Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals

Toronto, Ontario · adopted 1999-02-04

This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document. Snapshot 502d3a0c8574 · verified 2026-08-29 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-1 March 22, 2024 Chapter 349 ANIMALS ARTICLE I Definitions § 349-1. Definitions. ARTICLE II Prohibited Animals § 349-2. Keeping of certain animals prohibited. § 349-3. Seizure and impoundment of prohibited animals. § 349-4. Exceptions. § 349-4.1. Reserved. § 349-5. Number of animals restricted. ARTICLE III Care of Animals § 349-6. Responsibility to care for animals. § 349-7. Enclosures for animals kept out of doors. § 349-8. Tethers. § 349-8.1. Reserved. § 349-9. Unsanitary conditions. § 349-10. Protective care provided in City animal centres. § 349-10.1. Feeding wildlife. ARTICLE IV Dogs § 349-11. Registration; licence tags. § 349-12. Dogs at large. § 349-12.1. Leashing and walking dogs. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-2 March 22, 2024 § 349-13. Exceptions. § 349-14. Seizure; impoundment; redemption; fees. § 349-15. Dogs that have bitten, attacked or pose a menace. § 349-15.1 Dangerous dog requirements; order to comply. § 349-16. Appeal. § 349-17. Guard dogs. § 349-18. Removal of excrement. § 349-18.1. Purpose. § 349-18.2. Transition. ARTICLE V Cats § 349-19. Registration; licence tags. § 349-20. Seizure and impoundment. § 349-21. Impoundment; redemption; fees. ARTICLE VI Feral Cats, Trap Neuter Return Program § 349-22. Feral Cats. ARTICLE VII Spay/Neuter Clinics § 349-23. Previously established clinics continued; supervision; requirements for spaying and neutering. § 349-24. Fees. ARTICLE VIII Pigeons § 349-25. Pigeons to be kept on owner's property. ARTICLE IX Fees § 349-26. Additional services. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-3 March 22, 2024 ARTICLE X Offences, Entry to Inspect § 349-27. Offences. § 349-27.1. Entry to inspect. § 349-27.2. Toronto Police Service. § 349-27.3. Orders to comply. § 349-27.4. Remedial action. ARTICLE XI Conflicting Provisions § 349-28. Conflicting by-laws. Schedule A Prohibited Animals Schedule B Reserved [History: Adopted by the Council of the City of Toronto February 4, 1999 by By-law 28- 1999; amended in its entirety June 13, 2013 by By-law 803-20131. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.] General References Fees and charges - See Ch. 441. City of Toronto Act, 2006 - See S.O. 2006, c. 11, Sched. A. ARTICLE I Definitions § 349-1. Definitions. [Amended 2017-01-31 by By-law 102-20172] As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: ANIMAL - All species of fauna excluding humans, fish and aquatic invertebrates. 1 Editor's Note: By-law 803-2013 was passed under the authority of various sections of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 11, Sched. A and came into force August 1, 2013. 2 Editor's Note: By-law 102-2017 deleted the definitions "Notice of Caution" and "Notice to Muzzle". The deletion of the definitions came into force March 1, 2017. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-4 March 22, 2024 ANIMAL CENTRE - A facility operated by or for the City of Toronto for the keeping and disposition of stray and admitted animals. AT LARGE - An animal found on any other property than that of the owner of the animal, and not under the control of the owner except where the owner of the property permits the animal to be on his or her property. ATTACK - An act of aggression towards a person or domestic animal causing injury. [Added 2017-01-31 by By-law 102-20173] BIRD FEEDING DEVICE - Any instrument, tool, appliance or thing meant or intended to hold food for birds. [Added 2023-04-01 by By-law 1065-2022] BITE - Piercing or puncturing the skin as a result of contact with a dog's tooth or teeth. CAT - A feline of the species Felis catus. DANGEROUS ACT - Any bite, attack, act of menacing behaviour or any combination of a bite, attack or act of menacing behaviour. [Added 2017-01-31 by By-law 102-20174] DANGEROUS DOG - A dog that has been determined to be a dangerous dog pursuant to § 349- 15 and that determination has not been rescinded pursuant to § 349-16. [Added 2017-01-31 by By-law 102-20175] DANGEROUS DOG REVIEW TRIBUNAL - An Adjudicative Board with five public members appointed by City Council for a term specified by City Council which shall hear appeals under § 349-16. [Added 2018-07-27 by By-law 1191-2018] DOG - A canine of the species Canis familiaris. DWELLING UNIT - One room or a group of rooms, occupied or capable of being occupied as the home or residence of one or more persons, and containing only one kitchen or other facility for the preparation of meals. EDUCATION PROGRAM - A program that imparts information and knowledge to members of the public and which program involves: a live animal or live animals, printed material conveying information about the animal and its role in nature and the presence of knowledgeable persons on site who provide oral presentations to the public. Without limiting the above, no education program shall consist of an entertainment purpose. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - The Executive Director of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of the City of Toronto or any person acting under his or her authority. 3 Editor's Note: By-law 102-2017 came into force March 1, 2017. 4 Editor's Note: By-law 102-2017 came into force March 1, 2017. 5 Editor's Note: By-law 102-2017 came into force March 1, 2017. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-5 March 22, 2024 EXTREME WEATHER - A cold warning, heat warning or other weather warning issued by either or both the City of Toronto's Medical Officer of Health or Environment Canada for weather in the City of Toronto. [Added 2017-01-31 by By-law 102-20176] FEED - Providing food to, or leaving food for consumption by, wildlife, but does not include: [Added 2023-04-01 by By-law 1065-2022] A. keeping compost in accordance with City by-laws; B. keeping food in a bird feeding device in compliance with this chapter; C. providing water to a domestic animal; or D. growing fruits and vegetables in gardens. FERAL CAT - A cat found in the City of Toronto that has no owner, is not socialized and is extremely fearful or resistant to humans. FERAL CAT COLONY - A collective term, referring to a group of mostly or all feral cats in the City of Toronto that congregate as a unit. GUARD DOG - A dog used for security purposes on land legally used for industrial or commercial purposes. HEARING - A hearing held in pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Powers and Procedures Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.22, as amended from time to time, as more particularly described in § 349-16 and in respect of the issuance to an owner of a notice to muzzle. KEEP - To have temporary or permanent control or possession of an animal; "keeping" has the same meaning. MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH - The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto Health Unit or any person acting under his or her authority. MICROCHIP - An encoded identification device implanted into an animal and that contains a unique code that permits or facilitates access to owner information, including the name and address of the owner, which is stored in a central database accessible to the Executive Director. MUNICIPAL LICENSING AND STANDARDS DIVISION - The Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of the City of Toronto and includes employees thereof.MUZZLE - A humane fastening or covering device that is strong enough and well-fitted enough to prevent the dog from biting, without interfering with the breathing, panting or vision of the dog or with the dog's ability to drink. 6 Editor's Note: By-law 102-2017 came into force March 1, 2017. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-6 March 22, 2024 OWNER - A person or persons who possess, harbour or have custody of an animal and, where the owner is a minor, the person responsible for the custody of the minor. PIGEON - Any of a widely distributed family of birds derived from self-sustaining captive populations of Columbidae. POLICE WORK DOG - A dog trained for and actually engaged in law enforcement by any federal, provincial or municipal government agency. PROHIBITED ANIMAL - Those classes of animals listed in Schedule A of this chapter. PROTECTIVE CARE - The temporary keeping of an animal at an animal centre for a maximum of five days, as a result of an eviction, incarceration, medical or fire emergency or any other situation that the Executive Director deems appropriate. RESCUE GROUP - A not-for-profit or charitable organization, registered with Toronto Animal Services, whose mandate and practices are predominately the rescue and placement of animals, and facilitating the spaying or neutering of animals, for animal welfare purposes. SERVICE ANIMAL - An animal described in subsection 80.45(4) of O. Reg. 191/11, under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c.11. [Amended 2016-11-09 by By-law 1068-2016] SONGBIRD - A bird belonging to the oscine division in ornithology. [Added 2023-04-01 by By-law 1065-2022] STERILIZATION - Either the spaying or neutering of a dog or cat. TETHER - A rope or chain or similar restraining device that prevents an animal from moving beyond a localized area, and the words "tethered" and "tethering" have a similar meaning. TRAP NEUTER RETURN PROGRAM - A trap-neuter-return ("TNR") program that traps feral cats, sterilizes and attempts to return them to the locations where they were found. WILDLIFE - An animal that belongs to a species that is wild by nature, but does not include: [Added 2023-04-01 by By-law 1065-2022] A. domestic animals; or B. a feral or stray cat. ARTICLE II Prohibited Animals § 349-2. Keeping of certain animals prohibited. Subject to § 349-4, no person shall keep, either on a temporary or permanent basis, any prohibited animal in the City. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-7 March 22, 2024 § 349-3. Seizure and impoundment of prohibited animals. A. Any prohibited animal found in the City may be seized and impounded by the Executive Director. B. Where, in the opinion of the Executive Director, a prohibited animal seized under Subsection A is injured or ill and should be euthanized for humane reasons or the safety of persons, the prohibited animal may be euthanized by the Executive Director without permitting any person to reclaim the prohibited animal. C. Where a prohibited animal is seized or impounded by the Executive Director under Subsection A, a per diem impoundment fee shall be paid by the owner to the Executive Director, for the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges. D. Where a prohibited animal seized or impounded by the Executive Director under Subsection A is injured or ill and receives veterinary care necessary for the well-being of the prohibited animal, the Executive Director shall, in addition to any amount charged pursuant to Subsection E, be entitled to charge the owner of the prohibited animal the cost of the veterinary care. E. Without limiting any other sections of this chapter, where a prohibited animal is seized or impounded by the Executive Director under Subsection A the Executive Director may transfer the animal to a person in a jurisdiction in which ownership and possession of the animal is lawful. § 349-4. Exceptions. Section 349-2 does not apply to: A. The premises of a City animal centre. B. The premises of an affiliate or branch of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. C. The premises of an accredited veterinary hospital under the care of a licensed veterinarian. D. Toronto Zoo Animals. [Amended 2017-10-04 by By-law 1109-2017] E. Domesticated Ungulates of the families Artiodactylus and Perissodactylus, Anseriformes, Galliformes and Struthioniformes within the following premises: (1) G. Ross Lord, Stables, 4777 Dufferin Street; (2) Sunnybrook Stables at Sunnybrook Park; (3) Riverdale Farm at Riverdale Park; (4) Animal Paddocks on Deer Pen Road at High Park; TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-8 March 22, 2024 (5) Black Creek Pioneer Village; (6) Exhibition Place; (7) Far Enough Farm at Toronto Island Farm; and (8) Woodbine Racetrack. F. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, at the location of 288 Bremner Boulevard. [Amended 2017-01-31 by By-law 77-2017] G. The areas of the City in which professionally produced films are being made by film professionals and film production companies, and only temporarily during filming. H. Reserved7. I. Premises registered as research facilities pursuant to the Animals for Research Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22. J. The premises of slaughterhouses licensed pursuant to the Meat Inspection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.5. K. Toronto Police Service animals. L. Anseriformes, Galliformes and Struthioniformes and Domesticated Ungulates of the families Artiodactylus and Perissodactylus: (1) On lands zoned agricultural; (2) Where the City has otherwise expressly permitted or authorized the activity, provided that such activity is of a temporary nature; or (3) Where a person was lawfully keeping a hen or hens as part of the hens pilot program within permitted areas of the City, that person may continue to keep that hen or those hens until they have died despite the end of the pilot provided: [Added 2023-05-15 by By-law 422-2023] (a) the person continues to keep the hens at the location approved by the City and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the pilot and their agreement with the City; (b) the Executive Director, in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health, has not determined that the keeping of the hen or hens jeopardizes public health, the health of the hen or is causing community disruption; and 7 Editor's Note: § 349-4H was previously deleted by By-law 77-2017 which came into force July 1, 2017. A new § 349-4H was subsequently added by By-law 1048-2017 on October 4, 2017. This new § 349-4H was repealed and of no force or effect as of January 1, 2018. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-9 March 22, 2024 (c) the person provides the Executive Director with information on their hens upon request so as to clearly identify them as well as any other information as requested by and to the satisfaction of the Executive Director. M. The premises of the Toronto Wildlife Centre. N. The premises of the Royal Ontario Museum. O. Those areas in the City that have been expressly exempted by the City. P. The skunk, pine martin, armadillo and porcupine animals possessed by Earth Rangers on October 3, 2017 provided that such animals are only kept in the City by Earth Rangers for educational purposes. [Added 2017-10-04 by By-law 1109-20178] § 349-4.1. Reserved.9 § 349-5. Number of animals restricted. [Amended 2022-07-22 by By-law 1065-202210] A. No person shall keep more than three dogs in and about any dwelling unit within the City, except that any person who, on the date of the passage of this chapter, was lawfully keeping more than three dogs may keep those dogs until they have died or are otherwise disposed of. B. No person shall keep in any dwelling unit more than six cats, except that any person who, on the date of the passage of this chapter, is lawfully keeping more than six cats, may keep those cats until they have died or are otherwise disposed of. C. Subsection 349-5A, 349-4B or 349-5E shall not apply to individual members of a rescue group who are keeping dogs, cats, rabbits or guinea pigs for or on behalf of that rescue group. D. Despite Subsection A, this section shall not count service animals required by a person or persons with a disability when determining the number of dogs in Subsection A. E. No person shall keep more than four rabbits or guinea pigs, or a combination of both, in and about any dwelling unit within the City. F. Despite Subsection E: 8 Editor's Note: § 349-4P was added by By-law 1109-2017. This new Section is deemed repealed and of no force or effect as of January 1, 2021 and will be deleted in January 2021. 9 Editor's Note: By-law 422-2023, enacted on May 15, 2023, deleted Section 349-4.1. Hens pilot program. 10 Editor's Note: Former Section 349-5. Number of cats and dogs restricted was replaced in its entirety by Section 1B of By-law 1065- 2022, which came into force on December 1, 2022. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-10 March 22, 2024 (1) Where a person on December 1, 2022 was lawfully keeping any combination of more than four rabbits and/or guinea pigs in and about any dwelling unit within the City, that person may continue to keep those rabbits and/or guinea pigs until they have died. (2) Despite § 349-5F(1), where a person on December 1, 2022 was lawfully keeping any combination of 10 or more rabbits and/or guinea pigs in and about any dwelling unit within the City, that person may keep no more than 10 of those rabbits or guinea pigs, or a combination of both, in and about any dwelling unit until they have died. ARTICLE III Care of Animals § 349-6. Responsibility to care for animals. A. Every person who keeps an animal within the City's boundaries shall provide the animal, or cause it to be provided with, adequate and appropriate care as may be required to meet the need of the species. B. For the purposes of Subsection A, adequate and appropriate care includes care sufficient to preserve the health and well-being of an animal and, except for emergencies or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the person keeping the animal, includes, but is not limited to, the following requirements: (1) Food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal growth or maintenance of body weight; (2) Open or adequate access to potable water of a drinkable temperature in sufficient quantity to satisfy the animal's needs; (3) Access to a barn, house or other enclosed structure sufficient to protect the animal from wind, rain, snow and sun, and that has adequate bedding to protect against cold and dampness; (4) Veterinary care deemed necessary by a reasonably prudent person to relieve distress from injury, neglect or disease; and (5) Continuous access to an area: (a) With adequate space for exercise necessary for the health of the animal. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of debility, stress or abnormal behaviour patterns; (b) With air temperature suitable for the health of the animal; TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-11 March 22, 2024 (c) With adequate ventilation; (d) With regular diurnal lighting cycles of either natural or artificial light; and (e) Kept reasonably clean and free from excess waste, fecal matter or any other contaminants that could affect the animal's health. C. No person shall allow an animal to remain outdoors during extreme weather unless the animal has access to an enclosure that will adequately protect the animal from the elements. [Added 2017-01-31 by By-law 102-201711] D. No owner of an animal other than a cat or a pigeon shall cause or permit the animal to be at large in the City. [Added 2022-07-22 by By-law 1065-2022] § 349-7. Enclosures for animals kept out of doors. [Amended 2022-07-22 by By-law 1065-2022] A. If an animal, other than a cat, is, at any time, kept outside on the owner's premises for any continuous period exceeding thirty minutes, then the person having the custody or control of the animal shall provide for that animal's use, at all times, a weather-proofed and insulated enclosure that: (1) includes sufficient space to allow for the normal postural and behavioural adjustments of the animal; (2) includes adequate amounts of ventilation and intensity of light for the animal; and (3) complies with any applicable standards under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 or its regulations. § 349-8. Tethers. A. No person shall keep any animal in the City tethered on a chain, rope or similar restraining device of less than three metres in length. B. Every person who has tethered an animal shall ensure, at all times, that the animal has unrestricted movement within the range of the tether, and that the animal cannot suffer injury resulting from the tether. C. A person who has tethered an animal shall ensure that the animal is tethered in a manner that constrains the animal to the property to which the animal is tethered. [Added 2017- 03-09 by By-law 212-2017] 11 Editor's Note: By-law 102-2017 came into force March 1, 2017. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-12 March 22, 2024 D. Despite Subsections A, B and C, no person shall keep an animal tethered where a choke collar, choke chain, pronged collar or any similar device forms part of the tether. [Added 2017-01-31 by By-law 102-201712] E. No person shall tether an animal unsupervised for longer than one hour. [Added 2017- 01-31 by By-law 102-201713] § 349-8.1. Reserved.14 § 349-9. Unsanitary conditions. A. No person shall keep an animal within the City in an unsanitary condition. B. For the purposes of Subsection A, an animal is kept in an unsanitary condition where the keeping of the animal results in an accumulation of fecal matter, an odour, insect infestation or rodent attractants, and where the accumulation of any of the aforementioned endanger or are likely to endanger the health of any person or animal, or which disturbs or is likely to disturb the enjoyment, comfort or convenience of any person. § 349-10. Protective care provided in City animal centres. A. Where an animal is sheltered at a City animal centre for protective care, a per diem sheltering fee shall be paid to the Executive Director in advance of redeeming the animal by the owner in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges. B. Where an animal is not redeemed at the end of the protective care period, it shall be treated as an impounded animal. § 349-10.1. Feeding wildlife. [Added 2023-04-01 by By-law 1065-2022] A. No person shall feed or attempt to feed wildlife, or permit the feeding of wildlife on their property, except: (1) An officer, licensed trapper, authorized wildlife rehabilitator or employee of a licensed pest management operator or exterminator leaving food as bait to catch wildlife as part of their professional duties; 12 Editor's Note: By-law 102-2017 came into force March 1, 2017. 13 Editor's Note: By-law 102-2017 came into force March 1, 2017. 14 Editor's Note: Section 349-8.1. Choke collar, choke chain, pronged collar, was deleted by By-law 419-2017. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-13 March 22, 2024 (2) A person feeding wildlife as part of a research program undertaken by a university, college, government research body or wildlife research institution; (3) A person fishing in accordance with a valid provincial licence; (4) A person participating in a cultural or spiritual practice outdoors, provided the person cleans all food from the outdoor location at the conclusion of the practice; or (5) A person feeding songbirds as follows: (a) the food intended for the songbirds is placed in a bird feeding device that is sufficiently above grade so as to not attract or be accessible to wildlife; (b) the bird feeding device is located on private property, and the property owner or occupant has given permission for the installation and use of the bird feeding device; (c) any food spilled from the bird feeding device is removed in a timely manner such that it does not attract other wildlife; and (d) the bird feeding device is kept in sanitary condition and in good working order. ARTICLE IV Dogs15 § 349-11. Registration; licence tags. Every owner of a dog shall: A. Have registered the dog with the Executive Director, paid a licence fee in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, and acquired a licence tag, including the payment of a licence tag fee in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, for the dog. B. Until ceasing to be the owner of the dog, obtain a licence for the dog prior to the expiration of each licence issued for the dog. 15 Editor's Note: Previous Article IV, Dogs, was deleted and replaced by a new Article by By-law 102-2017. This new Article came into force March 1, 2017. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-14 March 22, 2024 C. Keep the licence tag securely fixed at all times on the dog for which the licence tag is issued. D. Pay a licence tag replacement fee specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, in the event the licence tag issued for the dog is lost. § 349-12. Dogs at large. A. No owner of a dog shall cause or permit the dog to be at large in the City, including, but not limited to, upon or in any lands or grounds owned or operated by the City, such as sidewalks, curbs, boulevards, walkways or other public places owned by the City, except where expressly permitted by City by-law. B. For the purposes of this chapter, a dog shall be deemed to be at large when found on property other than the property of the owner of the dog and not under the control of any person, including but not limited to the tethering of the animal. § 349-12.1. Leashing and walking dogs. A. No person shall keep a dog off the premises of the owner other than on a leash which shall not exceed two metres in length, except in designated areas of a City park as permitted by Chapter 608, Parks. B. No person shall have control of more than three dogs at any time unless authorized by a commercial dog walker permit under Chapter 608, Parks. C. Any person seen to be in control of more than three dogs shall present the commercial dog walker permit under Chapter 608, Parks, to an officer upon request. D. No person seen to be in control of more than three dogs shall refuse to present the commercial dog walker permit under Chapter 608, Parks, to an officer upon request. § 349-13. Exceptions. Section 349-11 does not apply to any owner of a service animal. § 349-14. Seizure; impoundment; redemption; fees. A. Any dog found at large contrary to the provisions of this chapter may be seized and impounded by the Executive Director. B. Where, in the opinion of the Executive Director, a dog seized under Subsection A is injured or ill and should be euthanized without delay for humane reasons or the safety of persons, the dog may be euthanized by the Executive Director without permitting any person to reclaim the dog. C. Any dog seized by the Executive Director under Subsection A shall be impounded for a minimum period of five days from the time of its impoundment, exclusive of the day on TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-15 March 22, 2024 which the dog was impounded, and days on which the animal centre is closed, during which time the owner shall be entitled to redeem the dog. D. If a dog is not redeemed within the time period referred to in Subsection C, the dog shall become the property of the City and the City may: (1) Provide for the adoption of the dog for a fee in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges; (2) Transfer ownership of the dog; or (3) Euthanize the dog. E. Where a dog is seized and impounded by the Executive Director under Subsection A: (1) A daily impoundment fee for daily care, feeding and sheltering shall be paid by the owner to the Executive Director, in advance of redeeming the dog, for the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges; and (2) The owner shall ensure the dog is identified with a microchip within 24 hours of redeeming the dog. F. Where a dog seized and impounded by the Executive Director under Subsection A is injured or ill and receives veterinary care necessary for the well-being of the dog, the Executive Director shall, in addition to any amount charged pursuant to Subsection E, be entitled to charge the person claiming the dog under this article the cost of the veterinary care to the Executive Director. § 349-15. Dogs that have bitten, attacked or pose a menace. A. Every owner of a dog shall exercise reasonable precautions to prevent the dog from engaging in a dangerous act. B. Where the Executive Director has reason to believe that a dog has engaged in a dangerous act against a person or domestic animal, an officer may: [Amended 2022-07- 22 by By-law 1065-2022] (1) Where the dangerous act is the first on record with the City, serve the owner of the dog with a written warning. (2) Despite Subsection B(1), if it is the officer's opinion that the dangerous act is severe, determine the dog to be a dangerous dog and serve the owner of the dog with an order to comply with the requirements for owners of a dangerous dog under § 349-15.1. (3) Where the dangerous act is the second or subsequent dangerous act on record with the City, determine the dog to be a dangerous dog and serve the owner of the dog TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-16 March 22, 2024 with an order to comply with the requirements for owners of a dangerous dog under § 349-15.1. (4) Where the dangerous act occurred while the dog was the subject of a notice to muzzle or notice of caution under this Chapter or any of its predecessors, or a control order under the Dog Owners Liability Act, determine the dog to be a dangerous dog and serve the owner of the dog with an order to comply with the requirements for owners of a dangerous dog under § 349-15.1. C. Dog acting in self-defence. (1) Prior to the determination that a dog is a dangerous dog, the officer shall have regard to whether the dog was acting in self-defence at the time the dangerous act occurred. (2) Despite Subsections B(2), (3) and (4), where an officer concludes that the dog was acting in self-defence at the time the dangerous act occurred, the officer may determine that the dog is not a dangerous dog and may determine that no order to comply shall be issued. (3) Where an officer has concluded that a dog was acting in self-defence and elected not to issue an order to comply under Subsection C(2), that dangerous act will not be counted when determining if a subsequent dangerous act is the second or subsequent on record with the City under Subsection B(3). [Added 2022-04-07 by By-law 256-2022] (4) Where the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal concludes that a dog was acting in self-defence at the time a dangerous act occurred and rescinded the determination of a dangerous dog on that basis, that dangerous act will not be counted when determining if a subsequent dangerous act is the second or subsequent on record with the City under Subsection B(3). [Added 2022-04-07 by By-law 256-2022] D. The Executive Director will create and maintain a public record listing the following information from all served dangerous dog orders to comply: [Added 2024-03-22 by By- law 269-2024] (1) owner's forward sorting area (first three digits of postal code); (2) owner's ward number; (3) dog name, dog breed and dog colour; and (4) date of the dangerous act. E. The Executive Director will post the information in subsection D in a map and easily searchable format with information organized by forward sorting area, bite severity and TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-17 March 22, 2024 any other information deemed important by the Executive Director. [Added 2024-03-22 by By-law 269-2024] § 349-15.1 Dangerous dog requirements; order to comply. A. Where an owner is served with a dangerous dog order to comply pursuant to § 349-15 of this Chapter, the owner shall, at the owners' expense and for the life of the dangerous dog, ensure: (1) The dangerous dog is muzzled at all times when off the owners property; (2) The dangerous dog is not permitted to enter into a designated leash-free area of a City park at any time; (3) That a dangerous dog tag is purchased from the City, the dangerous dog tag fee specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, is paid and the dangerous dog is wearing the dangerous dog tag provided by the City at all times; (4) That a warning sign is posted on the owners' private property in the form and location required by the Executive Director; (5) That the dangerous dog is microchipped; (6) 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 (7) That the dangerous dog receives training in the form required by the Executive Director within 90 days of the order to comply being served on the owner. B. An owner shall provide proof of compliance to the satisfaction of the Executive Director within 14 days of achieving compliance with each of the following requirements: (1) The microchipping requirement contained in Subsection A(5); and (2) The training requirement contained in Subsection A(7). C. This section shall not apply if the order to comply has been rescinded in accordance with § 349-16. § 349-16. Appeal. [Amended 2018-07-27 by By-law 1191-2018] A. An owner of a dangerous dog who is served with an order to comply under § 349-15 may apply for a hearing to appeal an officer's determination of a dangerous dog. The Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal may: TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-18 March 22, 2024 (1) confirm the determination of a dangerous dog; or (2) rescind the determination of a dangerous dog and exempt the owner from compliance with § 349-15.1. B. In deciding whether to confirm or rescind the determination of a dangerous dog pursuant to Subsection A, the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal may consider whether the dog was acting in self-defence when the dangerous act leading to the order to comply under § 349- 15 occurred. C. To receive a hearing, the owner must mail or deliver to the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal within 30 days after a copy of an order to comply pursuant to § 349-15 is served on the owner, notice in writing requesting the hearing, accompanied by the applicable fee in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges. D. Although a request for hearing may be requested, an order to comply pursuant to § 349- 15 and the requirements for owners under § 349-15.1 take effect when the order to comply is served on the person to whom it is directed. E. A hearing shall be held pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Powers and Procedures Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter S.22, as amended in the time, date and place set out in the order to comply. F. The Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal is established in accordance with the Governance Structure of the City of Toronto's Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal approved by City Council. G. Hearings under § 349-16 shall be heard by a panel comprised of a minimum of three members from the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal. § 349-17. Guard dogs. A. Without limiting any other section of this chapter, no person shall use or permit the use of a guard dog at any premises unless a notice containing a warning that a guard dog is present is clearly and conspicuously posted at every entrance to the premises. B. For the purposes of Subsection A, such notice shall include a contact number for the owner. § 349-18. Removal of excrement. [Amended 2022-07-22 by By-law 1065-2022] A. Every owner of a dog shall immediately remove excrement left by the dog on property anywhere within the City other than the property of the owner. B. Every owner of a dog shall remove excrement left by the dog on the property of the owner within 24 hours. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-19 March 22, 2024 § 349-18.1. Purpose. Without limiting the purpose and intent of this Article, this Article is enacted by the City in order to promote public safety and to protect the wellbeing of animals and members of the public. § 349-18.2. Transition. A. Where a dangerous act occurs prior to March 1, 2017, the requirements and provisions of any by-law applicable on that date shall continue to apply with respect to that dangerous act. B. Where a dangerous act occurs on or after March 1, 2017, the requirements and conditions of § 349-15 to § 349-15.1 shall apply. C. Despite Subsections A and B, a dangerous act which occurred prior to March 1, 2017 shall constitute a dangerous act on record with the City for the purpose of any subsequent dangerous act under this Article. ARTICLE V Cats § 349-19. Registration; licence tags. Every owner of a cat shall: A. Have registered the cat with the Executive Director, paid a licence fee in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, and acquired a licence tag, including the payment of a licence fee in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, for the cat. B. Until ceasing to be the owner of the cat, renew a licence for the cat prior to the expiration of each licence issued for the cat. C. Keep the cat licence tag securely fixed at all times on the cat for which the licence tag is issued. D. Pay a licence tag replacement fee specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, in the event the licence tag issued for the cat is lost. E. Despite anything to the contrary in this chapter, the owner of a cat which is a service animal shall not be required to meet the requirements of this section with regards to that service animal. [Added 2016-11-09 by By-law 1068-2016] § 349-20. Seizure and impoundment. The Executive Director may seize and impound any cat found at large where: TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-20 March 22, 2024 A. In the opinion of the Executive Director, the cat is causing damage or is creating a nuisance; or B. In the opinion of the Executive Director, the cat is in distress, injured or ill. § 349-21. Impoundment; redemption; fees. A. Where, in the opinion of the Executive Director, a cat seized under § 349-20 is injured or ill and should be euthanized without delay for humane reasons or safety of persons, the cat may be euthanized by the Executive Director without permitting any person to reclaim the cat. B. Where the Executive Director has taken possession of a cat under § 349-20, it shall be impounded for a minimum period of three days from the time of its impoundment, exclusive of the day on which the cat was impounded, and days on which the animal centre is closed, during which time the owner shall be entitled to redeem the cat. C. If the cat is not redeemed within the time period referred to in Subsection B, the cat shall become the property of the City and the City may: (1) provide for the adoption of the cat for a fee in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges; (2) transfer ownership of the cat; or (3) euthanize the cat. D. Where the Executive Director has taken possession of a cat or has impounded it under § 349-20, a per diem impoundment fee shall be paid to the Executive Director in advance of redeeming the cat by the owner in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges and the owner shall ensure the cat is identified with a microchip. E. Where the Executive Director has taken possession of a cat and has impounded it under § 349-20 and it is injured or ill and receives veterinary care necessary for the well-being of the cat, the Executive Director shall, in addition to any amount charged pursuant to Subsection D, be entitled to charge the person claiming the cat under this article the cost of the veterinary care to the Executive Director. ARTICLE VI Feral Cats, Trap Neuter Return Program § 349-22. Feral Cats. A. The Executive Director may operate a trap, neuter, return program in respect of any feral cat or feral cat colony and maintain a record of the feral cat's sterilization. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-21 March 22, 2024 B. Any feral cat may be spayed or neutered by the Executive Director and subsequently released. C. Where, in the opinion of the Executive Director, a feral cat is injured or ill and should be euthanized without delay for humane reasons, the feral cat may be so euthanized. ARTICLE VII Spay/Neuter Clinics § 349-23. Previously established clinics continued; supervision; requirements for spaying and neutering. A. Clinics established for spaying or neutering dogs and cats are referred to as "City Spay/Neuter Clinics". B. City Spay/Neuter Clinics shall be operated under the control and supervision of the Executive Director. C. Subject to § 349-22B, no dog or cat shall be spayed or neutered at a clinic unless: (1) The dog or cat is owned by a resident of the City; (2) The dog or cat is the property of the City; or (3) The dog or cat has been adopted from a City animal centre. § 349-24. Fees. A. Where a dog or cat is spayed or neutered, a fee shall be paid to the Executive Director in advance of the spaying or neutering being performed in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges. B. Despite Subsection A, an additional fee in the amount specified in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, payable in advance of redeeming the cat or dog may be charged if the spay or neuter surgery was complicated by the physical condition, including pregnancy, of the dog or cat. ARTICLE VIII Pigeons § 349-25. Pigeons to be kept on owner's property. A. No person keeping pigeons shall permit the pigeons to perch, roost or rest upon lands, premises or buildings of any person or upon any public place in the City, except on the property of the person keeping the pigeons. [Amended 2022-07-22 by By-law 1065- 2022] TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-22 March 22, 2024 B. No person shall keep more than the following number of pigeons on any property within the City: [Added 2022-07-22 by By-law 1065-202216] (1) 30 pigeons from and including November 1 of one year to and including March 31 of the subsequent year; or (2) 50 pigeons from and including April 1 to and including October 31 in any year. ARTICLE IX Fees § 349-26. Additional services. A. Additional fee schedules for services provided by the Executive Director are set out in Chapter 441, Fees and Charges. ARTICLE X Offences, Entry to Inspect17 § 349-27. Offences. A. Every person who contravenes any provision of this chapter is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of no more than $100,000. B. Every person who contravenes any provision of this chapter may be liable, in addition to the fine provided for in Subsections A, D or E or a combination of the foregoing, every person who gains an economic advantage or economic gain from contravening this chapter shall be liable to a special fine in an amount equal to the fair market value of the economic advantage or economic gain so obtained from the contravention. C. In addition to offences referred to in Subsection A, every person is guilty of an offence under this chapter who: (1) Hinders or obstructs or attempts to hinder or obstruct any person exercising a power or performing a duty under this chapter; (2) Neglects or refuses to produce or provide any information or thing to any person acting pursuant to an order made under section 378 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006; 16 Editor's Note: Section 349-25B was added by Section 1I of By-law 1065-2022, which came into force on December 1, 2022. 17 Editor's Note: Previous Article X, Offences, was deleted and replaced by a new Article by By-law 102-2017. This new Article came into force March 1, 2017. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-23 March 22, 2024 (3) Knowingly makes, participates in, assents to or acquiesces in the provision of false information in a statement, affidavit, application or other document prepared, submitted or filed under this chapter. D. Each offence in Subsection C is designated as a continuing offence and is subject to, for each day or part of a day that the offence continues, a fine of no more than $10,000. The total of all of the daily fines imposed for each offence may exceed $100,000. E. Where a corporation contravenes any of the provisions of this chapter, every director or officer who concurs in such contravention is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of no more than $25,000. F. Each offence is designated as a continuing offence and is subject to, for each day or part of a day that the offence continues a maximum fine of no more than $10,000. The total of all of the daily fines imposed for each offence may exceed $100,000. § 349-27.1. Entry to inspect. A. In accordance with section 376 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, an officer may enter upon land within the City at any reasonable time for the purpose of carrying out inspections to determine whether the following are being complied with: (1) this chapter; or (2) a notice or order issued in accordance with this chapter. B. For the purposes of an inspection under Subsection A, an officer may: (1) Require, for inspection, the production of documents or things relevant to the inspection; (2) Inspect and remove documents or things relevant to the inspection for the purpose of making copies or extracts of them; (3) Require information from any person concerning a matter related to the inspection; (4) Be accompanied by such person or persons as the officer determines is necessary if such person or persons possesses special or expert knowledge related to the purpose of the inspection; and (5) Make examinations or take tests, samples or photographs necessary for the purposes of the inspection. § 349-27.2. Toronto Police Service. This chapter does not apply to the Toronto Police Service. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-24 March 22, 2024 § 349-27.3. Orders to comply. [Added 2022-07-22 by By-law 1065-2022] A. An officer who finds a contravention of this Chapter may make one or more orders requiring discontinuance of the contravening activity or to do work to correct the contravention under section 384 or 385 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006. B. An order may be of immediate effect should the Executive Director determine that a delay would result in circumstances that endanger the health or safety of any person, animal, or similarly serious consequences. C. An order or any other notice or document may be served: (1) personally on the person to whom it is directed; (2) by registered mail to the last known address of that person, in which case it shall be deemed to have been given on the third day after it is mailed; or (3) by email, at any email address determined by the Executive Director to be related to the person, in which case it shall be deemed to have been given on the day it is emailed. D. If there is evidence that a person is not the registered property owner or occupant of land which is the subject of the order, the order or any other notice or document may be served on both the registered property owner or occupant and the person. E. If the address of the person is unknown, the City is unable to effect service on the person under Subsection C, or the delay necessary to serve an order or any other notice or document under Subsection C would result in circumstances that endanger the health or safety of any person, animal, or similarly serious consequences, a placard stating the terms of the order and placed in a conspicuous place upon or near to land within the City shall be deemed to be sufficient notice to the registered property owner or occupant of that land. § 349-27.4. Remedial action. [Added 2022-07-22 by By-law 1065-2022] If a person fails to comply with an order to do work to correct a contravention of this Chapter, the Executive Director, or persons acting upon their instructions, may enter the lands at any reasonable time for the purposes of doing the things described in the order at the person's expense. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-25 March 22, 2024 ARTICLE XI Conflicting Provisions § 349-28. Conflicting by-laws. Where this chapter conflicts with any other by-laws respecting animals, this chapter prevails to the extent of the conflict. TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-26 March 22, 2024 Schedule A Prohibited Animals MAMMALS Artiodactyla (such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs) Canidae (such as coyotes, wolves, foxes, hybrid wolf dogs) except dogs Chiroptera (bats such as fruit bats, myotis, flying foxes) Edentates (such as anteaters, sloths, armadillos) Felidae (such as tigers, leopards, cougars) except cats Hyaenidae (such as hyenas) Lagomorpha (such as hares, pikas) except rabbits Marsupials (such as kangaroos, opossums, wallabies) except sugar gliders derived from self-sustaining captive populations Mustelidae (such as mink, skunks, weasels, otters, badgers) except ferrets Non-human primates (such as chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, lemurs) Perissodactyla (such as horses, donkeys, jackasses, mules) Proboscidae (elephants) Procyonidae (such as coatimundi, cacomistles) Rodentia (such as porcupines and prairie dogs) except rodents which do not exceed 1,500 grams and are derived from self-sustaining captive populations Ursidae (bears) Viverridae (such as mongooses, civets, genets) BIRDS [Amended 2017-10-04 by By-law 1048-2017] Anseriformes (such as ducks, geese, swans, screamers) Galliformes (such as pheasants, grouse, guinea fowls, turkeys) Gruiformes (such as cranes, rails) Phoenicopteriformes (such as flamingos) Sphenisciformes (such as penguins) Struthioniformes (flightless ratites such as ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, emus, kiwis) REPTILES Crocodylia (such as alligators, crocodiles, gavials) All snakes which reach an adult length larger than 3 metres All lizards which reach an adult length larger than 2 metres OTHER All venomous and poisonous animals TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS 349-27 March 22, 2024 Schedule B Reserved18 18 Editor's Note: By-law 422-2023, enacted on May 15, 2023, deleted Schedule B, Zones for Hens Pilot Project.