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unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
# Animal Services
The Township of Wainfleet is committed to ensuring that our community is pet friendly and safe and works closely with the Niagara SPCA to address any concerns about animals in our township.
The Niagara SPCA, along with Wainfleet's By-law Enforcement Officer, will respond to concerns regarding animal-related public safety and nuisance issues and will work together with residents to ensure safe and responsible pet ownership.
## Dog Licenses
All dogs in the Township of Wainfleet must be licensed. Visit our Dog Licenses page for more information.
## Animal Control and Humane Services
To report a sick or injured animal, please contact Animal Control at the Niagara SPCA at 905-735-1552. This includes wild animals that are in distress or injured, or if a wild or domestic animal is roaming on public property.
## Report Animal Cruelty or Neglect
Cruelty to any animal is not tolerated in Ontario.
If you believe an animal is in distress or being neglected, please call the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625). This includes animals that are injured, in pain, sick, suffering or abused, or lack proper care, water, food or shelter.
1. Call representatives at the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre will file an incident ticket and connect you with the appropriate local contact.
2. Based on the location and nature of the incident:
1. the ticket may be flagged for further investigation with the appropriate authorities such as a provincial inspector or local police,
2. after the incident ticket is reviewed by the appropriate authority, they may investigate on-site or involve other authorities, as needed. If more information is required, you may be contacted directly.
Please note that the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre is unable to provide updates on calls or investigations. You may be contacted by authorities only if more information is required.
Ontario has very strong penalties against animal cruelty. For example, it is an offence to:
* cause or permit distress to an animal
* cause harm or attempt to cause harm to a law enforcement or a service animal
* knowingly or recklessly cause an animal to be exposed to undue risk of distress
* promote, arrange, receive a financial benefit from, train, or permit animals to fight other animals
* own or possess equipment or structures used in animal fighting or in training animals to fight
* fail to comply with any applicable standards of care
* obstruct an inspector or agent
As of January 1, 2020, the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act has replaced the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act.
* Basic standards of care that apply to all animals covered under the act, include requirements for:
+ adequate and appropriate food, water, medical attention and care
+ ventilation, light and protection from the elements, including harmful temperatures
+ sanitary conditions and space to enable natural movement and exercise
+ pens or enclosed structures
+ humane euthanasia to minimize pain and distress to animals
+ transportation in a manner that ensures an animal's physical safety and general welfare
There are some exceptions to the above-listed offences related to causing distress and complying with standards of care, including hunting wildlife. A full list of exemptions can be found in the PAWS Act and its regulations.
Ontario also has additional standards of care for animals in unique circumstances like dogs that live outdoors.
Committing an offence under the PAWS Act can result in sentences that may include up to two years in jail, fines of up to $130,000 against an individual on a first offence, or up to $500,000 against a corporation on a first offence, and a lifetime ban on animal ownership, as well as other penalties.
## Predation on Livestock
Owners whose livestock, poultry and/or honey bees have been damaged or killed by wildlife may be eligible for the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. Please visit the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program website for more information.