This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot d1cd3cc6af46 · verified 2026-10-25 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
-1-
THE CITY OF VAUGHAN
BY-LAW
ANIMAL CONTROL
(Consolidated Version - Enacted as By-law 066-2020)
Last consolidated on April 10, 2025. City of Vaughan by-laws
are provided online for convenient public reference. By-laws
are consolidated on an ongoing basis, but recent amendments
may not be reflected in the latest consolidated version. Check
the Amendment History to get a complete listing of all pertinent
regulations. For further information contact the Office of the
Director and Chief Licensing Officer.
A By-law to regulate the keeping of animals in the City of Vaughan, including
provisions for animal identification
WHEREAS the Municipal Act, the Dog Owners' Liability Act, the Pounds Act, the Animals
for Research Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and the Protection of Livestock and
Poultry from Dogs Act contain provisions enabling municipalities to regulate and identify
animals;
AND WHEREAS paragraph 9 of subsection 10(2) of the Municipal Act provides that a
municipality may pass by-laws respecting animals;
AND WHEREAS paragraph 9 of subsection 11(3) of the Municipal Act provides that a
lower-tier municipality may pass by-laws respecting animals;
AND WHEREAS Section 103 of the Municipal Act confers the power upon a municipality
to pass a by-law to provide for the seizure and impounding of animals being at large or
trespassing and the sale of impounded animals under certain conditions;
AND WHEREAS subsection 105(1) of the Municipal Act requires Council or a Committee
of Council or an animal services officer of the municipality to hold a hearing on whether
to exempt an owner in whole or in part from muzzling requirements of a dog, when so
requested by the dog owner;
AND WHEREAS subsection 434.1(1) of the Municipal Act provides that the treasurer of
a local municipality may add the administrative penalty to the tax roll for any property in
the local municipality for which all of the owners are responsible for paying the
administrative penalty, and collect it in the same manner as municipal taxes; and,
AND WHEREAS subsection 434.2(2) of the Municipal Act provides that a municipality
may require a person to pay an administrative penalty if the municipality is satisfied that
a person has failed to comply with a by-law of the municipality passed under the Municipal
Act; and,
AND WHEREAS Section 436 of the Municipal Act provides that a municipality has the
power to pass by-laws providing that the municipality may enter on land at any reasonable
time for the purpose of carrying out an inspection to determine compliance with a by-law;
and,
AND WHEREAS Section 444 of the Municipal Act provides that a municipality may make
an order requiring a Person who contravened a 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; and
AND WHEREAS Section 445 of the Municipal Act provides that a municipality may make
an order requiring the Person who contravened the 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.
-2-
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the City of Vaughan deems it desirable
to establish regulations that support humane treatment for animals;
NOW THEREFORE, The Council of The Corporation of The City of Vaughan ENACTS
AS FOLLOWS:
Table of Contents
1.0 Authority and Short Title ......................................................................................... 3
2.0 Applicability and Scope .......................................................................................... 3
3.0 Definitions and Interpretation ................................................................................. 3
4.0 Licensing of Dogs .................................................................................................... 7
5.0 Licensing of Cats .................................................................................................... 7
6.0 Control of Animals .................................................................................................. 8
7.0 Number of Animals ................................................................................................. 8
8.0 Care of Animals ...................................................................................................... 9
9.0
Dogs on Commercial or Industrial Property ...................................................... 10
10.0 Biting and Menacing Dogs ................................................................................. 10
11.0 Pit Bulls ............................................................................................................... 11
12.0 Excrement ........................................................................................................... 12
13.0 Excessive Barking .............................................................................................. 12
14.0 Seizure and Impoundment ................................................................................. 12
15.0 Protective Care .................................................................................................... 12
16.0 Pigeons................................................................................................................ 13
17.0 Prohibited Animals ............................................................................................. 14
18.0 Unattended Animals ........................................................................................... 15
19.0 Securing Animals in Vehicles ............................................................................ 16
20.0 Pet Shops ............................................................................................................ 16
21.0 Wildlife ................................................................................................................. 16
22.0 Animal Traps ....................................................................................................... 17
23.0 Livestock Disposal .............................................................................................. 17
24.0 Enforcement and Right of Access ..................................................................... 17
25.0 Administrative Penalties ..................................................................................... 18
26.0 Fines ..................................................................................................................... 18
27.0 Recovery of Expenses ......................................................................................... 18
-3-
28.0 Repeal and Amendment of Other By-laws ........................................................ 18
28.1 Designated By-law .............................................................................................. 19
29.0 Force and Effect ................................................................................................. 19
SCHEDULE "A" ......................................................................................................................... 20
1.0 Authority and Short Title
(1) The By-law shall be known and referenced as the "Animal Control By-law."
2.0 Applicability and Scope
(1)
This By-law applies to all Animals within the City.
(2)
Where there is a conflict or contradiction between this By-law and any other by-law
of the City or regulations of Regional Municipality of York, Province of Ontario or
other Governmental Entity the provisions establishing the higher standard shall
prevail.
3.0 Definitions and Interpretation
(1) In this By-law, unless the context otherwise requires, words imparting the singular
number shall include the plural, and words imparting the masculine gender shall
include the feminine and further, the converse of the foregoing also applies where
the context requires.
(2) Wherever a word is used in this By-law with its first letter capitalized and the whole
word italicized, the term is being used as it is defined in 3.0(4) of this By-law. Where
any word appears in ordinary case, the commonly applied English language meaning
is intended.
(3) Any reference to a statute, regulation, by-law or other legislation shall include such
statute, regulation, by-law or legislation as amended, re-enacted, replaced, or
superseded. [Added by section 1.(b) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(4) In this By-law:
"Abandoned Animal" means an Animal that:
(a) is found unattended in Unoccupied Premises; or
(b) is left for more than 24 hours without adequate food or water or shelter; or
(c)
if a person agreed to care for the Animal, is not retrieved from that person within 4
days following the end of that agreement;
"Animal" means all species of fauna excluding humans and aquatic invertebrates;
"Animal Services Officer" means:
(a) Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officers;
(b) Animal Services Manager(s) or Supervisor(s); and
(c)
any other person authorized by the Director, such as persons under
contract to or appointed by the City; [Amended by section 1.(e) of By-
law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
"Administrative Penalties By-law" refers to the City Administrative Penalties By-law
240-2024; [Amended by section 1.(h) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
"At Large" means to be found straying in any place other than the Owner's
property;
"Attack" means an assault resulting in bleeding, bone breakage, sprains, serious
bruising, multiple injuries, serious injury or death;
"Attractants" means any substance which could be reasonably expected to attract
-4-
a Wild Animal or Animals or does attract Wild Animals, Stray, feral or Abandoned
Animals;
"Bite" means the breaking, puncturing or bruising of the skin of a person or an
Animal, caused by a tooth or teeth of a Dog, with "Bitten" having a corresponding
meaning;
"Biting Dog" means a Dog which, without a Mitigating Factor, has Attacked, Bitten,
or caused physical injury to a person or an Animal;
"Business Day" means any working day (Monday to Friday inclusive) excluding
statutory and other holidays;
"Business Licensing By-law" refers to the City's Business Licensing By-law
122-2022; [Added by section 1. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.]
[Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
"Cat" means a feline of the species Felis catus;
"City" means The Corporation of the City of Vaughan;
"Commercial Dog Walker Licence" means an authorization obtained pursuant to
the Business Licensing By-law; [Amended by section 2. of By-law 027-2024 on
February 21, 2024.] [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25,
2025]
"Control" means the act of preventing an Animal from creating a hazard to any
person or domestic Animal or damage to property;
"Custody" means temporary or permanent possession of an Animal, with
"Custodian" having a corresponding meaning;
"Director" means the Director of By-law & Compliance, Licensing & Permit
Services of the City of Vaughan, or his or her designate;
"Distress" means the state of being in need of proper care, water, food or shelter or
being injured, sick or in pain, suffering, or being abused or subject to undue or
unnecessary hardship, privation or neglect;
"Disturb" means to intentionally or unintentionally change the conditions which
interfere with the normal living of Wildlife, and for greater certainty shall include
Harassment and any other actions, such as taking photographs or being too close
to a Wildlife Animal's habitat, that may interfere with such Wildlife Animal's normal
living behaviour patterns; [Added by section 6. of By-law 087-2022 on May 17,
2022.]
"Dog" means a canine of the species Canis familiaris;
"Dwelling Unit" means a room or suite of two (2) or more rooms designed or
intended for residential use by a person or persons in which culinary and sanitary
conveniences are provided for the exclusive use of such person or persons;
"Enclosure" means an enclosed place for the keeping of Animals and includes but
is not limited to bird lofts, bird cages, Pigeon coops, dog runs, dog pens,
doghouses, rabbit hutches, catteries and reptile tanks; however, it does not include
a rear yard of a residential property where fencing has been erected on or along
the property lines for the purposes of enclosing, in whole or in part, the rear yard
itself;
"Extreme Weather" means a cold warning, heat warning or other weather
warning alert issued by Environment Canada for weather in the City of Vaughan,
including but not limited to, extreme cold or hot weather, snowstorms, freezing
rain, heavy rainfall, hurricanes, tornadoes and/or strong winds;
"Fees and Charges By-law" refers to the City's Fees and Charges By-law 224-
2023; [Added by section 1. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.]
[Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
"Governmental Entity" means the government of a jurisdiction, any political
subdivision of a jurisdiction, such as a federal, provincial, or municipal body,
-5-
performing a function of the government;
"Guide Dog" means a Dog trained and certified for a guide for the blind, hearing
impaired, or other handicap, and used as such;
"Harass" or "Harassment" means to engage in any act which demonstrates a
disregard for the well-being of, creates the likelihood of injury to, or disrupts normal
behavior patterns of Wildlife, such as feeding, watering, resting, and breeding. Such
acts include, but are not limited to, approaching, chasing, pursuing, herding, or
attempting to take Wildlife; [Added by section 7. of By-law 027-2024 on May 17,
2022.]
"Kennel" has the same meaning as in the Business Licensing By-law; [Amended by
section 2. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by section 1.(c) of
By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
"Leash" means a restraining device attached to the collar or harness worn by a
Dog, is of sufficient strength to restrain the Dog;
"Leg Hold Trap" means devices that are designed to capture an Animal for
which they are set by the leg or the foot;
"Licence" means a licence issued pursuant to this By-law;
"Live Trap" means any box, cage or other structure which can trap and hold an
Animal without injuring it;
"Menace" means any intimidating, aggressive or threatening behaviour towards any
person or Animal, without a Mitigating factor, including but not limited to making
physical contact, approaching, chasing, growling or snarling, and "Menacing" has a
corresponding meaning;
"Microchip" means an approved universal encoded identification device implanted
into an Animal, which contains a unique code that permits or facilitates access to
Owner information, including the name and address of the Owner of the Animal;
"Mitigating Factor" means any activity which, in the opinion of the Animal Services
Officer acting in his or her absolute discretion, may be expected to cause a Dog to
Bite or Menace a person, Dog or other Animal engaging in such activity;
"Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer" means a person appointed as a Municipal
By-law Enforcement Officer, pursuant to section 15 of the Police Services Act,
R.S.O. 1990, c. P.15 or section 55 of the Community Safety and Policing Act,
2019, S.O. 2019, c. 1, Sched. 1, to enforce the provisions of this By-law; [Added by
section 1.(f) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
"Muzzle" means a basket-style covering device over the mouth of a Dog that is
humane and 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;
"Order" means an Order made under this By-law;
"Owner" means any person who possesses or harbors an Animal, and where the
Owner is a minor, the person responsible for the custody of the minor, and
includes a person who is temporarily the Custodian of the Animal and the word
"owns" and "owned" has a similar meaning;
"Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS)" means the Chief Animal Welfare
Inspector or his or her designate, including deputy Chief Animal Welfare Inspector
or another animal welfare inspector with delegated authorities;
"Pet Grooming Establishment" has the same meaning as in the Business
Licensing By-law; [Amended by section 2. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.]
[Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
"Pet Shop" has the same meaning as in the Business Licensing By-law;
[Amended by section 2. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.]
[Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
-6-
"Pigeon" means any bird within the family Columbidae, which also includes
doves;
"Pit bull" means:
(a) a pit bull terrier;
(b) a Staffordshire bull terrier;
(c)
an American Staffordshire terrier;
(d) a Dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially
similar to those of Dogs referred to in clauses (i) to (iv);
"Premises" means any land, building, structure, place or part thereof and, in a
multiple occupancy premises, each single occupancy shall be considered separate
premises;
"Private Property" means any property that is privately owned and is not owned by
the City, the Regional Municipality of York, a Local Board, the Crown in Right of
Ontario, the Crown in the Right of Canada, or any emanations thereof; [Added by
section 5. of By-law 087-2022 on May 17, 2022.]
"Protective Care" means the temporary Custody of an Animal by the City, as a result
of an eviction, incarceration, medical or fire emergency or any other situation that
the Director deems appropriate;
"Public Lands" means lands owned by the City, and shall include but not be limited
to the boulevard, any highway, lane, alley, square, place, viaduct or trestle, water
way or bridge, park, woodland, greenbelt, storm water management facility, open
space, municipal golf course or cemetery, and all parts thereof, including any
surface, grassed area, boulevard, ditch, curb, gutter and sidewalk, but does not
include property owned by the Regional, Provincial, Federal Government, a Crown
Corporation, Hydro, Utility or Railway Company; [Added by section 4. of By-law 087-
2022 on May 17, 2022.]
"Relocate" means to remove an Animal outside the Owner's property on which it was
trapped, unless under the direction of Vaughan Animal Services;
"Reside" means to live in the City for more than thirty (30) days, and "Residency"
has a corresponding meaning;
"Restrained" means being kept securely confined either inside a building or house
or in an Enclosure of sufficient dimension and strength to be humane and to prevent
a Dog from coming in contact with persons other than the Owner of the Dog;
"Sanitary" means a condition that does not result in an accumulation of fecal matter,
odour, insect infestation, or rodent Attractants, or which may endanger the health of
any person or Animal;
"Self-Sustaining" means an Animal population that is viable in captivity without
further genetic influence from the wild;
"Senior Citizen" means a person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older;
"Service Animal" means an Animal identifiable by a harness and 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;
"Stray" means a domestic Animal that is wandering At Large or is lost;
"Tag" means a registration disc or other shape of metal or plastic issued by the
City and suitable to be securely fixed on a Dog or Cat;
"Tether" means a rope or chain or similar restraining device that prevents an Animal
from moving beyond a localized area, with "Tethered" and "Tethering" having a
corresponding meaning;
"Topper" means an enclosed compartment when coupled with a cargo bed of a
-7-
vehicle;
"Unoccupied" means Premises that do not appear to be used on a regular basis;
"Valid Rabies Certificate" means an up to date certificate issued by a licensed
veterinarian, certifying that the Dog or Cat has been immunized and verifying that it
will be current on the date of application for a Licence or renewal Licence;
"Visually Impaired" means a person to whom an identification card has been issued
by the Attorney General or an officer of his or her Ministry, pursuant to the provisions
of the Blind Persons' Rights Act;
"Wild Animal" or "Wildlife" means an Animal that belongs to a species that is wild by
nature, and includes game wildlife and specially protected wildlife, in line with the
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 41;
"Zoning By-law" refers to the City's Zoning By-law 001-2021. [Added by section 1. of
By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-
2025 on February 25, 2025]
4.0 Licensing of Dogs
(1)
Every Owner of a Dog, who Resides in the City, shall:
(a)
have his or her Dog Licensed;
(b)
upon application for a Licence and Tag, submit a Valid Rabies Certificate;
(c)
pay the applicable non-refundable fee, as set out in the Fees and Charges By-
law. [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
[Amended by section 3. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.]
[Amended by section 6. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.]
(2)
Notwithstanding the fees referred to in the Fees and Charges By-law, the Owner of
a Dog who is reliant upon a Service Animal shall not be required to pay the Licence
fee. [Amended by section 3. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.] [Amended
by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(3)
The Owner of every Dog having obtained a Licence and Tag for each Dog, as
required by this By-law shall:
(a)
keep the Tag securely fixed at all times on the Dog for which the Tag was
issued;
(b)
pay a Tag replacement fee specified in the Fees and Charges By-law, in the
event the Tag issued for the Dog is lost; [Amended by section 3. of By-law
027-2024 on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-
2025 on February 25, 2025]
(c)
not transfer the Licence and Tag issued to any other person or Dog.
(4)
Every Dog Licence issued pursuant to this By-law shall expire annually on the
anniversary date of the original date of issuance.
(5)
Any person knowingly giving false information when applying for the Licence
shall be in breach of this By-law.
(6)
An Owner of a Dog, who fails to provide a proof of Licence for any preceding
years of ownership of a Dog, for which the Dog Resided in the City, shall be
required to pay a fee for each of these years prior to obtaining a Licence for the
current year.
5.0 Licensing of Cats
(1)
Every Owner of a Cat, who Resides in the City, shall:
(a)
obtain from the City a Licence and Tag for such Cat;
(b)
upon application for a Licence and Tag, submit a Valid Rabies
Certificate;
(c)
obtain a Tag for each Cat, as required by this By-law, shall:
-8-
(i)
keep the Tag securely fixed at all times on the Cat for which the Tag is
issued;
(ii)
pay a Tag replacement fee specified in the Fees and Charges By-law,
in the event the Tag issued for the Cat is lost; [Amended by section 3.
of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by section 1.(c)
of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(iii)
not transfer the Licence and Tag issued to any other person or Cat.
(d)
pay the applicable non-refundable fee, as set out in the Fees and Charges
By-law. [Added by section 7. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.]
(2)
Every Cat Licence issued pursuant to this By-law shall expire annually on the
anniversary date of the original date of issuance.
(3)
An Owner of a Cat, who fails to provide a proof of Licence for any
preceding years of ownership of a Cat, for which the Cat Resided in the City,
shall be required to pay a fee for each of these years prior to obtaining a
Licence for the current year.
6.0 Control of Animals
(1)
No person shall allow his or her Animal to be At Large in the City or to trespass on
any Public Lands or Private Property. [Amended by sections 9. and 10. of By-law
087-2022 on May 17, 2022.]
(2)
For the purpose of this Part, a Dog shall not be considered to be At Large if the Dog
is within a City designated off-leash zone and the Owner or Custodian of the Dog
has accompanied the Dog into the off-leash zone.
(3)
No person shall enter or be in a public park with a Dog unless the Dog is on a Leash.
(4)
Every Owner or Custodian shall have Control of his or her Dog at all times.
(5)
No person shall allow his or her Dog to be off-leash, except in
accordance with section sections 6.0(2) and 6.0(6).
(6)
Every Owner or Custodian of a Dog shall comply with the following
provisions when in an off-leash zone:
(a)
no Dog under the age of four months is permitted;
(b)
no Dog shall be left unattended;
(c)
Owners or Custodians of Dogs must carry a Leash for each Dog at all times;
(d)
no person shall have more than three (3) Dogs per visit;
(e)
no person shall bring any Biting or Menacing Dog or Pit bull;
(f)
Dogs shall be spayed or neutered.
7.0 Number of Animals
(1)
No person shall have Custody of more than three (3) Dogs in any single Premises.
(2)
No person shall have Custody of more than three (3) Cats in any single Premises.
(3)
Notwithstanding Section 7.0 (1) and 7.0 (2), a person may have Custody of more
than the prescribed number of Dogs and Cats provided the person has obtained a
Licence for operating a Kennel, Pet Grooming Establishment, or Pet Shop, subject
to the provisions of the Business Licensing By-law and the Zoning By-law.
[Amended by section 2. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.]
[Amended by section 4. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.]
[Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(4)
Notwithstanding Section 7.0 (1) and 7.0 (2), a person authorized by a Commercial
Dog Walker Licence may have Control of up to six (6) Dogs simultaneously, except
within an off-leash zone.
8.0 Care of Animals
-9-
(1)
Every person who has Custody or harbours an Animal in the City shall provide the
Animal, or cause it to be provided with food, water, exercise, light, attention and
veterinary care as may be required to keep the Animal in good health.
(2)
Every Owner or Custodian of a Dog, Cat, or ferret three months of age or over shall
ensure that the Dog, Cat, or ferret has current rabies vaccination in accordance
with R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 567, RABIES IMMUNIZATION, as amended, or its
successor regulations.
(3)
Every Owner or Custodian of a horse, cow, bull, steer, calf or sheep shall ensure
that each such Animal has current rabies vaccination in accordance with R.R.O.
1990, Regulation 567, RABIES IMMUNIZATION. [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-
law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(4)
Any building, structure, Enclosure, pen or run, whether open or completely
enclosed, regardless of whether it is located indoors or outdoors, used or intended
to be used for the keeping of Animals shall be:
(a)
kept in a Sanitary condition;
(b)
weatherproof;
(c)
in good state of repair;
(d)
air ventilated;
(e)
insulated;
(f)
such that the Animal contained there would not be harmed, and its health
would not be negatively affected for the reason of being placed in such an
Enclosure;
(g)
not exposed to noxious odours and sounds;
(h)
escape-proof, with the exception of doghouses that are contained within a
secure Enclosure.
(5)
Every reptile, fish, and amphibian shall be provided with an enclosed
environment adequate for the needs of the species.
(6)
Every Animal contained in an Enclosure shall be readily observable unless
the natural habits of the Animal require otherwise.
(7)
Any Enclosure shall be of a size and in a condition such that the Animal may:
(a)
extend its legs, wings, and body to a full natural extent;
(b)
stand, sit, perch, turn around and lie down.
(8)
No person shall allow an Animal to remain outdoors during Extreme Weather, except
for brief walks or brief periods of exercise, unless the Animal has access to an
Enclosure that will adequately protect the Animal from the elements.
(9)
No person in the City shall keep an Animal on a Tether that is less than 3 metres in
length.
(10) Every person who has Tethered an Animal shall ensure that the Animal:
(a)
has unobstructed movement within the range of the Tether; and
(b)
shall not suffer an injury resulting from the Tether.
(11) Despite Sections 8.0 (7) and 8.0 (8), no person shall keep an Animal Tethered:
(a)
where a choke collar, choke chain, pronged collar or any similar device
forms part of the Tether; or
(b)
by tying a rope, chain, or cord directly around the Animal's neck.
(12) No person shall leave an Animal unattended while Tethered.
(13) The Animal shall have access to water and shelter while Tethered.
(14) Every person who has the Custody or Control of an unspayed female Dog or Cat
shall, during each period that the Dog or Cat is in heat, keep it confined so that it
will not attract other Animals.
-10-
(15) No person shall permit or cause his or her Animal to be Abandoned.
(16) No person shall permit or cause an Animal to be in Distress.
(17) No person shall sell or accept money for adoption of Animals, except for licensed Pet
Shops or in Kennels where breeding takes place.
9.0 Dogs on Commercial or Industrial Property
(1)
No person shall use or permit the use of a Dog on any commercial or industrial
property unless a notice containing a warning that a Dog is present is clearly and
conspicuously posted at every entrance to the Premises.
(2)
For the purposes of Section 9.0 (1), such notice shall be of no less than 600cm²
and include a contact number for the Owner or Custodian who may be reached at
any time.
10.0 Biting and Menacing Dogs
(1)
No Owner shall permit or cause his or her Dog to Menace, Bite or Attack a person
or an Animal.
(2)
Where the Director is informed upon complaint or receives notification from another
municipality regarding a Biting or Menacing Dog and confirms that a Dog is a Biting
Dog or a Menacing Dog, the Director may serve an Order upon the Dog Owner
requiring the Owner to comply with any or all of the following provisions:
(a)
keep a Muzzle and a Leash on the Dog at all times, including when it is on
the Premises of the Owner, with the exception of when it is within an
Enclosure or within the Owner's Dwelling Unit;
(b)
keep the Dog Restrained when it is on the Premises of the Owner so as to
prevent the Dog to go beyond the boundaries of the Premises or certain
portions of the Premises;
(c)
only permit certain persons to have care and Control of the Dog
when off the Premises of the Owner;
(d)
have a Microchip implanted in the Dog and proof of the implantation provided
to the Director within 14 days; every Owner of an Animal that is implanted
with a Microchip shall ensure that the Owner's name and contact information,
which is accessible from the code in the Microchip, is kept current;
(e)
have the Dog sterilized and proof of the sterilization provided to the
Director;
(f)
provide an immunization record of the Dog to the Director;
(g)
post a "Beware of Dog" sign at the entrance of the Premises of the
Owner in a conspicuous place;
(h)
prohibit the breeding of the Dog;
(i)
notify the Director wit-h1i 0n - 48 hours of any changes to the
Residency or ownership of the Dog;
(j)
notify the Director within 48 hours of the death of the Dog; and
(k)
comply with any other requirement prescribed by the Director to protect
the public interest.
(3)
An Order shall include a statement that the Owner of the Dog may appeal the Muzzle
requirement to the Hearings Officer.
(4)
An Order may be served on the Owner personally, but where the Order cannot be
served personally, the Order may be served:
(a)
in person to an individual who represents him or herself, or appears, to be at
least 18 years of age on the Owner's property;
(b)
by posting it in a conspicuous place upon some part of the Owner's property
and by sending a copy by ordinary mail, which shall be deemed to have been
-11-
served on the 7th day after mailing; or
(c)
by sending it by prepaid registered mail to the Owner at the address where
he or she Resides, where it shall be deemed to have been served on the 5th
day after mailing.
(5)
The Owner of a Dog may appeal a Muzzle requirement of an Order to the Hearings
Officer by making a request in writing to the Director and paying the applicable
appeal fee, as prescribed by the Fees and Charges By-law within 15 days of being
served with the Order. Where the Owner does not request an appeal, the Muzzle
requirement of an Order is final and binding. [Amended by section 3. of By-law 027-
2024 on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on
February 25, 2025]
(6)
A request for an appeal does not act as a stay of the Muzzle requirement of an
Order.
(7)
Upon receipt of the appeal request, the Director shall convene a hearing before the
Hearings Officer and shall give the Owner of the Dog at least five (5) Business Days
written notice of the hearing.
(8)
The Hearings Officer shall conduct the appeal pursuant to the Statutory Powers
and Procedures Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.22. [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law
049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(9)
The Hearings Officer may confirm, vary, or rescind the Muzzle requirement of an
Order.
(10) The Hearings Officer shall provide a decision to the Director and the Owner of the
Dog within 7 days of the hearing.
(11) The decision of the Hearings Officer is final and binding.
(12) No person shall fail to comply with an Order.
(13) If the Owner is unable or unwilling to meet the requirements of the Order, the Owner
is required to surrender such Dog into the care and Control of the Director for
humane euthanasia.
11.0 Pit Bulls
(1)
No person shall have a Custody of a Pit Bull except as permitted in the Dog
Owners' Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16 and/or the Animals for Research Act,
R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22 and any related statutes or regulations. [Amended by
section 1.(c) of By-law 162- 2020 on November 17, 2020.] [Amended by section
1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(2)
Any Dog that is a Pit bull as defined in this By-law that was owned in Ontario
on August 29, 2005 or was born before the end of the 90-day period
beginning August 29, 2005 is a restricted Pit bull in accordance with the Dog
Owners' Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16, and any related statutes or
regulations. [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(3)
Every Owner of a restricted Pit bull shall ensure compliance with the requirements
set out in the Dog Owners' Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16 and any related
statutes or regulations. [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February
25, 2025]
(4)
Every Owner of a restricted Pit bull shall have a Microchip implanted in the Dog
and proof of the implantation provided to the Director within 14 days; every Owner
of an Animal that is implanted with a Microchip shall ensure that the Owner's name
and contact information, which is accessible from the code in the Microchip, is kept
current.
12.0 Excrement
(1) Any person who owns any Animal shall forthwith clean up and dispose of any
excrement left by said Animal on any Public Lands or Private Property. [Amended
by sections 9. and 10. of By-law 087-2022 on May 17, 2022.]
-12-
13.0 Excessive Barking
(1) No Owner or Custodian of a Dog shall allow his or her Dog to bark, whine, cry or
cause noise, which is constant, persistent, or excessive.
14.0 Seizure and Impoundment
(1)
Any Animal found At Large contrary to this By-law may be seized and impounded by
the Director or his or her designate.
(2)
An Animal Services Officer may seize or impound an Animal in Distress or when it
is an Abandoned Animal.
(3)
Any Animal Running At Large may be seized and impounded by any person
who shall deliver the Animal to the Director or Animal Services Officer.
(4)
When a Microchip cannot be detected in a seized or impounded Dog or Cat, the
Owner, if he or she is a resident of the City, may be required to provide proof of
a Microchip implantation to the Director within 14 days of such request. Every
Owner of an Animal that is implanted with a Microchip shall ensure that the
Owner's name and contact information, which is accessible from the code in
the Microchip, is kept current. [Amended by section 1.(b) of By-law 162-2020
on November 17, 2020.]
(5)
Any prohibited Animal found in the City may be seized and impounded by the
Director or his or her designate.
(6)
Where, in the opinion of the Director, a prohibited Animal seized under Schedule
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 Director without
permitting any person to reclaim the prohibited Animal.
(7)
Without limiting any other Sections of this Part, where a prohibited Animal is seized
or impounded by the Director under Schedule A the Director may transfer the Animal
to a person in a jurisdiction in which ownership and possession of the Animal is
lawful.
(8)
A person whose Animal has been impounded shall pay the impound fee in
accordance with the Fees and Charges By-law, prior to its release. For the purpose
of this paragraph, an Animal shall be deemed to be impounded when taken into
Custody by an Animal Services Officer.[Amended by section 3. of By-law 027-2024
on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February
25, 2025]
(9)
If a Dog or Cat is not claimed by the Owner thereof and consequently picked up
within three (3) Business Days after notice has been given as provided, or after
having been impounded in the case of a Dog or Cat not having a Tag or
identification, then the Director may sell the Dog or Cat and retain the proceeds of
the sale or may destroy it if he/she has complied with all government regulations in
that respect.
(10) In the event the Animal is not sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of, the Owner
thereof shall be entitled to claim and pick up the Dog or Cat upon payment of the fee
set out in the Fees and Charges By-law plus such additional charges for the boarding
or veterinary care of it as Director may reasonably impose. [Amended by section 3. of
By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-
2025 on February 25, 2025]
15.0 Protective Care
(1)
The City may take possession of an Animal for the purpose of providing Protective
Care to it at any time when an Animal Services Officer deems it necessary to
provide Protective Care to the Animal.
(2)
Any Animal seized for the purpose of providing Protective Care to it shall be
impounded for a minimum period of ten (10) days, exclusive of the day on which the
Animal was impounded and statutory holidays and Sundays.
(3)
Where an Animal is not redeemed at the end of the Protective Care period, it shall
-13-
be treated as an unclaimed impounded Animal.
16.0 Pigeons
(1)
No person shall have Custody or harbor a Pigeon on any lands unless a Licence
has been issued by the Chief Licensing Officer.
(2)
As of October 17, 2023, the Chief Licensing Officer shall not approve any new Pigeon
Licences; however, existing Pigeon Licence holders may renew their licences which
includes payment of the applicable fee as set out in the Fees and Charges By-law,
and lawfully keep their pigeons until their birds' deaths. [Amended by section (1) of
By-Law 156-2023 on October 17, 2023.] [Amended by section (3). of By-law 027-2024
on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February
25, 2025]
(3)
A Pigeon Licence holder must be a member of the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union
or the Canadian Pigeon Fanciers' Association. [Amended by section (2) of By-Law
156-2023 on October 17, 2023.]
(4)
A maximum of 60 Pigeons may be kept on a lot.
(5)
Notwithstanding Section 16.0 (4), the maximum number of Pigeons may exceed
60 during breeding season, March 31 to October 1.
(6)
Pigeons shall be banded with an identifying leg band issued by the Canadian
Racing Pigeon Union or the Canadian Pigeon Fanciers' Association.
(7)
Pigeons shall be kept enclosed within the loft except during flying times. The
following restrictions shall apply:
(a)
a maximum of two flights per day;
(b)
each flight shall be restricted to two (2) hours;
(c)
flights shall be permitted between April 1 and September 30, from the
hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
(d)
flights shall be permitted between October 1 and March 31, from the hours of
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.;
(e)
not more than 30 Pigeons are to be allowed out during these flights;
(f)
flights are permitted on Saturdays between April 1 to September 30, from
the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., provided these times shall not apply to
long distance races, being races of a minimum distance of 500 kilometers;
(g)
no flights are permitted on Sundays.
(8)
With respect to both their interior and exterior, Pigeon lofts shall:
(a)
be in a clean condition;
(b)
be free from any rodents/mice etc.;
(c)
be free from any offensive odours;
(d)
have all exterior surfaces painted or covered with a vinyl or aluminum cover;
(e)
have all interior surfaces kept in a clean and Sanitary condition;
(f)
have all droppings removed and disposed of in a Sanitary manner at least
twice per week.
(9)
An Animal Services Officer, may, upon the complaint of the Owner or occupant of
any Premises, enter upon such Premises and the lands and buildings in the vicinity
thereof for the purpose of trapping, removing or exterminating strayed Pigeons that
are causing annoyance to the Owner or occupant or damage to such Premises. In
addition, an Animal Services Officer may enter the Premises of anyone harboring
Pigeons at any reasonable time to ensure that the provisions of this By-law are
being met.
(10) Pigeon lofts shall be located in a rear yard not less than 3 meters from the property
line, and 10 metres from any Dwelling Unit other than the Owner's Dwelling Unit.
-14-
(11) The Chief Licensing Officer may refuse to issue or renew, or may suspend, a
Licence where the Chief Licensing Officer is of the opinion that:
(a)
the issuance or the holding of a Licence would be contrary to the public
interest in respect of:
(i)
the health and safety of any person or Animal; or
(ii) a nuisance affecting any land or person in Vaughan;
(b)
any application or other document provided to the Chief Licensing Officer or
on behalf of the applicant contains a false statement, or provides false
information;
(c)
the applicant does not meet all the requirements of this By-law or any other City
By-law.
(12) Where the Chief Licensing Officer has refused to issue or renew, or has suspended,
a Licence, the applicant may appeal to the Hearings Officer in accordance with
procedures established by the Business Licensing By-law. [Amended by section 2.
of By- law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by section 1.(c) of By-law
049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(13) Notwithstanding Section 16.0 (10), a Pigeon loft identified as being in existence by
Vaughan Animal Services for the purpose of having Custody and housing racing
Pigeons prior to the 8th day of April 2014, is hereby exempt from the set- back
requirements as outlined in Section 16.0 (10), subject to the following criteria:
(a)
that the loft not be expanded or moved from its current location on the
property;
(b)
that any expansion or relocation comply with section 16.0(10); and
(c)
that the loft meets all other criteria set out in this By-law.
17.0 Prohibited Animals
(1)
No person shall have Custody either on a temporary or permanent basis, of any
prohibited Animal in the City.
(2)
For purposes of Section 17.0(1) above prohibited Animals are those classes of
Animals listed in Schedule A.
(3)
Section 17.0(1) does not apply to:
(a)
the Premises of an affiliate or branch of the Ontario Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or Provincial Animal Welfare Services;
(b)
the Premises of an accredited veterinary hospital under the care of a
licensed veterinarian;
(c)
Premises registered as research facilities pursuant to the
Animals for Research Act, RSO, 1990, c.A.22.
(d)
Premises of the York Regional Police;
(e)
on the Premises of a university or community college, where such Animals
are being kept for research, study or teaching purposes or on Premises
registered as research facilities under Section 5 of the Animals for Research
Act;
(f)
on Premises holding a Licence under any Statute of the Province
of Ontario or Canada, which permits the Custody of Animals under
stated conditions;
(g)
horses in the Custody of the City of Vaughan and other public
authorities;
(h)
domesticated Ungulates of the families Artiodactylous and Perissodactylus,
Anseriformes, Galliformes, Columbiformes and Struthioniformes:
(i)
on lands zoned agricultural, except for those lands zoned A
Agricultural Zone, as defined in the Zoning By-law, which are
-15-
substantially surrounded by residential development;
[Amended by section 4. of By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.]
(ii) within the Premises of Akachi Farms and Woodbridge Fall Fair grounds
at their current locations;
(i)
Animals in the Custody of the Reptilia Reptile Zoo & Education Facility that
have been approved by the Director;
(j)
areas of the City in which professionally produced films are being made by
film professionals and film production companies and only during temporary
filming, provided that:
(i)
the exhibitor or the Owner of such Animals is a member of, and
accredited by either the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquaria
(CAZA) or the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, or is
otherwise licensed by an appropriate authority;
(ii)
such Animals have been inspected and approved by the Provincial
Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) or successor, or Animal Services
Officer, 7 Business Days prior to the exhibit or performance;
(iii)
such Animals are used or kept in a place that has protective devices
which are adequate to prevent such Animal from escaping or injuring
the public; and
(iv)
such Animals are provided with a species-appropriate living
environment while in the City of Vaughan;
(v)
Animal Services Officers may enter upon such areas at any
reasonable time for the purpose of carrying out inspections to
determine compliance with this By-law;
(k)
Animals in the Custody of the Earth Rangers Foundation that have been
approved by the Director.
(4)
For purposes of Subsection 17.0(3)(i):
(a)
the Reptilia Reptile Zoo & Education Facility shall not keep any animal
that is not on the Species inventory list approved by the Director;
(b)
the Reptilia Reptile Zoo & Education Facility shall not add or delete Animals
from the list in Subsection (4)(a) without approval from the Director; and
(c)
the Reptilia Reptile Zoo & Education Facility shall provide
reasonable access to its facilities for purposes of ensuring
compliance with this By-law.
(5)
For purposes of Subsection 17.0(3)(k):
(a)
the Earth Rangers Foundation shall not keep any animal that is not on the
Species inventory list approved by the Director;
(b)
the Earth Rangers Foundation shall not add or delete Animals from the list in
Subsection 17.0(5)(a) without approval from the Director; and
(c)
the Earth Rangers Foundation shall provide reasonable access to
its facilities for purposes of ensuring compliance.
18.0 Unattended Animals
(1)
The Owner of an Animal shall ensure that such Animal is not left unattended while
Tethered or tied on Premises where the public has access, whether the access is
expressed or implied.
(2)
The Owner of an Animal left unattended in a motor vehicle shall ensure that:
(a)
the Animal is Restrained in a manner that prevents contact between the
Animal and any member of the public;
(b)
the Animal has suitable ventilation; and
-16-
(c)
the Animal is not exposed to extreme temperatures which can cause
Distress and/or death.
19.0 Securing Animals in Vehicles
(1)
No person shall allow an Animal to be outside of the passenger cab of a motor
vehicle on a roadway, regardless of whether the motor vehicle is moving or parked.
(2)
Notwithstanding Section 19.0 (1), a person may allow an Animal to be outside the
passenger cab of a motor vehicle, including riding in the back of a pick-up truck or
flatbed truck if the Animal is:
(a)
in a fully enclosed trailer;
(b)
in a Topper enclosing the bed area of a truck;
(c)
contained in a ventilated kennel or similar device securely fastened to the
bed of the truck; or
(d)
securely Tethered in such a manner that it is not standing on bare metal,
cannot jump or be thrown from the vehicle, is not in danger of strangulation,
and cannot reach beyond the outside edges of the
vehicle.
20.0 Pet Shops
(1)
Every Pet Shop shall obtain Dogs and Cats from only the following sources:
(a)
municipal animal shelters;
(b)
registered humane societies; or
(c)
rescue groups.
(2)
Notwithstanding Section 20.0 (1), no Dog or Cat shall be offered for adoption at
a Pet Shop unless the Animal has been spayed or neutered and has a Valid
Rabies Certificate.
21.0 Wildlife [Amended by section 1. of By-law 087-2022 on May 17, 2022.]
(1)
No person shall feed a Wild Animal or leave food or Attractants of any type or in
any form out of doors in such a manner as to attract, or be accessible by a Wild
Animal, feral or Stray domestic Animal on Private Property or Public Lands.
[Amended by sections 2., 9. and 10. of By-law 087-2022 on May 17, 2022.]
(2)
Section 21.0 (1) does not apply to the feeding of songbirds on a property, provided
the following feeding requirements are met by the resident:
(a)
seed is placed in a bird feeding device that is sufficiently above grade as to
not attract or be accessible by Wild Animals;
(b)
bird feeding practices do not attract large flock of homing birds such as wild,
feral or domestic Pigeons; and
(c)
spillage of seed upon the ground is removed by the property Owner or
resident forthwith and disposed of in such a manner that it does not attract
Wild Animals, feral or Stray domestic Animals.
(3)
Section 21.0(1) does not apply in the following situations:
(a)
the leaving of food as bait in a trap by a property Owner or resident to capture
a sick or injured Animal inhabiting or habituating their property pursuant to
this By-law;
(b)
the leaving of food as bait by a licensed trapper, an employee of a
Wildlife or pest control agency licensed by the province, a Municipal By-law
Enforcement Officer, or York Regional Police Officer, or other Government
Entity in the performance of their duties; [Amended by section 1.(g) of By-law
049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(c)
the leaving of food for a colony of Stray or feral Cats for the purpose of trap,
-17-
neuter or spay, and manage program approved by the Director.
(4)
No person shall Disturb or Relocate any Wild Animal, nest, den, or eggs on any
Public Lands in the City unless authorized to do so by the City or by applicable
legislation, provided that the Relocation is done in a humane manner. [Added by
section 3. of By-law 087-2022 on May 17, 2022.]
(5)
No person shall allow his or her Animal to kill, attempt to kill, maim, injure or harass
any Wildlife on Public Lands or Private Property. [Added by section 8. of By-law
087-2022 on May 17, 2022.]
22.0 Animal Traps
(1)
No person shall leave a killing or restraining trap or snare that may cause injury in
any place outdoors whereby any person, Wild or domestic Animal may come into
contact with it.
(2)
No person shall capture any Animal by means of a Leg Hold Trap.
(3)
Unless otherwise permitted by law, no person shall Relocate any trapped Animal.
(4)
No person shall leave an Animal in a Live Trap for any extended period of time
that can cause Distress to the trapped Animal.
(5)
Notwithstanding any other Sections of this Part, Animals may be trapped by
persons authorized under other provincial regulations.
23.0 Livestock Disposal
(1) A dead farm Animal must be disposed of by a method set out in Section 8 of O. Reg.
106/09: Disposal of Dead Farm Animals within 48 hours of its death. [Amended by
section 1.(c) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
24.0 Enforcement and Right of Access
(1)
Subject to section 437 of the Municipal Act, an Animal Services Officer may
enter a Premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of carrying out
inspections to determine compliance with this By-law, or a notice, or Order
issued in accordance with this By-law.
(2)
Subject to section 437 of the Municipal Act, an Animal Services Officer can enter
a Premises at any reasonable time when he or she deems appropriate if in his
or her opinion an Animal kept there is in Distress and needs immediate treatment
or attention.
(3)
For the purposes of an inspection under Section 24.0 (1) and 24.0 (2), an Animal
Services Officer may decide to take Custody of the Animal and arrange for food,
water, shelter, care and veterinary treatment for it.
(4)
All costs associated with the transportation, impoundment and veterinary care,
under Sections 24.0 (2) and 24.0 (3) are borne by the Owner of the Animal.
(5)
For the purposes of an inspection under Sections 24.0 (1) and 24.0 (2) an Animal
Services Officer or any other designated person authorized by the City may:
(a)
require documents, things relevant to the inspection and information
from any person relevant to the inspection;
(b)
be accompanied by such person or persons as the Animal Services Officer
determines is necessary if such person or persons possesses special or
expert knowledge related to the purpose of the inspection; and
(c)
make examinations, take tests, samples and photographs necessary for the
purposes of the inspection.
(6)
If an Animal Services Officer has reasonable grounds to believe
that a
contravention of this By-law has occurred, he or she may make an Order requiring
any person who contravened the By-law, or who caused or permitted the
contravention to discontinue the contravention.
(7)
If an Animal Services Officer is satisfied that a contravention of this By-law has
-18-
occurred, he or she may make an Order requiring work to be done to correct the
contravention.
(8)
Every person is guilty of an offence under this By-law who:
(a)
hinders or obstructs or attempts to hinder or obstruct any person exercising
a power or performing a duty under this By- law;
(b)
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 By-law.
(9)
No person shall fail to comply with an Order.
25.0 Administrative Penalties
(1)
Instead of laying a charge under the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter
P.33 for a breach of any provisions of this By-law, an Animal Services Officer may
issue an administrative penalty to the person who has contravened this By-law.
[Amended by sections 1.(c) and 1.(k) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(2)
If an administrative penalty is issued to a person under Section 25.0(1), no charge
shall be laid against that same person for the same breach. [Amended by section
1.(k) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(3)
The amount of the administrative penalty for a breach under this Bylaw is $200.00.
[Amended by section 1.(k) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
(4)
A person who is issued an administrative penalty shall be subject to the procedures
provided for in the Administrative Penalties By-law. [Amended by section 5. of By-
law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by sections 1.(c), 1.(i) and 1.(k) of
By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
26.0 Fines
(1) Every person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offence
and is liable to a fine and any other penalties imposed pursuant to the Provincial
Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, and the Municipal Act, 2001, as each may be
amended from time to time.
27.0 Recovery of Expenses
(1)
The City may recover its expenses of remedying a violation of this By-law by
invoicing the Owner, by instituting court proceedings or by adding the cost, including
interest, to the tax roll in the same manner as municipal taxes.
(2)
An administrative penalty imposed on a person that becomes a debt to the City
under the Administrative Penalties By-law may be added to the municipal tax roll
and collected in the same manner as municipal taxes. [Amended by section 5. of
By-law 027-2024 on February 21, 2024.] [Amended by sections 1.(i) and 1.(k) of
By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
28.0 Repeal and Amendment of Other By-laws
(1)
That Vaughan By-law Numbers 1483, 3869, 148-83, 348-86, 349-86, 122-87,34-88,
435-88, 151-94, 242-94, 347-95, 241-96, 392-97, 38-96, 53-2002, 272-2006, 2-2010,
118-2010, 52-2014, 016-2015, 196-2015, 124-2016, 053-2017, 044-2018 are hereby
repealed.
(2)
[Deleted by section 1.(l) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
28.1 Designated By-law
(1) This is a designated by-law as per Schedule 1 of the Administrative Penalties
By-law. [Added by section 1.(m) of By-law 049-2025 on February 25, 2025]
29.0 Force and Effect
(1)
This By-law shall take effect on the date of enactment.
-19-
Enacted by City of Vaughan Council this 27th day of May, 2020.
Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor
Todd Coles, Deputy City Clerk
Authorized by Item No. 5 of Report No.17
of the Committee of the Whole (2)
Adopted by Vaughan City Council on
April 21, 2020.
-20-
SCHEDULE "A"
PROHIBITED ANIMALS
CLASS
ORDER
COMMON NAMES
MAMMALS
Artiodactyla
Such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, deer, elk
Canidae
Such as coyotes, wolves, foxes, hybrid dogs
(except domestic Dogs)
Chiroptera
Such as bats, fruit bats, myotis, flying foxes
Edentates
Such as anteaters, sloths, armadillos
Felidae
Such as tigers, leopards, cougars, lions, lynx,
servals, hybrid cats
(except domestic Cats)
Hyaenidae
Such as hyaenas
Lagomorpha
Such as hares, pikas
(except domestic rabbits)
Marsupialia
Such as koalas, kangaroos, opossums, wallabies
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,
zebras, ponies
Pinnipedia
Such as seals, fur seals, walruses
Proboscidea
Such as elephants, rhinoceros, hippopotamus
Procyonidae
Such as coatimundi, cacomistles, racoons
Rodentia
Such as porcupines, prairie dogs, nutria,
(except rodents such as chinchillas, hamsters
and guinea pigs which do not exceed 1,500
grams and are derived from a Self-Sustaining
captive population)
Ursidae
Such as bears
Viverridae
Such a mongoose, civets, genets
REPTILES
Crocodylia
Such as alligators, crocodiles, gavials, caimans
Squamata
Such as anacondas, amethystine and scrub
pythons, Indian pythons, Indian rock pythons,
Burmese pythons, African rock pythons, Reticulated
pythons, varanus niloticus, crocodile monitors,
-21-
water monitors, lace monitors, perenties, Komodo
dragons, true vipers, fea's vipers, night adders,
rattlesnakes, cobras, mambas, kraits, coral snakes,
sea snakes, coral reef snakes, boomslang snakes,
twig snakes, keelbacks, burrowing vipers, mole
vipers, South American green racers, gila monsters,
beaded lizards.
All other snakes which are venomous.
Testudines
Such as terrapins, tortoises, turtles (except turtles
derived from a Self-Sustaining captive population).
Trachemys scripta
elegans
All red-eared slider turtles
Chelydridae
Snapping and alligator snapping turtles
BIRDS
Anseriformes
Such as ducks, geese, swans, screamers
Columbiformes
Such as pigeons and doves
Galliformes
Such as chickens, pheasants, grouse, guinea fowl,
turkeys, pea fowl
Gruiformes
Such as cranes and rails.
Phoenicopteriformes Such as flamingos.
Sphenisciformes
Such as penguins.
Struthioniformes
Such as ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, emus, kiwis
Raptors
Such as eagles, hawks, falcons, owls
OTHER
Arachnida
Such as Scorpions and Tarantulas
All venomous or poisonous insects and amphibians
-22-
AMENDMENT HISTORY
ANIMAL CONTROL BY-LAW
DATE
(YYYY/MM/DD)
BY-LAW
AUTHORITY
CONSOLIDATED
2020 / 11 / 17
162-2020
Item 6, Report 44, Committee of
the Whole 1
2022 / 05 / 17
087-2022
Item 7, Report 21, Committee of
the Whole 1
2023 / 10 / 17
156-2023
Item 10, Report 37 Committee of
the Whole
2024 / 02 / 21
027-2024
Item 7, Report 10, Committee of the
Whole 2
2025 / 02 / 25
049-2025
Item 13, Report 1, Committee of the
Whole
-23-