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THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PUSLINCH
BY-LAW NUMBER 024-2021
A by-law to control, license, register and regulate
Dogs and Kennels within the Township of Puslinch
and to repeal By-law 8/99 and 33/05
WHEREAS section 11 (2), paragraph 6 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as
amended (hereinafter called the "Act") authorizes a municipality to pass a by-law
respecting the health, safety and well-being of persons;
AND WHEREAS section 11 of the Act authorizes a municipality to pass a by-law to
regulate dogs;
AND WHEREAS section 11(2) paragraph 8 and section 11(3) of the Act authorizes a
municipality to pass by-laws respecting dogs and the protection of persons and
property;
AND WHEREAS section 8 (3) of the Act authorizes a municipality to provide for a
system of Licenses with respect to dogs;
AND WHEREAS section 23.1 of the Act authorizes a municipality to delegate its powers
and duties;
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Puslinch deems it
necessary and expedient to regulate the keeping of dogs and the establishment and
operation of dog kennels in the Township of Puslinch;
NOW THEREFORE The Council of the Corporation of the Township of Puslinch enacts
as follows:
1.
INTERPRETATION
For the purpose of this By-law the following definitions shall apply:
Last consolidated on August 5, 2025 The
Township of Puslinch By-laws are provided
online for public reference. By-laws are
consolidated on an ongoing basis, but recent
amendments may not be reflected in the latest
consolidated version. Check the Amended
History to get a complete listing of all pertinent
regulations. For further information contact the
Township's Clerk Office.
ADMINISTRATIVE
MONETARY
PENALTY
SYSTEM
BY-LAW:
means
the
Administrative Monetary Penalty System By-law of the Township, as amended from
time to time, or any successor thereof; [Amended by Section 3 of By-law 2025-045 on
August 5, 2025]
BOARDING: shall mean the taking in of domestic dog for a period of time for
capital gain;
BOARDING KENNEL: shall mean any building, structure, dog run or facility, or
part thereof, used for the boarding (for hire), grooming, showing, training or
temporary housing of more than one (1) dog, but does not include a veterinarian
clinic;
BREEDING: shall mean the generating of canine offspring;
BREEDING KENNEL: shall mean any building, structure, dog run or facility, or
part thereof, where more than two (2) dogs are kept for the purposes of breeding,
housing or selling;
CLERK: shall mean the Clerk for the Township or any person designated by the
Clerk;
COUNCIL: shall mean the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Puslinch;
DESIGNATED PROVISION: means any section of this By-law designated in
accordance with section 16.12; [Amended by Section 3 of By-law 2025-045 on August
5, 2025]
DOG: shall mean any member of the species canis familiaris or hybrid thereof and
shall include a male or female, spayed, neutered or intact dog (of any age or
breed);
DWELLING UNIT: shall mean a room or a suite of rooms operated as a
housekeeping unit, used or intended to be used as a domicile by one or more
persons and supporting general living conditions including cooking, eating,
sleeping and sanitary facilities;
GOOD STANDING: shall mean a Kennel that complies with all requirements of
this By-law and all other Township By-laws, has up to date License, and has
resolved any outstanding verified complaints at the time of License application;
HARBOUR or HARBOURED: shall include keeping or possessing for any period
of time, whether temporary or not;
KEEP or KEPT: shall include harbouring or possessing for any period of time,
whether temporary or not;
KENNEL: shall mean any building, structure, dog run or facility or part thereof
where more than three (3) dogs are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained or
sold, and includes a BOARDING KENNEL, BREEDING KENNEL, and RETIRING
KENNEL, but does not include a veterinarian clinic;
LEASH: shall mean a leash, chain, rope, cord, chain or other similar device, which
is used, designed and capable of being held by a person and is used and designed
to restrain a dog;
LICENSE: shall mean a License issued by the Township permitting an Owner to
operate a Kennel;
LICENSEE: shall mean a person issued a kennel License pursuant to this By-law;
MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (or "MLEO"): shall mean a person
appointed by Council to enforce the by-laws of the Township pursuant to section
15 of the Police Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 15, as amended;
OFFICER: shall mean a dog control officer, a pound keeper and its employees,
the Ontario SPCA Officers, Animal Welfare Inspectors appointed under the
Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, police officer, MLEO, the Medical
Health Officer or other person appointed by by-law to enforce the provisions of this
By-law;
ONTARIO SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (or
"OSPCA"): shall mean the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
or any local branch;
OWNER: shall mean any person, group of persons, partnership or corporation
who possesses or harbours Dogs; "owns" or "owned', shall have a corresponding
meaning, and shall include a person or persons who are temporarily the keeper of
animals and where the Owner is a minor, the person responsible for the custody
of the minor;
PERSON: shall include an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited
partnership, trust, corporation, and an individual in his or her capacity as a trustee,
executor, administrator, or other legal representative;
POLICE WORK DOG: shall mean a dog trained, or training, for and engaged in
law enforcement by any Federal, Provincial or municipal government or
government agency;
POUND: shall mean any premise or facility or part thereof used by the Township
for the temporary housing or boarding of dogs that have been impounded pursuant
to this By-law;
POUND KEEPER: shall mean any person or organization retained by the
Township to provide pound services;
PROPERTY: shall mean a parcel of land which is capable of being legally
conveyed;
PUREBRED: shall mean a dog registered or eligible for registration with an
Association incorporated under the Dog Pedigree Act (Canada);
REGISTRATION or REGISTERED: shall means a record of ownership and of the
keeping of a dog pursuant to this By-law;
RETIRING KENNEL: shall mean a formerly licensed BREEDING KENNEL that
meets the criteria in Sections 11.19 to 11.23 of this By-law
SCHEDULE OF FEES: shall mean the Township's User Fees and Charges By-
Law, as amended from time to time;
SERVICE DOG: shall mean a dog trained to assist the visually impaired and a dog
guide working with a person with a physical or mental disability or a medical
condition;
TAG: shall mean a tag issued by the Township permitting the Keeping or Harbouring of
a dog within the Township;
TREASURER: shall mean the Treasurer of the Township;
TOWNSHIP: shall mean The Corporation of the Township of Puslinch;
VETERINARY CLINIC: shall mean a building where dogs are diagnosed and treated
for illness by a registered veterinarian, and where such dogs can be temporarily housed
within the clinic, and includes accessory services such as grooming, but does not
include a commercial kennel as defined in the Township's Zoning By-law;
ZONE: shall mean a land use designation as indicated in the Township's Zoning
By-law(s) passed pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act.
2.
APPLICATION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
2.1. This By-law shall apply throughout the whole of the Township.
2.2. No Person shall Keep or Harbour or permit to be Kept or Harboured at any one
time, more than three (3) Dogs per Dwelling Unit to a maximum of 5 Dogs per
Property.
2.3. Section 2.2 does not apply to
2.3.1.
A Pound;
2.3.2.
The Owner of:
2.3.2.1. A Kennel with a valid License issued pursuant to this By-law
2.3.2.2. A Veterinary Clinic
2.3.2.3. A Shelter operated by a branch or affiliate of the Ontario SPCA
or Humane Society; and,
2.3.2.4. A facility registered as a research facility in accordance with the
Dogs for Research Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A. 22, as amended;
2.4. No Person shall own or Keep or Harbour a Dog without a current valid Dog Tag.
2.5. An Owner of a Dog shall keep the Tag issued by the Township securely fixed
on the Dog for which it was issued at all times.
2.6. No Person shall:
2.6.1. affix a Tag to any Dog other than the Dog for which it was issued; or
2.6.2.
remove a Tag except to replace it with a current or valid Tag.
3.
LICENSES, TAGS AND REGISTRATION (GENERAL)
3.1. The Clerk or his/her delegate is hereby delegated authority to issue Licenses
and Tags in accordance with the provisions of this By-law.
3.2. The Clerk or his/her delegate is hereby delegated authority to impose additional
terms and conditions to a Kennel License that in his/her opinion are reasonable
and taking into consideration:
3.2.1.
the health, safety and well-being of Persons and Dogs;
3.2.2.
the impact on a neighbouring Property or neighbouring Property
Owner.
3.3. A Tag automatically expires and becomes null and void upon the sale, death or
other disposal of a Dog to which such Tag applies.
3.4. A Tag or License issued by the Township is non-refundable.
3.5. A Tag or License issued pursuant to this By-law is valid for one year from the
date it is issued.
3.6. A Licensee shall notify the Township within fifteen (15) days of any changes to
the:
3.6.1.
business name;
3.6.2.
location of the business premises;
3.6.3.
ownership of the business
and such changes shall be subject to submission of the necessary
documentation to the Township.
3.7. A Licensee shall display a License in a conspicuous place on the Licensed
Property visible to the public at all times.
3.8. A Licensee shall be responsible for the act(s) and omission(s) of its employees,
representatives and agents in the carrying on of the business in the same manner
and to the same extent as though the Licensee did the act(s) or omission(s).
3.9. Any record required by this By-law shall be produced by the Licensee upon
request of an Officer.
4.
APPLICATION FOR DOG TAG
4.1. An Owner of a Dog shall obtain a Dog Tag from the Township within ten
(10) days of taking possession of the Dog and annually thereafter.
4.2. An Owner of a Dog making an application for a Dog Tag shall submit:
4.2.1.
a complete application in the form provided by the Township;
4.2.2. when required by the Township, a certificate signed by a
practicing veterinarian that the Dog has been inoculated with an
anti-rabies vaccine;
4.2.3.
the required Tag fee in accordance with the Township's User Fees
and Charges By-law, as amended.
4.3. A Dog Tag shall be issued where the Clerk or his/her delegate is
satisfied that the requirements of this By-law have been met.
4.4. An Owner of a Dog may obtain a replacement Dog Tag upon re-payment of the
Tag Fee.
5.
DOGS AT LARGE
5.1. No Person shall permit a Dog to be at large in the Township.
5.2. A Dog is deemed to be running at large if found in any place other than the
Property of the Owner of the Dog and the Dog is not on a Leash and under the
control of a Person capable of handling the Dog when it is on Property other than
that of the Owner, unless prior consent is given by the Person owning the Property
on which the Dog is found.
5.3. Sections 5.1 and 5.2 of this By-law shall not apply to a:
5.3.1. Police Work Dog, or a Service Dog while actively engaged in the
performance of its trained duties;
5.4. The Owner of a Dog shall remove forthwith any excrement left by a Dog on any
public property or private property other than the Owner's property and shall
provide for the sanitary disposal of such excrement.
6.
IMPOUNDMENT
6.1. An Officer may seize and impound a Dog found running at large and may
apprehend a Dog.
6.2. Where the Owner of a Dog is known, the Pound Keeper shall make reasonable
efforts to notify the Owner that the Dog has been impounded.
6.3. Where a Dog is seized and impounded, the Pound Keeper shall return it to
the Owner provided that:
6.3.1.
the Owner claims possession of the Dog within ten (10) days
(excluding Sundays and holidays) after the date of seizure; and
6.3.2.
the Dog can be lawfully returned; and
6.3.3.
upon payment of any applicable Licensing or Tag fees; and
6.3.4.
upon payment of the Pound and boarding fees.
6.4. The Owner of a Dog impounded, if known, whether or not the Dog is claimed
by the Owner from the Pound, shall be liable for the payment of the Pound fee,
the boarding fee, and any euthanasia and disposal fees applicable, and shall
pay all fees on demand to the Township's Pound Keeper.
6.5. Where at the end of ten (10) days excluding Sundays and holidays a Dog has
not been returned to the Owner, the Pound Keeper may dispose of the Dog in
accordance with the provisions of the Animals for Research Act, R.S.O. 1990,
c. A. 22, as amended.
6.6. All monies received for the sale or adoption of unclaimed Dogs shall become
the property of the Township.
7.
DOG KENNELS - LICENSING
7.1. No Person shall own, operate, manage, control or supervise a Kennel on
any Property within the Township without a License.
7.2. Only an Owner may apply for and be issued a License. A License issued to
an Owner is not transferable.
7.3. Every Owner:
7.3.1.
who applies for a License shall do so, in writing, on the form
prescribed by the Township; and
7.3.2.
shall be responsible for paying the Township's actual costs in
relation to the administration or enforcement of this By-law for their
Kennel as well as for paying all applicable fees, as required by the
Schedule of Fees.
7.4. Kennels shall at all times comply with, and shall only be permitted in accordance
with, the Township's Zoning By-law, as amended.
7.5. 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 re-applied for each
year without any discontinuance of operations, but such operations shall
not be permitted to expand.
7.6. Every Owner of a Breeding Kennel shall keep 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). This list
shall be kept current at all times and shall be produced to any Township
employee or inspector upon demand;
7.7. Every Owner of a Boarding Kennel shall at all times keep a list of all Dogs
currently boarded, including verification of rabies vaccination for each Dog.
This list shall be kept current at all times and shall be produced to any
Township employee or inspector upon demand;
7.8. Every License shall expire on the 1st day of February in the year
succeeding the date of issue, and every application for renewal of a
License shall be submitted to the Township on or before that same date.
8.
DOG KENNELS - LICENSE APPLICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
8.1. Every Owner applying for a License shall, on or before the 1st day of
February of each year, submit the following to the Township:
8.1.1. written clearance from the OSPCA or a veterinarian assuring
compliance with Sections 11.3 to 11.6, inclusive, of this By-law, with
any associated costs borne by the Owner;
8.1.2. upon in 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;
8.1.3. in the case of Breeding Kennels, 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);
8.1.4. the applicable fees, as required by the Township's Fees and Charges By-
law, as amended;
8.1.5. a sworn declaration by the Owner that (s)he has never 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, ;
8.1.6. 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;
8.1.7.
a floor plan drawn to scale (min. 1:64 (3/16" = 1'-0")) of any building,
structure, dog run, or facility being used 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.
The plans shall be fully dimensioned and labelled.
8.1.8.
a nutrient management plan demonstrating how Dog excrement will
be handled and disposed of.
8.1.9.
in the discretion of the Township, in the case of a new Kennel or an
expansion (either in area or in number of Dogs), 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.
8.2. in the case of a new Kennel or an expansion (either in area or in number of
Dogs), 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 an inspection shall be grounds for revocation of the
License.
9. REFUSAL OF LICENSE
9.1. The Township shall refuse to issue a License where:
9.1.1. all of the submission requirements set out in section 8 of this By-
law have not been met;
9.1.2.
any of the other requirements of this By-law are not being met;
9.1.3. the location of a Kennel does not meet all of the applicable
zoning requirements; or,
9.1.4. in the case of an existing Kennel, the Licensee is not in Good
Standing under this By-law or any other Township By-law.
9.2. The Township may refuse to issue a License application where the Owner
has been convicted of an offence pursuant to a provincial statute or an
offence pursuant to a municipal by-law.
9.3. In the event that a License application is refused, the Township shall provide
written notice to the Owner by regular mail or personal delivery, together with
reasons for the refusal.
9.4. Within twenty (20) days of a License application being refused, the Owner
may apply to the Township, in writing, for a hearing before Council.
9.5. Upon receipt of a request for a hearing, the Township shall arrange for such
a hearing at a Council meeting and written notice of the date, time and
location of that hearing shall be given to the Owner by regular mail or
personal delivery not less than seven (7) days prior to the hearing.
9.6. At any hearing, prior to making its decision, Council shall consider:
9.6.1.
the License application;
9.6.2.
the reasons for refusal;
9.6.3.
any recommendations for conditions to be placed on the License;
and
9.6.4.
any oral or written submissions made by the Owner or their
representative.
9.7. Following the hearing, Council may:
9.7.1.
issue the License, with or without conditions; or,
9.7.2.
refuse to issue the License.
9.8. The Township shall notify the Owner, in writing, of Council's decision by
regular mail or personal delivery within ten (10) days of the decision.
9.9. Council's decision shall be final and not subject to further review.
10. CHANGES/ALTERATIONS TO KENNEL
10.1.
After the issuance of a License, the Owner shall not change or otherwise
alter a Kennel without first obtaining the written permission of the Township
and submitting:
10.1.1. written clearance from the OSPCA or a veterinarian assuring
compliance with Sections 11.3 to 11.6, inclusive, of this By-law,
with any associated costs borne by the Owner;
10.1.2. a revised 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;
10.1.3. in the case of a Breeding Kennel, a revised list of all Dogs currently
being kept at the subject Property at the time the application is
submitted, 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);
10.1.4. in the discretion of the Township, in the case of a Kennel
expanding either in area or in terms of the number of Dogs, a
noise
study
from
a
qualified
acoustical
consultant
demonstrating that such expansion 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;
10.1.5. an updated nutrient management plan that reflects the changes
in the Kennel operation; and,
10.1.6.
the applicable fees, as required by the Schedule of Fees.
10.2. The Township shall refuse to approve a change or alteration where the
Licensee is not in Good Standing under this By-law or any other Township
By-law.
10.3. The Township shall provide written notice of its approval or refusal of a
change or alteration to a Kennel to the Owner by regular mail, email or
personal delivery, together with reasons for the refusal.
10.4. In the event that the proposed change or alteration is refused, the Owner
may apply for a hearing before Council following the same procedures as set
out in sections 9.4 to 9.9 of this By-law.
11. MINIMUM STANDARDS
All Kennels shall comply with the following minimum standards, in addition to all
requirements of the Township's Zoning By-law, as amended:
11.1. No Kennel shall be located within any part of any Dwelling Unit or
attached to any Dwelling Unit.
11.2. No part of any building or structure enclosing a Kennel shall be used for
human habitation.
11.3. Every Kennel shall be of sufficient space to allow the Dogs kept therein
to stand erect and be comfortable, and shall have no less than 2.3 square
metres (25 sq. ft.) of floor area per Dog which may be increased in
accordance with the size of the Dog or decreased in accordance with the
size of the breed of Dog using reasonable judgement and approved by
the OSPCA or veterinarian.
11.4. Every Kennel shall be sufficient in size and height and of a design that
permits each Dog confined therein to:
11.4.1.
stand normally to its full height with sufficient room for the Dog to
wag its tail without hitting anything;
11.4.2.
turn around easily;
11.4.3.
move about easily for the purpose of posture adjustments;
11.4.4.
lie down in a fully extended position and without touching another
Dog;
11.4.5.
have sufficient room to separate food, excrement and bedding;
11.4.6.
provides for isolation areas for sick or distressed Dogs;
11.4.7.
enable species-appropriate contact; and,
11.4.8.
provide for the social and behavioural needs of the Dog.
11.5. Every Kennel shall be properly equipped with accessible, fresh water and
suitable, adequate feed both in clean, properly sized containers made of
stainless steel to maintain Dogs in a healthy condition. Food and water
receptacles shall be kept clean and located as to avoid contamination by
excreta.
11.6. Every Kennel shall be kept in a sanitary, well-ventilated condition and free
from offensive odours, disease and insect or rodent infestation. Dog feces
shall be removed daily.
11.7. Every Kennel shall have floors and walls made of concrete or other
impermeable material (including rigid plastic). Wire floors and cages shall
not be permitted.
11.8. The yards and runways associated with Kennel operations shall be
completely enclosed with a fence or as required by the Township's
applicable Zoning By-law.
11.9. Floors in all pens, alley-ways and outdoor runs (or any area resembling
the same) shall be sloped to allow for sufficient drainage.
11.10. Every Kennel shall be provided with adequate natural or artificial light,
proper ventilation and sufficient heat and air conditioning to maintain
healthy conditions. Every run or pen must be regularly cleaned and
sanitized and excreta removed and properly disposed of daily.
11.11. Every Kennel shall be provided with adequately shaded, outdoor open air
runs, properly fenced to maintain control of the Dogs and with adequate
space to accommodate the breed of the Dog being housed.
11.12. The Owner of a Kennel shall maintain compliance with all environmental
laws pertaining to the disposal of waste at all times.
11.13. The Owner of a Kennel shall ensure that every Dog is provided with
necessary veterinary medical care when any Dog exhibits signs of pain,
illness, injury or suffering.
11.14.
Every Owner of a Kennel shall:
11.14.1. maintain records verifying current rabies vaccination for
each Dog at the Kennel (except puppies at a Breeding
Kennel under 4 months old) and provide such records to the
Township immediately upon request; and
11.14.2. have in force and effect, at all times, Commercial General
Liability insurance with a minimum limit of $2,000,000 (Two
Million Dollars) and provide proof of such insurance to the
Township immediately upon request.
11.15.
The Owner of a Kennel shall ensure that:
11.15.1. a secure, chain link fence, wooden fence or alternative
enclosure satisfactory to Township staff is installed and
maintained around any outdoor run or any outdoor play area
with a minimum height of 2 metres (6 feet);
11.15.2. any pen area for the housing of Dogs shall be constructed
with solid walls and roofing;
Breeding Kennels
11.16.
In addition to the Minimum Standards in Sections 11.1 to 11.14, every
Breeding Kennel shall:
11.16.1.
maintain a 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;
11.16.2.
provide bitches with nursing puppies increased space in
the whelping box by 10% per nursing puppy;
11.16.3.
provide absorbent bedding in the whelping box to keep the
puppies clean and dry;
11.16.4.
provide a water bowl that is situate such that a puppy
cannot fall in
11.16.5.
provide adequate supplemental heat at all times.
11.17. Every Owner of a Breeding Kennel shall maintain records of the following:
11.17.1.
the dates of arrival and departure of all Dogs;
11.17.2.
the breeding and identification records of all whelping
bitches and stud Dogs and the results of litters;
11.17.3.
the age and breed of all Dogs kept and sold; and
11.17.4.
the names and addresses of the purchasers of individual Dogs.
Boarding Kennels
11.18.
Every Owner of a Boarding Kennel shall maintain records with the following
minimum information:
11.18.1. the dates of arrival and departure of all Dogs; and
11.18.2.
the names and addresses of the owners of all Dogs
cared for at the Kennel.
Retiring Kennels
11.19.
Where an Owner of a Breeding Kennel wishes to wind down
operations and retire, they shall have the option of applying for a
Retiring Kennel license in accordance with this section. The purpose
of the Retiring Kennel license is to allow an Owner who has operated
in Good Standing keep more than three (3) Dogs on their Property
without the need to apply for a full Breeding Kennel license.
11.20.
To be eligible for a Retiring Kennel License, the Owner must
demonstrate:
11.20.1. That he/she previously was a Licensee in Good Standing
in the calendar year immediately prior to applying for a
Retiring Kennel License;
11.20.2. That all commercial activities (including boarding, breeding
and training, etc.) have ceased;
11.20.3. That the number of Dogs will not increase, which shall be
demonstrated by a sworn declaration to that affect;
11.20.4. That no more than ten (10) Dogs will be harboured on the
Property;
11.21.
Retiring Kennel Licenses shall only be permitted for a maximum of 5
years.
11.22.
The Licensee of a Retiring Kennel shall be subjected to annual
inspections to ensure that no commercial activities have resumed.
11.23.
The requirements of sections 7.4, 8.1, and 11.14.2 of this By-law do
not apply to Retiring Kennels.
12. CONFINEMENT AND CONTROL OF DOGS IN KENNELS
12.1.
All Dogs shall be confined indoors during the hours of 8:00 p.m. to
7:00 a.m.
12.2.
The Owner of a Kennel shall maintain compliance with applicable
Township by-laws at all times.
13. REVOCATION OF LICENSE
13.1. Any License issued under the provisions of this By-law may be revoked by
the Township, prior to its expiration, for any contravention of the provisions
of this By- law if:
13.1.1.
the Township provides written notice of the By-law
contravention to the Owner by regular mail or personal delivery;
and,
13.1.2.
the Owner has not corrected the By-law contravention within
ten (10) days of receiving the Township's written notice.
13.2. Following the process set out in section 13.1, if the Township decides to
revoke a License, the Township shall provide written notice of the revocation
to the Owner by regular mail or personal delivery.
13.3. Following the revocation of a License, the Owner may apply for a hearing
before Council following the same procedures as set out in sections 9.4 to
9.9 of this By-law.
14. ENFORCEMENT
14.1. This By-law may be enforced by a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, or
any other Person appointed by Council for that purpose.
15. INSPECTION
15.1 The Township may enter on land at any reasonable time for the purpose
of carrying out an inspection to determine whether or not the following are
being complied with:
15.1.1
this By-law;
15.1.2
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,
15.1.3
a condition of a License.
15.2 For the purposes of an inspection, the Township may:
15.2.1 require the production for inspection of documents or things relevant
to the inspection; inspect and remove documents or things relevant
to the inspection for the purpose of making copies or extracts;
15.2.2 require information from any Person concerning a matter related to
the inspection; and
15.2.3 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.
16. OFFENCES
16.1.
Any Person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an
offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine as provided for by the
Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. 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.
Any Person who hinders or obstructs, or attempts to hinder or obstruct,
any Person who is exercising a power or performing a duty under this
By-law is guilty of an offence.
16.4.
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, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25.
16.5.
Any Person, including a director or officer of a corporation, who is
convicted of an offence is liable to a minimum fine of One Hundred
Dollars ($100.00) and a maximum fine of One Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($100,000.00).
16.6.
In addition to the fine amounts set out in section 16.5 of this By-law, for
each day or part of a day that an offence continues, the minimum fine
shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) and the maximum fine shall be
Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). The total of all daily fines for the
offence is not limited to One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).
16.7.
In addition to the regular fines outlined in sections 16.5 and 16.6 of this
By-law, a special fine may be imposed on any convicted Person in order
to eliminate or reduce any economic advantage or gain from
contravening this By-law. A special fine may exceed One Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).
16.8.
If this By-law is contravened and a conviction entered, in addition to any
other remedy and to any penalty imposed by the By-law, the court in
which the conviction has been entered or any court of competent
jurisdiction thereafter may make an order prohibiting the continuation or
repetition of the offence by the Person convicted.
Collection of Unpaid Fines
16.9.
Pursuant to s. 441 of the Municipal Act, 2001, if any part of a fine for a
contravention of this By- law remains unpaid after the fine becomes due
and payable under s. 66 of the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.
P.33, as amended, including any extension of time for payment ordered
under that section, a Treasurer may give the Person against whom the
fine was imposed a written notice specifying the amount of the fine
payable and the final date on which it is payable, which shall be not less
than twenty one (21) days after the date of the notice.
If the fine remains unpaid after the final date specified in the notice, the fine
shall be deemed to be unpaid taxes for the purposes of s. 351 of the
Municipal Act, 2001.
Court Order to Close Premises
16.10. Pursuant to s. 447 of the Municipal Act, 2001, where an Owner is
convicted of knowingly carrying on or engaging in a trade, business or
occupation on, in or in respect of any premises or any part of any
premises without a License required by this By-law, the Court may order
that the premises or part of the premises be closed to any use for a
period not exceeding two (2) years.
16.11. Where a Person is convicted of a contravention of this By-law, other than a
conviction described in section 16.10, and the Court determines that the
Owner or occupant of the premises or part of the premises in respect of
which the conviction was made knew or ought to have known of the conduct
which formed the subject-matter of the conviction or of any pattern of similar
conduct, the Court may order that the premises or part of the premises be
closed to any use for a period not exceeding two (2) years.
Administrative Monetary Penalties
16.12. Sections 2, 3, 5, 7 12 and 16 inclusive of all subsections thereunder, of this
By-law are hereby designated as parts of this By-law to which the
Administrative Monetary Penalty System By-law applies. [Amended by
Section 4 of By-law 2025-045 on August 5, 2025]
16.13. Any person shall, upon issuance of a penalty notice for a contravention of
this By-law, in accordance with the Administrative Monetary Penalty System
By-law, be liable to pay an administrative penalty and any administrative
fees, in accordance with the Administrative Monetary Penalty System By-
law. [Amended by Section 4 of By-law 2025-045 on August 5, 2025]
16.14. 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. [Amended by
Section 4 of By-law 2025-045 on August 5, 2025]
16.15. Where a person has not paid the administrative penalty within 30 days in
accordance with the Administrative Monetary Penalty System By-law, the
Township 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 434.2. [Amended by Section 4 of By-law 2025-045 on
August 5, 2025]
17. ORDERS
17.1. 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 who caused or permitted the contravention, or
the Owner or occupier of the land on which the contravention occurred, to
discontinue the contravening activity.
17.2. An order under s. 17.1 of this By-law shall set out:
17.2.1.
reasonable particulars of the contravention adequate to identify the
contravention and the location of the land on which the contravention
occurred; and,
17.2.2.
the date by which there must be compliance with the order.
17.3. Any Person who contravenes an order under s. 17.1 of this By-law is guilty of
an offence.
17.4 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 who caused or permitted the contravention, or
the Owner or occupier of the land on which the contravention occurred, to
do work to correct the contravention.
17.5 An order under s. 17.4 of this By-law shall set out:
17.5.1
reasonable particulars of the contravention adequate to identify
the contravention and the location of the land on which the
contravention occurred; and,
17.5.2
the work to be done and the date by which the work must be done.
17.6 An order under s. 17.4 of this By-law may require work to be done even
though the facts that constitute the contravention of this By-law were
present before this By-law came into force.
17.7
Any Person who contravenes an order under s. 17.4 of this By-law is guilty
of an offence.
17.8 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
costs 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.
17.9 The costs outlined in s. 17.8 of this By-law shall include interest calculated
at a rate of fifteen per cent (15%), calculated for the period commencing
on the day the Township incurs the costs and ending on the day the costs,
including the interest, are paid in full.
17.10 The amount of the costs, including interest, constitutes a lien on the land
upon the registration in the proper land registry office of a notice of lien.
The lien is in respect of all costs that are payable at the time the notice is
registered plus interest accrued to the date the payment is made. Upon
receiving payment of all costs payable plus interest accrued to the date of
payment, the Township shall register a discharge of the lien in the proper
land registry office.
18. SERVICE OF ORDERS, NOTICES and DECISIONS
18.1. 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:
18.1.1.
Emailed to the last known email address of the Person to whom the
order is directed;
18.1.2.
Deposited in a mailbox or mail slot of the Person to whom the order
is directed; or,
18.1.3.
Sent by prepaid regular mail to the last known address of the
Person to whom the order is directed.
18.2.
Where service is effected by:
18.2.1.
registered mail, it shall be deemed to be made on the second (2nd)
day after the date of mailing;
18.2.2.
person service, it shall be deemed effective on the day the
document served was delivered;
19. SHORT TITLE
19.1. This By-law may be cited as the "Dog and Kennel Licencing By-Law".
20. SEVERABILITY
20.1. If any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any of the provisions of this
By-law are ultra vires the jurisdiction of Council, or are invalid for any reason,
such provision shall be deemed to be severable and shall not invalidate any
of the other provisions of the by-law which shall remain in full force and effect.
21. REPEAL
21.1. By-laws 8/99 and 33/05 are hereby repealed.
22. COMING INTO FORCE
22.1. This By-law shall come into effect upon the final passing thereof.
_________________________________
James Seeley, Mayor
_________________________________
Courtenay Hoytfox, Clerk
Township of Puslinch
By-law No. 024-2021
Schedule A
Part I of Provincial Offences Act
Set Fine Schedule
Item
Short Form Wording
Provision Creating
or Defining Offence
Set Fine
1
Keep more than 3 dogs per
dwelling unit / 5 dogs per property
2.2
$200.00
2
Keep/harbour dog without valid
tag
2.4
$150.00
3
Affix tag to unregistered dog
2.6.1
$150.00
4
Fail to display License in
conspicuous place
3.7
$300.00
5
Permit dog to run at large
5.1
$100.00
6
Fail to remove dog excrement
5.4
$100.00
7
Operate kennel without a license
7.1
$400.00
8
Permitting Dogs outdoors - 8:00
p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
12.1
$100.00
*NOTE: The penalty provision for the offences indicated above is section 16.1 of the By-law
024-2021, a certified copy of which has been filed.
AMENDMENT HISTORY
KENNEL LICENSING BY-LAW
DATE
(Y/M/D)
BY-LAW
AUTHORITY
CONSOLIDATED
2025/04/16
2025-045
Item 9.3.1 Report ADM-2025-014 - AMPS Policy
Approval Update
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