i)
$250.00
in a clean/sanitary environment
4
Fail to keep/own/care for an animal Section 3 (c) (ii)
$250.00
by providing adequate
food/water/shelter/physical activitv
5
Leave animal unattended in
Section 3(e)
$250.00
vehicle
6
Prohibited animal at lan:ie
Section 3(q)
$650.00
7
Fail to license doq
Section 4 (a)
$150.00
8
Fail to reqister cat
Section 4 (b)
$150.00
9
Claiming dog or cat sterilized when
Section 4 (d)
$300.00
it is not
10
Transferring tag to unlicensed dog
Section 4 (f)
$175.00
or cat
11
Keepinq a kennel without a license
Section 5 (c) (i)
$200.00
12
Own/harbour dog or cat without
Section 6
$250.00
immunization for rabies
13
Allow animal to become a
Section 9 (a) (i)
$150.00
nuisance by barkina
14
Allow animal to become a
Section 9 (a) (ii)
$600.00
nuisance by bitinq
15
Allow an animal to become a
Section 9 (a) (iii)
$200.00
nuisance by howlinq
16
Animal a nuisance by
Section 9 (a) (iv)
$200.00
chasing/barking/biting at motor
vehicles
17
Animal a nuisance by
Section 9 (a) (v)
$200.00
chasinq/barkinq/bitina at bicycles
18
Animal a nuisance by
Section 9 (a) (vi)
$200.00
chasing/barking/biting at persons
walkinq or ridinq on any street
19
Animal a nuisance by causing
Section 9 (a) (vii)
$200.00
damaqe when runninq at larqe
20
Animal a nuisance by causing
Section 9 (a) (viii)
$150.00
damage to commonly shared
property
21
Fail to obtain permission to allow
Section 9 (b)
$600.00
animal to re-enter Citv
22
Animal trespassing on private
Section 9 (c)
$150.00
property
23
Animal runninq at laroe
Section 9 ( d)
$150.00
24
Fail to control animal with secure
Section 9 (e)
$200.00
leash
25
Fail to clean up animal excrement
Section 9 (f) (i)
$200.00
forthwith
26
Allow build-up of animal fecal on
Section 9 (f) (ii)
$300.00
property where animal is keot
Page 15 of 16
-
Item
Number
27
28
29
Column 1 Sh ort Form Wording
Column 2
Provisions
creating or
definin offence
Leave animal o utdoors for
Section 10 (a)
extended period in extreme
weather
Fail to provide a n adequate animal
Section 10 (b)
enclosure
Keep a dangero us/vicious animal
Section 11 (a)
in City
Column
3 Set
Fines
$300.00
$300.00
$650.00
NOTE: The penalty provisio n for the offences indicated about is Section 16 of City of
2025-85 and Section 61 of the Provincial Offences Act,
Pembroke's By-law
R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33 , as amended.
Page 16 of 16