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THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN
BY-LAW 2023-54
BEING A BY-LAW TO REGULATE ANIMAL CARE AND
CONTROL WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN
CONSOLIDATED, As amended by By-law 2025-08
WHEREAS Sections 8, 9 and 11 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended
("Municipal Act") authorize a lower tier municipality to pass by-laws respecting animals;
AND WHEREAS Section 8(3) of the Municipal Act confers the power upon a municipality,
in exercising its powers to regulate and prohibit respecting a matter, to provide for a
system of licences, permits, approvals or registrations respecting the matter, and to
impose conditions as a requirement of obtaining, continuing to hold or renew a licence,
permit, approval or registration;
AND WHEREAS section 425 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as
amended, authorizes a municipality to pass by-laws providing that a person who
contravenes a by-law of a municipality passed under that Act is guilty of an offence;
AND WHEREAS section 434.1(2) of the Municipal Act provides that the purpose of a
system of administrative penalties, and the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.
P.33, shall be to assist the municipality in promoting compliance with its by-laws;
AND WHEREAS Section 103 of the Municipal Act provides that if a municipality
passes a by-law regulation or prohibiting with respect to the being at large or
trespassing of animals it may provide for the seizure and impoundment of animals
found at large or trespassing contrary to that by-law under certain conditions;
AND WHEREAS the Act, Section 105 provides, inter alia, for the muzzling of dogs;
AND WHEREAS Section 391 of the Municipal Act enables a municipality to pass a
by-law imposing fees or charges on persons for services or activities provided or done
by or on behalf of it;
AND WHEREAS Council deems it expedient and in the public interest to license dogs, to
regulate and control animals in the municipality and to regulate the care and keeping of
animals pursuant to its authority to do so under the Municipal Act;
THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN
ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1. Short Title:
This by-law shall be known as the "Animal Control By-Law"
2. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this By-law:
"Animal" means any member of the animal kingdom but excluding fish;
"At large" means being at any place other than the premises 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" means physical contact, other than accidental contact, by an Animal
that results in bleeding, bone breakage, bruising, a scratch or a sprain to a
Person or an Animal or damage to clothing worn by a Person, and the words
"Attacked" or "Attacking" have a corresponding meaning;
"Backyard Chickens" means a hen (female chicken at least four months old) kept
for companionship as a pet or for the purpose of providing food for the personal
consumption of occupants of a main dwelling on the same lot, and shall not
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include roosters, waterfowl or other non-domesticated birds; amended by By-law 2025-
08
"Bite" means a wound or wounds to the skin that causes it to puncture or break,
which are caused by the teeth of an Animal;
"Bona fide farmer" means a farmer who is carrying on farming operations where
his/her actions as well as his/her intentions are genuine intentions to develop land
as a farming proposition in the hope, based on reasonable grounds, that an
ultimate profit will be derived
"Cat" means a domesticated feline animal, male or female;
"Chicken Run" means a covered, fully fenced and secure enclosure that allows
hens access to the outdoors from the coop; amended by By-law 2025-08
"Commercial kennel" means a premise where the primary purpose of the facility
is for the boarding of Dogs for hire or gain;
"Coop" means a fully enclosed, locking, weatherproof structure where hens are
kept and the interior of which contains nest boxes for egg laying, roosts for hens
to sleep on and containers for food and water; amended by By-law 2025-08
"Council" means The Corporation of the Township of West Lincoln;
"Dog" means a domesticated canine animal, male or female;
"Domestic animal" means any tamed or domesticated Animal;
"Dwelling unit" means a building, structure, room or rooms occupied or
intended for use for human habitation in which sanitary, cooking, living and
sleeping facilities exist;
"Private kennel" is a Kennel where four or more dogs, excluding pups under ten
weeks of age, are kept for personal uses as hunting Dogs, sled Dogs or show
Dogs, kept for the purpose of training or kept as pets and where there is no
boarding and no revenue derived from the Kennel;
"Keep" means to have temporary or permanent control or possession of an
Animal, the words "Kept" or "Keeping" have a corresponding meaning;
"Kennel" means a building or structure or part thereof whereby animals are kept
as pets or for remuneration for the purpose of breeding, boarding, housing,
feeding and/or maintenance and excludes animal clinics, grooming
establishments, Humane Societies and Pet Shops;
"Leash" means a rope, chain or other restraining device for a dog that may not
exceed 5 metres;
"Livestock" means any domestic or farmed Animal, including, but not limited to,
poultry, cattle, swine, horses, mink or other furbearing animals, rabbits, sheep,
goats and other types of Animals listed by the Agricultural Code of Practice of
the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
"Livestock Guardian Dog (LGDs) means a dog that works and/or lives with
domestic farm animals (e.g. cattle, sheep, poultry) to protect them while repelling
predators and is used exclusively for that purpose;
"Motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in the Highway Traffic Act,
R.S.0. 1990, c. H.8, as amended;
"Muzzle" means a humane fastening or covering device of adequate strength
placed over the mouth of an Animal that does not interfere with the
breathing, panting, ability to drink, or vision of the dog when fitted and
fastened over the mouth of the dog, but that is of sufficient strength to
prevent the dog from biting, the words "Muzzled" and "Muzzling" have a
corresponding meaning;
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"Officer" means a Person appointed by Council as a Municipal By-law
Enforcement Officer, and Animal Control Officers employed by the Society
including agents and inspectors designated as such under the Ontario
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O. 36 and all
other enforcement officers as may be appointed by the Province of Ontario and
the Region of Niagara.
"Owner" means any person who possesses, harbours or keeps 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 keeper or in control of the animal, the
word "Owns" has a corresponding meaning;
"PAWS" means the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, S.O.2019, c.
13;
"Person" means an individual, corporation, association, or any other non-
incorporated entity;
"Pet shop" means a shop or place where animals are sold or kept for sale for
use as pets;
"Pound" means the part of the premises of the society used for the temporary
housing and care of animals that have been impounded pursuant to this by-law, in
accordance with the Animals for Research Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22;
"Point of Reception" means any point on the premises of a person where sound or
vibration originating from other than those premises is received;
"Premises" includes a Dwelling unit, a house or building and the land or
Premises on which the building or house is situated or attached;
"Prohibited animal" means any Animal that is set out in Schedule "B"
attached to this by-law and which may be amended by the Council from time to
time as required;
"Redemption Period" is a period of seventy two (72) hours where an impounded
animal may be claimed by the owner when in custody of the pound;
"Service dog" means an animal 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 a special skills dog for other disabled persons;
"Shelter" means a structurally sound and sufficient, weather-proof, insulated
enclosure of dimensions sufficient to protect the full body of the animal for
whose use it is intended from the elements and in which the animal is able to
fully stand up, sit down, turn around and lay down with its limbs fully extended;
"Society" means the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society;
"Sterilized" in respect of a dog means either spayed or neutered and
"Sterilization" has a corresponding meaning;
"Tether" means a rope, chain or any restraining device attached to an
inanimate object that prevents an animal from moving away from a localized area,
the words "Tethered" and "Tethering" have a corresponding meaning;
"Township" means the Township of West Lincoln or the geographic area thereof
and shall include all servants, agents and contractors;
"Urban boundary" means the urban boundary as set out and or as amended in
Schedule "A" or as amended as provided in the Comprehensive Zoning By-law
2017-70, as amended, and its successor thereto;
"Wild animal" means all mammals other than domestic animals but does not
include the domestic ferret; and
"Without provocation" when used in reference to a bite or attack on a person or
animal, means in the absence of any abuse, assault, teasing, tormenting,
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unwanted physical contact or the like by the person or animal who sustained the
bite or attack.
3. CARE OF ANIMALS
Responsibility to Care for Animals
3.1 Every Person who keeps an Animal within the Township shall at all times
provide the Animal, or cause it to be provided with:
3.1.1
a clean and sanitary environment free from the accumulation of
waste matter; and
3.1.2
adequate and appropriate care, food, water, Shelter, and the
opportunity for physical activity.
3.2 Every Person who keeps an Animal that may reside outdoors, shall, in
addition to complying with the requirements set out in Section 3.1 of this Bylaw,
ensure that the animal is provided with:
3.2.1
a Shelter that is of such a nature and condition that the Animal
would not be harmed and its health would not be negatively
affected for the reason of being in such a Shelter;
3.2.2
a Shelter in a size and condition that will allow an Animal to extend its
legs, wings and body to their full natural extent;
3.2.3
an area separate from the Shelter that provides the Animal with
shade and protection from direct sunlight at any time of the day; and
3.2.4
an area that is dry and free from standing water.
Tethers
3.3 No Person shall keep an Animal Tethered unless:
3.3.1
the Tether is a minimum of four metres in length;
3.3.2
the Animal has unrestricted and unobstructed movement within the
range of the Tether;
3.3.3
the Animal has access to food, water and Shelter;
3.3.4
it is attached to a permanently fixed object;
3.3.5
the Tether is securely attached to a flat collar or other humane
harnessing device and not to a choke collar, choke chain or
pronged collar; and
3.3.6
the Animal is Tethered in a way that it will not injure itself.
3.4 No Person shall tether an Animal in such a way as to permit the Animal to go
beyond the limits of the Person's Premises, or the Premises of another Person
from whom the Owner of the Animal has received prior consent from the Owner
of that Premises.
Sanitary Conditions
3.5 Every Person who keeps an Animal within the Township shall keep the
Animal, or cause the Animal to be kept, on Premises that are free from the
accumulation of fecal or other waste matter, foul odour, insect infestation,
rodent attractants or any other unsanitary condition that disturbs or is likely to
disturb the enjoyment, comfort or convenience of any Person or Animal, or that
may endanger the health of any Person or Animal.
3.6 Section 3.5 does not prohibit a Person who is a bona fide farmer engaged in a
normal farming practice pursuant to the Farming and Food Production Protection
Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c. 1.
4. DOGS
Registration
4.1. Every owner of a Dog within the Township shall:
4.1.1. register the Dog annually with the Township and pay an annual dog
registration fee as set out in Schedule "C";
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4.1.2. provide proof of Sterilization from a qualified veterinarian at the time
of registration to qualify for a discounted annual Dog registration fee;
4.1.3. ensure that the Dog identification tag, issued by the Township at
registration is on the Dog's collar, and the said collar is affixed to the
Dog at all times;
4.1.4. promptly purchase a replacement Dog identification tag from the
Township, in the event that such tag is lost, damaged or destroyed;
4.1.5. not use a Dog identification tag for any Dog other than the Dog for
which it was issued;
4.1.6. notify the Township within seven (7) days of the sale or death of a
registered Dog; and
4.1.7. not provide the Township with any false information in respect of the
registration, or renewal of a registration of a Dog.
4.2. Every Owner of a Dog shall provide the Township the following information
upon registration and renewal:
4.2.1. name, address, and telephone number of the Dog Owner;
4.2.2. name, age, gender, breed, and colour of the Dog; and
4.2.3. proof of Sterilization from a qualified veterinarian, if applicable;
4.2.4. information provided under Section 4.2 changes, the Owner shall
notify the Township within seven (7) days.
4.3. Dog registration shall be valid until December 31st of the year it was
purchased, and shall be renewed annually.
4.4. Keeping or raising of any livestock, exotic bird, reptile or wild animal including
tamed or domesticated wild animal or exotic bird or reptile on any residential
lot or in any building or structure in a Residential Zone is prohibited, but this
shall not prevent the keeping of up to three (3) of any type of Domestic Animal,
such as dogs, cats, hamsters, mice, rabbits, turtles.
Dog Kennel
4.5. No person shall construct, establish, maintain or operate a Dog Kennel in the
Township unless:
4.5.1. the Kennel is in compliance with the provisions of this By-law, any
other applicable municipal by-law and any applicable Act or
Regulation including, without restricting the generality of the
foregoing, the Township's Zoning By-law No. 2017-70, as amended,
and any successor thereto, the Health Protection and Promotion Act,
R.S.O. 1990, c. H. 7, the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23,
and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, S. O. 1997, c. 4;
4.5.2. the Kennel and its surrounding environment prevents escape by any
Dog from the Kennel;
4.5.3. the Owner or operator of the Kennel registers the Kennel annually with
the Township and pays the annual Kennel registration fee as set out
in Schedule "C";
4.5.4. the Owner or operator of the Kennel renews the Kennel
registration annually before January 1st of each year any time after
January 1st the Owner or operator may be subject to a registration
surcharge as set out in Schedule "C"; and
4.5.5. the Kennel is clean, secure and operated in a humane manner
including compliance with the current Canadian Veterinary Medical
Association (CVMA) Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel
Operations.
4.5.6. Every Kennel licence shall expire on the 31st day of December in the
year for which it was issued and shall be renewable yearly.
4.6. If an Owner or operator registers a new Kennel after July 1st, the Owner operator
shall pay one-half of the applicable annual registration fee as set out in
Schedule "C".
4.7. To register a Kennel every Owner or operator shall provide the Township with
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the following information:
4.7.1. the name, address and telephone number of the Kennel Owner;
4.7.2. the name, address and telephone number of the Kennel operator;
4.7.3. the name, age, gender, breed, color and sterilization status of all
Dogs Kept at the Kennel; and
4.7.4. the Canadian Kennel Club registration number, if applicable.
4.7.5. Correspondence from the Director of Planning and Building that the
Kennel, as a land use, conforms to the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law
2017-70, as amended, or its successor thereto.
4.8. The issuance of a kennel licence entitles an owner to a dog tag for each dog
that he or she keeps as a pet.
4.9. Every person who purchases a dog from a kennel is individually responsible to
obtain the appropriate licence for the dog.
4.10. Approval or renewal of a Kennel licence shall be conditional upon receipt of
confirmation from an Officer that the Kennel meets all legal current
requirements for the humane treatment of dogs in a Kennel and confirmation
of compliance with applicable current codes of practice as published under
direction of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).
4.11. Every Owner of a Kennel and every person who operates or manages a
Kennel shall ensure that the Kennel is kept in a clean and sanitary condition, is
free of refuse of any kind at all times so as to prevent the arising of excessive
odours therefrom, has a fly prevention program and is kept free of vermin at all
times.
4.12. Every Owner of a Kennel shall maintain a log of all dogs contained in the
Kennel in accordance with the requirements as determined by the Society
and/or the Township.
4.13. No person shall own, control, possess or harbor or board more than three (3)
dogs in a dwelling unit unless they first procure a Kennel Licence.
4.14. Any Kennel registration may be refused, suspended pending compliance, or
revoked for non-compliance by an Officer if, in his/her opinion, the Kennel
does not comply with the provisions of this By-Law and/or any other Municipal
By-Law.
4.15. Where the Township or an Officer refuses a Kennel licence or suspends or
revokes a Kennel registration, the owner or operator of a Kennel may appeal
to Council in accordance with Council's procedures.
4.16. When an appeal is filed, Council shall hear the appeal in accordance with its
procedures and shall have all the powers and functions of an officer in
deciding the appeal.
4.17. No Owner or operator of a Private kennel shall permit more than twenty (20)
Dogs, excluding pups under ten weeks of age, to be Kept at the Private
kennel unless correspondence from the Director of Planning and Building
confirms that the Kennel, as a land use, conforms to the Comprehensive
Zoning By-Law 2017-70, as amended, or its successor thereto.
4.18. An Owner or operator of a Commercial Kennel shall conform to all relevant
regulations required in Comprehensive Zoning By-Law 2017-70, as amended,
or its successor thereto.
4.19. A person will be exempt from purchasing a kennel licence for the ownership of
Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) if three (3) or less LGDs are on a property
provided that:
4.19.1. the owner is keeping sheep (or other livestock) upon the same
premises;
4.19.2. the premise is on land that is zoned Agricultural;
4.19.3. the owner provides proof of producer registration in the name recorded
by the Ontario Sheep Farmers, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Goat;
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4.19.4. the dogs are registered/licensed annually in accordance within the
Animal Control by-law;
4.19.5. and that the dogs are LGDs and or herding dogs.
4.20. Every Owner or operator of a Kennel shall, upon request by an Officer,
permit the Officer to inspect the Premises at any reasonable time for the
purpose of determining compliance with this By-law.
4.21. Any Kennel registration may be refused, suspended pending compliance, or
revoked for non-compliance by an Officer if, in his/her opinion, the Kennel does
not comply with the provisions of this By-law.
4.22. In the event that the Township refuses a Kennel registration or suspends
or revokes a kennel registration, the Owner or operator of such Kennel may
appeal to Council in accordance with Council's procedures.
4.23. If an appeal is taken, Council shall hear the appeal in accordance with its
procedures and shall have all powers and functions of an Officer in deciding the
appeal.
Leashing and Running at Large
4.24. For the purposes of this By-law, a Dog shall be deemed to be running at
large if it is found in any place other than on the Premises of its Owner while not
on a Leash held by any Person and not under the control of any Person.
4.25. No owner of a Dog shall permit the Dog to run at large in the Township except
in designated off-leash areas.
4.26. No Owner of a Dog shall use a Leash on the Dog that exceeds three (3)
metres in length, but in no case shall an Owner use a Leash of a length that
does not enable him or her to properly control the Dog.
4.27. Every Owner of a Dog shall, while the Dog is not on the Owner's Premises,
control the Dog by means of a Leash that is held or affixed to their person or
another competent person.
4.28. A Dog shall not be deemed to be controlled by a Leash if the Leash is
attached to an inanimate or immovable object, a motor vehicle or a bicycle.
4.29. No Person shall use a collar on a Dog that restricts, or may restrict, the
Dog's ability to breathe or swallow, or that causes, or may cause, the Dog
discomfort.
4.30. Sections 4.24 to 4.29 of this By-law shall not apply to:
4.30.1. police working Dogs or LGDs while they are in the course of fulfilling
their duties; and
4.30.2. hunting Dogs that are under the direct supervision of a Person who
is a bona fide hunter actively engaged in hunting in accordance
with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997,S.O. 1997, c. 41,
as amended, and other applicable law during a permitted season to
whom has been issued such necessary licences and permits as
may be required by the laws of the Dominion of Canada, the
Province of Ontario and the Township and provided that such
Person has obtained the prior consent of the Owner of the parcel of
land on which the hunting Dogs are at Large, which consent is
obtained not more than one year prior to the date of the occasion on
which the Dogs are at large.
Impounding of Dogs
4.31. An Officer may seize any Dog that is found running at large in the Township
and may cause such Dog to be delivered to the Pound.
4.32. Any Person may seize any Dog that is found running at large in the
Township and shall immediately thereafter cause such Dog to be delivered
to the Pound or, if known, returned to its Owner.
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4.33. A Dog seized pursuant to sections 4.31 or 4.32 of this by-law shall be
considered impounded at the time and place when it comes under the
control of the Officer or, in any other case, when delivered to the Pound.
4.34. Upon seizing or taking possession of any Dog, the Pound shall impound the
Dog and make reasonable efforts to determine the identity of the Owner of the
Dog and inform such Person that his or her Dog has been impounded.
4.35. The Pound shall keep any Dog impounded pursuant to this By-law for a
redemption period of up to three days. This redemption period shall be
calculated by excluding:
4.35.1. the day on which the Dog was impounded;
4.35.2. statutory holidays; and
4.35.3. days on which the Pound is closed.
4.36. During the redemption period, the Pound:
4.36.1. may provide such veterinary or other care for an injured or ill
impounded Dog as may be necessary to sustain its life or relieve any
distress;
4.36.2. shall be entitled to recover from the Owner of the Dog, the cost of any
veterinary or other care provided while the Dog was impounded;
and
4.36.3. shall be entitled to recover from the Owner of the Dog, any Pound fees
for the redemption of the Dog.
4.37. During the redemption period, the Pound may euthanize an impounded Dog
without delay if, in the opinion of the Pound, such action is warranted for
humane reasons.
4.38. During the redemption period, the Owner of an impounded Dog may obtain
release of such Dog by first:
4.38.1. providing evidence to the Pound that the Dog is registered in
accordance with the requirements of this By-law or if the Dog is not
registered, by registering the Dog with the Township in accordance
with this By-law;
4.38.2. paying the costs and fees provided for in Section 4.36 of this By-law;
and
4.38.3. taking any other action in relation to the care or control of the Dog that
the Township or Pound may direct.
4.39. After the expiration of the redemption period, the Pound may:
4.39.1. release the Dog to its owner upon compliance with Section 4.38 of
this by-law; or
4.39.2. Keep, sell or dispose of the Dog in accordance with the provisions of
the Animals for Research Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, as amended.
4.40. Whenever an impounded Dog is released to its Owner, a record of such
release shall be kept by the Pound.
Dog Bites & Muzzling of Dogs
4.41. No Owner of a Dog shall willfully cause the Dog, or permit the Dog through
neglect or failure to control, to Without Provocation Bite, Attack or chase a
Person or another Animal, or to damage public or private property.
4.42. No Owner shall Muzzle a Dog in any manner that restricts or may restrict the
Dog's breathing, its ability to drink water or in any manner that causes the
Dog pain, suffering or injury.
4.43. Where an Officer becomes aware, either through his own investigation or as
a result of information received by him/her from any source, that a Dog has
Bitten or Attacked a Person or Animal Without Provocation, the Officer may, by
written notice served upon the Owner, require the Owner to comply with the
requirements set out in Sections 4.45 and 4.46 of this By-law within the time
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stipulated in said notice, and the Dog shall thereafter be deemed to be a
dangerous Dog.
4.44. Every Owner of a dangerous Dog shall, at all times while the dangerous
Dog is not in the Owner's Dwelling Unit, but is otherwise within the boundaries
of the Owner's Premises, ensure that the dangerous Dog wears a Muzzle in
accordance with Section 4.42 of this By-law and ensure that:
4.44.1. the Dog is securely Tethered in accordance with Sections 3.3 and 3.4
of this By-law;
4.44.2. the Dog is contained within an area enclosed by a fence of an
appropriate height for the breed of Dog, or an area enclosed by
other means such that the Dog cannot come into contact with any
other Person or Animal; and
4.44.3. a sign, no smaller than 5" x 7", is displayed at all entrances to the
property upon which the Dog is Kept, bearing words and a symbol that
warn that there is a dangerous Dog on the property.
4.45. Every Owner of a dangerous Dog shall, at all times while the Dog is not
within the boundaries of the Owner's Premises, keep the dog:
4.45.1. Muzzled in accordance with Section 4.42 of this By-law;
4.45.2. under the control of a competent Person capable of handling the Dog
who is sixteen years of age or older; and
4.45.3. on a Leash that does not exceed two (2) metres in length.
4.46. Every Owner of a dangerous Dog shall immediately notify the Township of
the following:
4.46.1. any change in ownership or residence of the dangerous Dog and
provide the name, current address and telephone number of the new
Owner or residence;
4.46.2. if the Dog runs at large, Attacks or Bites any Person or Animal; or
4.46.3. if the Dog dies.
4.47. An Officer shall have the authority to make whatever inquiry is deemed
necessary to ensure compliance with Sections 4.41 and 4.46 of this By-law.
4.48. Sections 4.41 through 4.45 of this By-law shall not apply to police working
Dogs while they are carrying out their duties.
Stoop and Scoop
4.49. Every Owner of a Dog shall immediately remove any feces left by the Dog in
any place other than the Premises of the Owner and dispose of it in a proper
waste receptacle.
4.50. Section 4.49 of this By-law shall not apply to:
4.50.1. the handler of a Service Dog, where the handler is unable to
remove the excrement left by such Dog due to a physical disability or
impediment;
4.50.2. a blind or visually impaired handler of a Service Dog if the feces were
left while the Dog was off the Premises of the handler and carrying
out its duties; or
4.51. a police working Dog while they are carrying out their duties.
Number of Dogs Restricted
4.52. No Person shall Keep on their Premises more than three (3) Dogs over ten
weeks of age, unless:
4.52.1. the Premises is registered as a Kennel in accordance with the
provisions of this By-law and the comprehensive Zoning By-law 2017-
70, as amended, and any successor thereto;
4.52.2. the Premises is a Pet shop;
4.52.3. the Premises is used by the Society; or
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4.52.4. the Premises is an accredited veterinary facility under the
supervision of a veterinarian licensed pursuant to the Veterinarians
Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. V.3, as amended.
5. GENERAL ANIMALS
Rabies Immunization
5.1. Every Owner of a Dog that is four months of age or older shall ensure that the
Dog is duly immunized against rabies and that the immunization is maintained
as current.
Transporting Animals
5.2. For the purpose of this By-law, "Roadway" means any street, highway or
other place, whether publicly or privately owned, any part of which the public is
permitted to use for the passage or parking of vehicles.
5.3. No Person transporting an Animal shall allow the Animal to be outside of the
passenger cab of a Motor Vehicle on a Roadway, regardless of whether the
Motor Vehicle is moving or stationary.
5.4. Notwithstanding Section 5.3, a Person may allow an Animal to be outside the
passenger cab of a Motor Vehicle while on a Roadway, including riding in the
bed of a pick-up truck or flatbed truck, if the Animal is:
5.4.1. in a fully enclosed trailer;
5.4.2. in a fully enclosed bed area of a truck, the dimensions of which
permit the Animal to fully stand up, sit down, turn around and lay
down; or
5.4.3. contained in a crate or similar device manufactured for the
confinement or transport of an Animal, the dimensions of which
permit the Animal to fully stand up, sit down, turn around and lay
down and which is securely fastened to the bed of the truck.
5.5. Notwithstanding Section 5.3, a Person may transport an Animal in the bed of
a pick-up truck or flatbed truck provided that the Animal is securely
Tethered in such a manner that it cannot jump, slide or be thrown from the
truck, is not in danger of strangulation, and cannot reach beyond the outside
edge of the bed of the truck.
5.6. No Person shall Keep an Animal in any vehicle, part of a vehicle or trailer
attached to a vehicle where doing so causes or may cause the Animal
illness, pain, injury or suffering or to become subject to undue or
unnecessary distress, hardship, privation or neglect.
5.7. An Officer may use any means as are necessary to remove an Animal in
need of assistance from a Motor Vehicle or any enclosed space and the
Township shall be entitled to recover its costs for such removal from the
registered owner of the Motor Vehicle or enclosed space.
Tormenting Animals
5.8. No Person shall annoy, assault, batter, tease or torment an Animal or
willfully and recklessly kill or cause injury, pain or suffering to an Animal.
5.9. Section 5.8 of this By-law shall not be interpreted so as to prohibit:
5.9.1. a Person who is a bona fide farmer engaged in a normal farming
practice pursuant to the Farming and Food Production Protection Act,
1998, S.O. 1998, c. 1, as amended and other applicable law; or
5.9.2. a Person who is a bona fide hunter actively engaged in hunting in
accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997,S.O.
1997, c.41, as amended, and other applicable law during a permitted
season to whom has been issued such necessary licences and
permits as may be required by the laws of the Dominion of
Canada, the Province of Ontario and the Township.
By-law 2023-54
Trapping Animals
5.10. No Person shall trap any Animal unless:
5.10.1. the Animal is causing a nuisance to, or damaging, the aggrieved
Person's property;
5.10.2. the Animal is trapped in a live trap;
5.10.3. the Animal is trapped in a humane manner;
5.10.4. once trapped, the Animal is not Kept in a trap for more than 24
hours;
5.10.5. once trapped, the Animal is Sheltered from the elements,
including the sun; and
5.10.6. the Animal is trapped on the property of the aggrieved Person.
5.11. No Person shall set out any trap that causes or may cause injury, pain or
suffering to an Animal including, without limiting the generality thereof,
conibear traps, killer traps, leg-hold traps and snares.
5.12. Any Person who traps a Domestic Animal, in addition to the provisions of
Sections 5.10 and 5.11 of this By-law, shall only release the Animal to:
5.12.1. the rightful Owner of the Animal;
5.12.2. an Officer; or
5.12.3. the Pound.
5.13. Sections 5.10 and 5.11 of this By-law shall not apply to a Person trapping an
Animal where the Person is licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources or is otherwise authorized by law to trap the Animal, and such
trapping shall be conducted in accordance with such applicable law.
Livestock
5.14. No Person shall Keep Livestock on any Premises in the Township unless
the Premises is zoned to permit the Keeping of Livestock by Township of
West Lincoln Zoning By-law No. 2017-70, as amended, and any successor
thereto, and/or any Provincial Regulation(s).
5.15. For the purposes of this By-law, Livestock shall be deemed to be running At
large if found in any place other than the Premises of the Owner of the
Livestock and not under the control of any Person.
5.16. No Owner of Livestock shall permit any Livestock to run at large in the
Township.
5.17. An Officer may seize any Livestock that is found running at large in the
Township and may cause such Livestock to be delivered to the Pound, and/or
retain the services of a third party, the Society shall invoice the Township
separately for each occurrence. The Township shall be responsible for
recovering costs from the owner.
5.18. Any Person may seize any Livestock that is found running at large in the
Township and shall immediately cause such Livestock to be delivered to
the Pound or, if known, returned to the Owner.
5.19. Any Livestock seized pursuant to Sections 5.17 or 5.18 of this By-law shall be
considered impounded at the time and place when it comes under the control
of an Officer or, in any other case, when delivered to the Pound.
5.20. The Pound may seize and impound any Livestock running at large in the
Township and shall make reasonable efforts to determine the identity of
the Owner of the Livestock and to inform the Owner that the Livestock has been
impounded, in accordance with the Pounds Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 17, as
amended.
5.21. The Pound:
5.21.1. may provide such veterinary or other care for any injured or ill
impounded Livestock as may be necessary to sustain its life or
relieve any distress;
By-law 2023-54
5.21.2. shall be entitled to recover from the Owner of the Livestock, the cost
of any veterinary or other care provided while the Livestock was
impounded; and
5.21.3. shall be entitled to recover from the Owner of the Livestock, any
Pound fees for the redemption of the Livestock.
5.22. The Pound may euthanize any impounded Livestock without delay if, in the
opinion of the Pound, such action is warranted for humane reasons.
5.23. The Owner of any Livestock impounded may obtain release of such Livestock
by first:
5.23.1.
paying all costs and fees incurred by the Pound; and
5.23.2.
taking any other action in relation to the care or control of the
Livestock that the Township or Pound may direct.
5.24. The Pound may, in accordance with the Pounds Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.17, as
amended:
5.24.1. release the Livestock to its Owner upon compliance with Sections 5.23
and 5.25 of this By-law; and
5.24.2. Keep, sell or dispose of the Livestock.
5.25. The Owner of any Livestock found running at large shall be liable for all
damages caused by such Livestock and for the costs incurred by the Pound and
or Township in seizing and or impounding such Livestock.
5.26. Whenever any impounded Livestock is released to its Owner, a record of
such release shall be kept by the Pound.
Wild Animals
5.27. No Person shall remove any Wild animals from any public land in the
Township unless authorized to do so by the Township or by law and
provided that the removal is done in a humane manner.
5.28. No Person shall Keep, or cause to be Kept, any Wild animal in the
Township unless they are authorized to do so by law.
5.29. Despite Section 5.28 of this By-law a person who comes into the possession of
any Wild animal that is injured or unable to fend for itself shall, as soon as is
reasonable, but in no case no longer than 24 hours after coming into
possession of the Wild animal:
5.29.1. release the Wild animal back into the wild within 1 kilometre from
where it was found;
5.29.2. surrender the Wild animal to the care of the Society; or
5.29.3. surrender the Wild animal to a Person or facility licensed by the
Ministry of Natural Resources to care for wildlife.
Prohibited Animals
5.30. No person shall Keep, either temporarily or permanently, any Animal listed in
Schedule "B", as may be amended by Council from time to time, unless the
Premises on which the Animal is Kept or is to be Kept is zoned by Township of
West Lincoln Zoning By-law No. 2017-70, as amended and any successor
thereof, to permit a Kennel and:
5.30.1. the Person is authorized to Keep the Animal by the Government of
Canada or the Province of Ontario; or
5.30.2. the Animal is a bird used for falconry.
5.31. Despite Section 5.30 of this By-law, a Person who is lawfully Keeping a
Prohibited animal on the date this By-law comes into effect shall be permitted
to Keep such Animal on his or her Premises provided that the Animal is
Kept in an environment which is appropriate for the species and the Owner
has registered the Animal by advising the Township in writing of the species
of Animal, the name, current address and phone number of the Owner and
providing a photograph clearly depicting the Animal within ninety (90) days of the
By-law 2023-54
date that this By-law comes into effect.
5.32. The onus of proving the exemption provided for in Section 5.31 of this By-law
is upon the Person seeking the exemption.
5.33. The exemption provided for in Section 5.31 of this By-law is for the life of the
Prohibited animal.
5.34. The Township may maintain a list of all Prohibited animals for which written
notice has been received in accordance with Section 5.31 of this By-law.
5.35. Section 5.30 of this By-law shall not apply to:
5.35.1. any Premises used by the Society;
5.35.2. any Premises of the Government of Canada, the Province of
Ontario, the Region of Niagara or the Township of West Lincoln;
5.35.3. any lawful fair, circus or other entertainment event where Animals are
displayed;
5.35.4. Premises of an accredited veterinary facility under the supervision of a
veterinarian licensed pursuant to the Veterinarians Act, R.S.O.
1990, c. V.3, as amended;
5.35.5. Premises owned or operated by any zoo or exhibit, permanently and
lawfully located in the Township, and where such Premises or
facilities are accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (CAZA);
5.35.6. areas of the Township in which professionally produced films are being
lawfully made using such Animals, provided that there is
supervision by an agent or inspector of PAWS;
5.35.7. any area of the Township in which educational programs are being
lawfully conducted with such Animals, provided that the Animals are
Owned by institutions accredited by the CAZA or the American Zoo and
Aquarium Association, and only while the educational programs are
actually being conducted;
5.35.8. Premises registered as research facilities pursuant to the Animals for
Research Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, as amended;
5.35.9. Premises owned or operated by an Ontario College or University;
5.35.10. Premises that are authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources; or
5.35.11. Premises owned and legally operated by an animal rescue
organization registered with the Society or pursuant to other
legislation.
5.36. For the purposes of this By-law, a Prohibited animal shall be deemed to be
running at large if found in any place other than the Premises of the Owner of
the Prohibited animal and not under the control of any Person.
5.37. No Person shall permit a Prohibited animal to run at large.
Animal Noise
5.38. No Owner shall permit or allow the persistent barking, calling, whining or
other similar persistent sound made by a Domestic animal or any other
Animal Kept or used for any purpose other than agriculture which sound(s) is
clearly audible at the point of reception.
Rabbits
5.39. No Owner shall fail to comply with the regulations set out in Schedule "D" as
it pertains to the Keeping of rabbits within the Township.
Coyotes
5.40. "Coyote" is an Animal that is, or appears to be, of the species Canis Iatrans and
any Animal that is a cross breed of a member of the species Canis Iatrans
and a domestic Dog. The singular of this word shall be deemed to include the
By-law 2023-54
plural with all necessary changes in detail; as set out in Schedule "E".
Backyard Chickens
5.41 No Owner shall fail to comply with the regulations set out in Schedule "F" as it
pertains to keeping of backyard chickens within the Township. As amended by
By-law 2025-08
6. ADMINISTRATION
Enforcement
6.1. Unless otherwise provided for herein, all provisions of this By-law shall be
enforced by an Officer as defined in this By-law.
6.2. An Officer may issue a direction or order requiring that a Person comply
with the provisions of this By-law.
6.3. An Officer may enter upon land at any reasonable time for the purpose of
carrying out an inspection to determine whether or not:
6.3.1. the provisions of this By-law are being complied with; or
6.3.2. a direction or order under this By-law is being complied with.
6.4. No Person shall hinder or obstruct any Officer, or any Person lawfully acting in
aid of such Officer, in the execution of their duties under this By-law.
Offences and Penalties
6.5. No person shall fail to comply with any provision or standard of this By-law;
6.6. The Township's Administrative Monetary (Non-Parking) Penalty By-law No.
2021-84 as amended, applies to each administrative penalty issued pursuant
to this By-law;
6.7. Each person who contravenes any provision of this By-law shall, upon the
issuance of a Penalty Notice in accordance with the Township's Administrative
(Non-Parking) Penalty By-law, be liable to pay the Township an administrative
penalty in the amounts specified in the applicable schedule of the Township's
Administrative (Non-Parking) Penalty By-law, as amended from time to time;
6.8. Each person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an
offence and is liable on conviction to a fine recoverable pursuant to the
Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.33, as amended, of:
6.8.1. not more than $10,000.00;
6.8.2. not more than $25,000.00 for a second or subsequent conviction for
the same offence;
7. APPEALS
7.1
Where a dog has been declared vicious by the Township and/or the Society,
pursuant to the provisions of this by-law, the owner of the dog may apply to the
Township for a hearing in respect of such Notice to Muzzle.
7.2
An application with the applicable fee as set out in Schedule "C" for a hearing
shall be made in writing and delivered to the Clerk of the Township within 10
days after the Notice to Muzzle has been served.
7.3
Upon receipt of the application for a hearing from an owner of the alleged
vicious dog, the Clerk shall convene a meeting of the Appeal Committee and
shall give the owner of the dog, any material witness relevant to the declaration,
the victim, if any, and the agency which declared the vicious dog and issued
the Notice to Muzzle, 7 days written notice, by personal service or express post
mail of the time, date and location of the hearing.
7.4
The applicant and any other interested person may appear at the hearing and
present oral, written or visual evidence related to the dog.
7.5
When the owner of the dog does not attend at the proper time and location, the
Appeal Committee may proceed with the hearing in his/her absence and the
applicant shall not be entitled to any further notice of the proceeding.
By-law 2023-54
8. APPEAL COMMITTEE:
8.1
The Appeal Committee shall deliberate the merits of the evidence presented
and shall render its decision at the meeting or shall reserve its decision to be
presented later, which shall not be later than 10 days following the date of the
hearing.
8.2
The decision of the Appeal Committee is final and binding.
8.3
The Appeal Committee shall confirm the vicious dog declaration and order, or
exempt the owner of the dog from any of the muzzle, restraining or leashing
requirements, or all, or dispose of an appeal by Consent Order.
8.4
The procedure of the Appeal Committee shall govern the hearings of the matter
subject only to the discretion of the Chair of the Committee to modify such
procedures for the purpose of accommodating exigent circumstances and
further to the extent that any matter arising during the course of proceedings
not covered in the provisions of this by-law, shall be governed by the Statutory
Powers and Procedures Act.
8.5
Notwithstanding that an applicant has applied for a hearing to appeal a Notice
to Muzzle, all responsibilities on a person, including the Notice to Muzzle take
effect when the declaration is served on the person to whom it is directed and
all responsibilities will remain in effect until the Appeal Committee has made its
decision on the appeal.
8.6
A written copy of the decision of the Appeal Committee, or the Consent Order
shall be prepared, as soon as practicable after the conclusion of the hearing,
and shall be delivered or mailed by express post mail to the applicant at the
address shown on his/her application, the defendant, Niagara Regional Police,
Regional Public Health Department, the Township, the Society, members of
Council, Appeal Committee Members and the Clerk.
9.0
REPEAL
9.1 By-Law 2011-44 is hereby repealed: (Dog Control By-Law)
10.0 EFFECT
10.1
This By-law shall become effective on the date of passage.
READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD
TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS
17TH DAY OF JULY, 2023.
____________________________
MAYOR CHERYL GANANN
____________________________
JESSICA DYSON, CLERK
By-law 2023-54
SCHEDULE "A"
WEST LINCOLN URBAN BOUNDARY
SCHEDULE "B"
PROHIBITED ANIMALS
1.
All protected or endangered Animals being all Animals, native or non-native,
whose possession or sale is prohibited because they are designated as protected
or endangered pursuant to an international, federal, or provincial law, regulation,
rule or agreement, unless the Animal has been obtained in accordance with
international, federal or provincial law, as applicable, and if the Animal is not
identified in this Schedule.
2.
All Canids, except the domestic Dog;
3.
All Felids, except the domestic Cat;
4.
All Marsupials (such as, Kangaroos and Opossums);
5.
All Non-human Primates (such as, Gorillas and Monkeys);
6.
All Viverrids (such as, Mongooses, Civets and Genets);
7.
All Mustelids (such as, Skunks, Weasels, Otters, Badgers), except the domestic
Ferret;
8.
All Ursids (Bears);
9.
All Artiodactylus Ungulates, except domestic Goats, Sheep, Pigs and Cattle;
10.
All Procyonids (such as, Raccoons, Coatis and Cacomistles);
11.
All Hyaenas;
12.
All Perissodactylus Ungulates, except the domestic Horse and Ass;
13.
All Elephants;
14.
All Pinnipeds (such as, Seals, Fur Seals and Walruses);
15.
All Snakes of the Families Pythonidae and Boidae;
16.
All Families of Venomous Snakes;
17.
All Ratite Birds (such as, Ostriches, Rheas, Cassowaries);
18.
All diurnal and nocturnal Raptors (such as Eagles, Hawks and Owls);
19.
All Edentates (such as, Anteaters, Sloths and Armadillos);
20.
All Bats;
21.
All Crocodilians (such as, Alligators and Crocodiles);
22.
All families of Venomous Spiders;
23.
All other Snakes that reach an adult length larger than three (3) meters; and
24.
All other Lizards that reach an adult length larger than two (2) meters;
SCHEDULE "C"
FEES AND CHARGES
1.
Early purchase discount rate (December 1st to December 31st of preceding year)
(a)
Unspayed or unneutered dog
$
25.00
(b)
Spayed or neutered dog (Production of
$
14.00
a certificate of a veterinary surgeon may
be required to show proof)
(c) Vicious Dog
$
100.00
2.
January 1st to November 30th of each year
(a)
Unspayed or unneutered dog
$
30.00
(b)
Spayed or neutered dog (Production of
$
17.00
a certificate of a veterinary surgeon may
be required to show proof)
(c) Vicious Dog
$ 100.00
3.
Kennel Licence Fee
Base Fee
$
100.00
Plus: per spayed and neutered dog
$
5.00
per unspayed and unneutered dog
$
10.00
4.
Replacement of lost or destroyed dog tag
$
3.00
5.
Application for Hearing - Fee
$
150.00
SCHEDULE "D"
RABBITS
1.
In this Schedule:
1.1
The maximum number of rabbits permitted within the Urban boundary
(Schedule "A") shall be six (6).
1.2
All rabbits must be Kept only in the rear yard and in a rabbitry that fully
encloses the rabbits and prevents them from escaping.
1.3
The rabbitry must be designed and constructed to ensure proper ventilation and
sufficient space for the rabbits and maintained in accordance with good animal
husbandry practices and must keep all vermin out.
1.4
All dead rabbits must be disposed of immediately and in any event, within 24
hours.
1.5
Rabbit feces shall be hygienically stored and promptly removed from the
premises;
1.6
The rabbit's food supply must be secured against vermin.
1.7
All Premises on which rabbits are Kept must have:
1.7.1
detached dwellings on them;
1.7.2
a frontage of at least forty feet; and
1.7.3
a depth of at least 100 feet.
1.8
The rabbitry shall be located at least 25 feet from the rear lot line of the lot on
which the rabbitry is located.
1.9
The rabbitry shall be located at least 15 feet from any side lot line of the lot on
which the rabbitry is located.
Note: The penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 6.5 of By-law No. 2023-54
SCHEDULE "E" COYOTES
WHEREAS Coyotes are wild animals native to the Niagara Region.
1.
PURPOSE
1.1
The purpose of this Schedule is to reduce the number of interactions between humans, their pets and property, and
Coyotes that result in injury or inconvenience to humans, their pets and property.
2.
INTERPRETATION
2.1
"Feed" includes any manner of providing or delivering Food, whether passive or active;
2.2
"Food" includes any matter or thing that can be consumed by a Coyote for sustenance;
2.3
managing Food or an Animal feeder in such a way as to attract Animals which Animals, in turn, attract a Coyote, is deemed
to be managing Food or an Animal feeder in such a manner as to attract a Coyote; and
2.4
without limiting the generality of the definition of Food set out above, managing Food shall include the disposal of waste,
garbage and refuse.
3.
REGULATIONS
3.1
No Person shall Feed a Coyote.
3.2
No Person shall place, expose or allow to be placed or exposed, Food that is consumed by a Coyote.
3.3
No Person shall manage Food or an Animal feeder intended to attract or feed Animals other than Coyotes, in such a manner
that the Food or feeder attracts a Coyote.
Note: The penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 6.5 of By-law No. 2023-54
SCHEDULE "F"
BACKYARD CHICKENS
1.
In this Schedule, the following regulations apply to Backyard Chickens:
2.
Enclosure and Care Regulations:
2.1
Coops shall provide protection from weather and be adequately ventilated.
2.2
Coops and runs shall be constructed and maintained to exclude rodents and predators from entry.
2.3
Coop floors and runs shall consist of vegetation, bare earth or a combination of both or lined with shavings, straw or
other appropriate materials to absorb manure and facilitate cleaning.
2.4
Hen coops shall provide a minimum of 0.37 square metres for each hen.
2.5
Hen runs shall provide a minimum of 0.93 square metres for each hen.
2.6
Hens shall be confined to a hen coop or hen run at all times. No free roaming hens are permitted.
2.7
Hens shall be provided with appropriate food, water, space and environmental conditions conducive to good health.
Feeders and water containers shall be provided and regularly cleaned and disinfected.
2.8
Feed shall be stored in rodent proof containers and shall be secured at all times to prevent rodents and other animals
from accessing it. Leftover feed shall be promptly removed from and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
2.9
Deceased hens shall be disposed of at a livestock disposal facility, through the services of a veterinarian, or through
a facility approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and in accordance with all applicable laws
within 24 hours of death.
2.10
Shall comply with the Section 3.8.3 of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2017-70, as amended, and its successor
thereto.
3.
Manure Storage Regulations:
3.1
Manure shall be stored in an enclosed container no more than 3 cubic metres of manure stored at any one time.
3.2
Manure must be maintained in a clean condition and shall be kept free of odours.
3.3
Manure that is kept for composting or fertilizing shall be stored in an enclosed structure or container such as compost
bin. Manure not used for composting or fertilizing or in excess of three (3) cubic feet shall be promptly removed and
disposed of in an appropriate manner.
Note: The penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 6.5 of By-law No. 2023-54
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN
SCHEDULE "G" TO
BY LAW NO. 2023-54
As amended by By-law
2025-08
BEING A BY LAW TO REGULATE ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL IN THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST
LINCOLN PART 1 PROVINCIAL OFFENCES ACT
SHORT FORM WORDING
PROVISION
CREATING OR
DEFINING OFFENCE
SET FINE
Failing to provide an animal with clean and sanitary environment
S. 3.1.1
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal with adequate/appropriate care
S. 3.1.2
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal with adequate/appropriate food
S. 3.1.2
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal with adequate/appropriate water
S. 3.1.2
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal with adequate/appropriate shelter
S. 3.1.2
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal opportunity for sufficient physical activity
S. 3.1.2
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal with enclosure of sufficient size
S. 3.2.2
$100.00
Failing to provide an animal with sufficient shade
S. 3.2.3
$200.00
Failing to provide an animal with an area dry and free from standing water
S. 3.2.4
$150.00
Improper tethering of an animal - Tether less than 4 metres
S. 3.3.1
$150.00
Improper tethering of an animal- failing to give animal unrestricted/unobstructed movement
within range of the tether
S. 3.3.2
$150.00
Improper tethering of an animal - no access to (food/water/shelter)
S. 3.3.3
$250.00
Improper tethering of an animal - permitting animal to injure itself
S. 3.3.6
$100.00
Improper tethering of an animal- permitting animal to reach beyond limits of premises
S. 3.4
$100.00
Improper tethering of an animal- tying (rope/chain/cord/restraining device) directly around
animals neck
S. 3.3.5
$100.00
Keeping an animal in unsanitary conditions
S. 3.5
$250.00
Failing to register a dog with the Township
S. 4.1.1
$100.00
Failing to renew a dog registration with the Township
S. 4.3
$100.00
Failing to display a dog identification tag on collar affixed to the dog
S. 4.1.3
$50.00
Failing to obtain replacement dog identification tag
S. 4.1.4
$50.00
Failing to notify the Township within seven(7) days of the (sale/death/change of ownership) of
a dog
S. 4.1.6
$50.00
Improper use of a dog tag- use of tag on dog other than one for which tag was issued
S. 4.1.5
$75.00
Provide false information respecting a dog registration/renewal of dog registration
S. 4.1.7
$100.00
Note: The penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 6.5 of By-law No. 2023-54
SHORT FORM WORDING
PROVISION
CREATING OR
DEFINING OFFENCE
SET FINE
Failing to construct/establish/maintain/operate a kennel in compliance with the By-Law
S. 4.5.1
$250.00
Operate kennel where escape is not prevented
S. 4.5.2
$100.00
Failing to pay kennel registration fee
S. 4.5.3
$200.00
Failing to renew kennel registration
S. 4.5.4
$200.00
Failing to comply with Kennel Operations Standards
S. 4.5.5
$200.00
Owner of a Private Kennel permit more than twenty (20) dogs to be kept
S. 4.17
$250.00
Owner of a Commercial Kennel permit more dogs than Zoning By-Law 2017-70, as amended/or its successor, allows
S. 4.18
$250.00
Failing to permit an officer to inspect kennel premises
S. 4.20
$250.00
Permitting a dog to run at large
S. 4.25
$150.00
Improper use of a leash on a dog- Leash longer than three (3) metres
S. 4.26
$150.00
Failing to properly control a dog on a leash
S. 4.27
$150.00
Failing to use leash on a dog
S. 4.27
$100.00
Failing to control a dog with a leash- affixing leash to (an/a) (Immovable structure/motor
vehicle/bicycle
S. 4.28
$100.00
Improper use of collar on a dog- restricts the dogs ability to (breathe/swallow)
S. 4.29
$250.00
Improper use of collar on a dog- causes the dog discomfort
S. 4.29
$250.00
Failing to turn over found dog to the pound
S. 4.32
$100.00
Failing to turn over found dog to its owner
S. 4.32
$100.00
Permitting a dog to (bite/attack/chase) a person
S. 4.41
$250.00
Permitting a dog to (bite/attack/chase) an animal
S. 4.41
$250.00
Permitting a dog to damage (public/private) property
S. 4.41
$250.00
Improper muzzling of a dog- restricts dogs ability to (breathe/drink water)
S. 4.42
$250.00
Improper muzzling of a dog- muzzle causes dog (pain/suffering/injury)
S. 4.42
$250.00
Failing to comply with a notice respecting a dangerous dog
S. 4.43
$500.00
Failing to muzzle a danger dog on owners premises
S. 4.44
$300.00
Failing to securely tether a dangerous dog
S. 4.44.1
$500.00
Failing to properly confine a dangerous dog with an appropriate fence
S. 4.44.2
$500.00
Failing to display a danger dog sign on property
S. 4.44.3
$200.00
Failing to display a danger dog sign at least 5" X 7" in size
S. 4.44.3
$200.00
Failing to muzzle a dangerous dog
S. 4.45.1
$400.00
Failing to keep a dangerous dog under control of a competent person when off owner's
premises
S. 4.45.2
$400.00
Failing to keep a dangerous dog under control of persons eighteen years of age or older when
off owner's premises
S. 4.37.2
$400.00
Note: The penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 6.5 of By-law No. 2023-54
SHORT FORM WORDING
PROVISION
CREATING OR
DEFINING OFFENCE
SET FINE
Using leash of more than two(2) metres on dangerous dog
S. 4.45.3
$400.00
Failing to notify town of change in (ownership/residence) of a dangerous dog
S. 4.46.1
$300.00
Failing to provide town with current information for a new owner of a dangerous dog
S. 4.46.1
$300.00
Failing to notify the town of dangerous dog (running at large/attacking a person/biting a person)
S. 4.46.2
$400.00
Failing to notify town of a dangerous dog (attacking an animal/biting an animal)
S. 4.46.2
$400.00
Failing to notify the town operator of the death of a dangerous dog
S. 4.46.3
$150.00
Failing to immediately remove dog feces
S. 4.49
$100.00
Failing to dispose of dog feces in a proper waste receptacle
S. 4.49
$100.00
Keeping more than three (3) dogs over ten (10) weeks of age on a premises
S. 4.52
$150.00
Failing to register additional dog(s) for three (3) dog limit exemption within the first ninety (90)
days of this by law
S. 4.52.1
$100.00
Failing to have a dog immunized against rabies
S. 5.1
$110.00
Failing to maintain a dog with current immunization against rabies
S. 5.1
$110.00
Failing to keep an animal inside of a passenger cab of a motor vehicle while the motor vehicle
(parked/moving)
S. 5.3
$150.00
Animal outside of passenger cab of motor vehicle- not in fully enclosed trailer
S. 5.4.1
$150.00
Animal outside of passenger cab of motor vehicle- not in fully enclosed bed area of truck
S. 5.4.2
$250.00
Animal in fully enclosed bed area of truck of insufficient dimensions
S. 5.4.2
$150.00
Animal outside of passenger cab of motor vehicle- not in crate
S. 5.4.3
$150.00
Animal confined in crate on the bed of a truck of insufficient dimensions.
S. 5.4.3
$150.00
Improper transportation of animal failure to securely tether the animal in bed of a (pickup
truck/flatbed truck
S. 5.5
$150.00
Improper transportation of animal- (causing/permitting)(illness/pain/injury/suffering) or undue or
unnecessary (distress/hardship/privation/neglect) to an animal while in bed of a (pickup
truck/flatbed truck
S. 5.6
$250.00
(Annoying an Animal/assaulting an animal/battering an animal/teasing an animal/tormenting an
animal) or willfully and recklessly (kill/causing injury to/causing pain to/cause suffering to) an
animal
S. 5.8
$250.00
Trapping an animal when the animal is not (causing a nuisance/damaging property)
S. 5.10.1
$150.00
Trapping an animal in other than a live trap
S. 5.10.2
$250.00
Trapping an animal in an inhumane manner
S. 5.10.3
$250.00
Keeping a trapped animal in a trap for more than 24 hours
S. 5.10.4
$250.00
Failing to shelter a trapped animal from the elements
S. 5.10.5
$250.00
Trapping an animal on property not owned by the aggrieved person
S. 5.10.6
$150.00
Trapping an animal- using trap that (causes/may cause) the animal (injury/pain/suffering)
S. 5.11
$250.00
Failing to release a domestic animal to the owner
S. 5.12.1
$150.00
Note: The penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 6.5 of By-law No. 2023-54
SHORT FORM WORDING
PROVISION
CREATING OR
DEFINING OFFENCE
SET FINE
Failing to release a domestic animal to an officer
S. 5.12.2
$150.00
Failing to release a domestic animal to the pound
S. 5.12.3
$150.00
Keeping livestock in area not zoned to permit the keeping of livestock
S.5.14
$200.00
Permitting livestock to run at large
S. 5.16
$300.00
Failing to turn over found livestock to the pound
S. 5.18
$200.00
Failing to turnover found livestock to its owner
S. 5.18
$200.00
Did remove a wild animal from public lands in the Township where unauthorized to do so
S. 5.27
$150.00
Did remove a wild animal from public lands in the Township in an inhumane manner
S. 5.27
$150.00
Did (keep/cause to be kept) a wild animal
S. 5.28
$150.00
Failing to release a wild animal after possessing it for more than twenty-four (24) hours
S. 5.29
$150.00
Failing to release a wild animal within one (1) kilometer from where it was found
S. 5.29.1
$150.00
Failing to surrender a wild animal to the Society
S. 5.29.2
$150.00
Failing to surrender a wild animal to a (person/facility) licenced by the Ministry of Natural
Resources to care for wildlife
S. 5.29.3
$150.00
Keeping a prohibited animal
S. 5.30
$300.00
Failing to register a grandfathered prohibited animal
S. 5.31
$150.00
Failing to keep a grandfathered prohibited animal in an appropriate environment for the species
S. 5.31
$300.00
Permitting a prohibited animal to run at large
S. 5.37
$300.00
Owner-(allow/permit) persistent barking by any domestic pet
S. 5.38
$200.00
Owner-(allow/permit) persistent whining by any domestic pet
S. 5.38
$200.00
Owner-(allow/permit) persistent calling by any domestic pet
S. 5.38
$200.00
Owner- fail to comply with the Regulations in Schedule "D" as it pertains to the keeping of
Rabbits
S. 5.39
$250.00
Obstructing an officer in the execution of (his/her) duties
S. 6.4
$300.00
Owner- fail to comply with the Regulations in Schedule "F" as it pertains to the keeping of
Backyard Chickens
S 5.41
$250.00
Note: The penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 6.5 of By-law No. 2023-54
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN
SCHEDULE "H" TO
BY LAW NO. 2023-54
As amended by By-law
2025-08
BEING A BY LAW TO REGULATE ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL IN THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY
(NON-PARKING) BY-LAW - DESIGNATED BY-LAW PROVISIONS
SHORT FORM WORDING
PROVISION
CREATING OR
DEFINING OFFENCE
SET FINE
Failing to provide an animal with clean and sanitary environment
S. 3.1.1
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal with adequate/appropriate care
S. 3.1.2
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal with adequate/appropriate food
S. 3.1.2
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal with adequate/appropriate water
S. 3.1.2
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal with adequate/appropriate shelter
S. 3.1.2
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal opportunity for sufficient physical activity
S. 3.1.2
$250.00
Failing to provide an animal with enclosure of sufficient size
S. 3.2.2
$100.00
Failing to provide an animal with sufficient shade
S. 3.2.3
$200.00
Failing to provide an animal with an area dry and free from standing water
S. 3.2.4
$150.00
Improper tethering of an animal - Tether less than 4 metres
S. 3.3.1
$150.00
Improper tethering of an animal- failing to give animal unrestricted/unobstructed movement
within range of the tether
S. 3.3.2
$150.00
Improper tethering of an animal - no access to (food/water/shelter)
S. 3.3.3
$250.00
Improper tethering of an animal - permitting animal to injure itself
S. 3.3.6
$100.00
Improper tethering of an animal- permitting animal to reach beyond limits of premises
S. 3.4
$100.00
Improper tethering of an animal- tying (rope/chain/cord/restraining device) directly around
animals neck
S. 3.3.5
$100.00
Keeping an animal in unsanitary conditions
S. 3.5
$250.00
Failing to register a dog with the Township
S. 4.1.1
$100.00
Failing to renew a dog registration with the Township
S. 4.3
$100.00
Failing to display a dog identification tag on collar affixed to the dog
S. 4.1.3
$50.00
Failing to obtain replacement dog identification tag
S. 4.1.4
$50.00
Failing to notify the Township within seven(7) days of the (sale/death/change of ownership) of
a dog
S. 4.1.6
$50.00
Improper use of a dog tag- use of tag on dog other than one for which tag was issued
S. 4.1.5
$75.00
Provide false information respecting a dog registration/renewal of dog registration
S. 4.1.7
$100.00
Owner- fail to comply with the Regulations in Schedule "F" as it pertains to the keeping of
Backyard Chickens
S 5.41
$250.00
Note: The penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 6.5 of By-law No. 2023-54
SHORT FORM WORDING
PROVISION
CREATING OR
DEFINING OFFENCE
SET FINE
Failing to construct/establish/maintain/operate a kennel in compliance with the By-Law
S. 4.5.1
$250.00
Operate kennel where escape is not prevented
S. 4.5.2
$100.00
Failing to pay kennel registration fee
S. 4.5.3
$200.00
Failing to renew kennel registration
S. 4.5.4
$200.00
Failing to comply with Kennel Operations Standards
S. 4.5.5
$200.00
Owner of a Private Kennel permit more than twenty (20) dogs to be kept
S. 4.17
$250.00
Owner of a Commercial Kennel permit more dogs than Zoning By-Law 2017-70, as amended/or its successor, allows
S. 4.18
$250.00
Failing to permit an officer to inspect kennel premises
S. 4.20
$250.00
Permitting a dog to run at large
S. 4.25
$150.00
Improper use of a leash on a dog- Leash longer than three (3) metres
S. 4.26
$150.00
Failing to properly control a dog on a leash
S. 4.27
$150.00
Failing to use leash on a dog
S. 4.27
$100.00
Failing to control a dog with a leash- affixing leash to (an/a) (Immovable structure/motor
vehicle/bicycle
S. 4.28
$100.00
Improper use of collar on a dog- restricts the dogs ability to (breathe/swallow)
S. 4.29
$250.00
Improper use of collar on a dog- causes the dog discomfort
S. 4.29
$250.00
Failing to turn over found dog to the pound
S. 4.32
$100.00
Failing to turn over found dog to its owner
S. 4.32
$100.00
Permitting a dog to (bite/attack/chase) a person
S. 4.41
$250.00
Permitting a dog to (bite/attack/chase) an animal
S. 4.41
$250.00
Permitting a dog to damage (public/private) property
S. 4.41
$250.00
Improper muzzling of a dog- restricts dogs ability to (breathe/drink water)
S. 4.42
$250.00
Improper muzzling of a dog- muzzle causes dog (pain/suffering/injury)
S. 4.42
$250.00
Failing to comply with a notice respecting a dangerous dog
S. 4.43
$500.00
Failing to muzzle a danger dog on owners premises
S. 4.44
$300.00
Failing to securely tether a dangerous dog
S. 4.44.1
$500.00
Failing to properly confine a dangerous dog with an appropriate fence
S. 4.44.2
$500.00
Failing to display a danger dog sign on property
S. 4.44.3
$200.00
Failing to display a danger dog sign at least 5" X 7" in size
S. 4.44.3
$200.00
Failing to muzzle a dangerous dog
S. 4.45.1
$400.00
Failing to keep a dangerous dog under control of a competent person when off owner's
premises
S. 4.45.2
$400.00
Failing to keep a dangerous dog under control of persons eighteen years of age or older when
off owner's premises
S. 4.37.2
$400.00
Note: The penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 6.5 of By-law No. 2023-54
SHORT FORM WORDING
PROVISION
CREATING OR
DEFINING OFFENCE
SET FINE
Using leash of more than two (2) metres on dangerous dog
S. 4.45.3
$400.00
Failing to notify town of change in (ownership/residence) of a dangerous dog
S. 4.46.1
$300.00
Failing to provide town with current information for a new owner of a dangerous dog
S. 4.46.1
$300.00
Failing to notify the town of dangerous dog (running at large/attacking a person/biting a person)
S. 4.46.2
$400.00
Failing to notify town of a dangerous dog (attacking an animal/biting an animal)
S. 4.46.2
$400.00
Failing to notify the town operator of the death of a dangerous dog
S. 4.46.3
$150.00
Failing to immediately remove dog feces
S. 4.49
$100.00
Failing to dispose of dog feces in a proper waste receptacle
S. 4.49
$100.00
Keeping more than three (3) dogs over ten (10) weeks of age on a premises
S. 4.52
$150.00
Failing to register additional dog(s) for three (3) dog limit exemption within the first ninety (90)
days of this by law
S. 4.52.1
$100.00
Failing to have a dog immunized against rabies
S. 5.1
$110.00
Failing to maintain a dog with current immunization against rabies
S. 5.1
$110.00
Failing to keep an animal inside of a passenger cab of a motor vehicle while the motor vehicle
(parked/moving)
S. 5.3
$150.00
Animal outside of passenger cab of motor vehicle- not in fully enclosed trailer
S. 5.4.1
$150.00
Animal outside of passenger cab of motor vehicle- not in fully enclosed bed area of truck
S. 5.4.2
$250.00
Animal in fully enclosed bed area of truck of insufficient dimensions
S. 5.4.2
$150.00
Animal outside of passenger cab of motor vehicle- not in crate
S. 5.4.3
$150.00
Animal confined in crate on the bed of a truck of insufficient dimensions.
S. 5.4.3
$150.00
Improper transportation of animal failure to securely tether the animal in bed of a (pickup
truck/flatbed truck
S. 5.5
$150.00
Improper transportation of animal- (causing/permitting)(illness/pain/injury/suffering) or undue or
unnecessary (distress/hardship/privation/neglect) to an animal while in bed of a (pickup
truck/flatbed truck
S. 5.6
$250.00
(Annoying an Animal/assaulting an animal/battering an animal/teasing an animal/tormenting an
animal) or willfully and recklessly (kill/causing injury to/causing pain to/cause suffering to) an
animal
S. 5.8
$250.00
Trapping an animal when the animal is not (causing a nuisance/damaging property)
S. 5.10.1
$150.00
Trapping an animal in other than a live trap
S. 5.10.2
$250.00
Trapping an animal in an inhumane manner
S. 5.10.3
$250.00
Keeping a trapped animal in a trap for more than 24 hours
S. 5.10.4
$250.00
Failing to shelter a trapped animal from the elements
S. 5.10.5
$250.00
Trapping an animal on property not owned by the aggrieved person
S. 5.10.6
$150.00
Trapping an animal- using trap that (causes/may cause) the animal (injury/pain/suffering)
S. 5.11
$250.00
Failing to release a domestic animal to the owner
S. 5.12.1
$150.00
Note: The penalty provision for the offences listed above is Section 6.5 of By-law No. 2023-54
SHORT FORM WORDING
PROVISION
CREATING OR
DEFINING OFFENCE
SET FINE
Failing to release a domestic animal to an officer
S. 5.12.2
$150.00
Failing to release a domestic animal to the pound
S. 5.12.3
$150.00
Keeping livestock in area not zoned to permit the keeping of livestock
S.5.14
$200.00
Permitting livestock to run at large
S. 5.16
$300.00
Failing to turn over found livestock to the pound
S. 5.18
$200.00
Failing to turnover found livestock to its owner
S. 5.18
$200.00
Did remove a wild animal from public lands in the Township where unauthorized to do so
S. 5.27
$150.00
Did remove a wild animal from public lands in the Township in an inhumane manner
S. 5.27
$150.00
Did (keep/cause to be kept) a wild animal
S. 5.28
$150.00
Failing to release a wild animal after possessing it for more than twenty-four (24) hours
S. 5.29
$150.00
Failing to release a wild animal within one (1) kilometer from where it was found
S. 5.29.1
$150.00
Failing to surrender a wild animal to the Society
S. 5.29.2
$150.00
Failing to surrender a wild animal to a (person/facility) licensed by the Ministry of Natural
Resources to care for wildlife
S. 5.29.3
$150.00
Keeping a prohibited animal
S. 5.30
$300.00
Failing to register a grandfathered prohibited animal
S. 5.31
$150.00
Failing to keep a grandfathered prohibited animal in an appropriate environment for the species
S. 5.31
$300.00
Permitting a prohibited animal to run at large
S. 5.37
$300.00
Owner-(allow/permit) persistent barking by any domestic pet
S. 5.38
$200.00
Owner-(allow/permit) persistent whining by any domestic pet
S. 5.38
$200.00
Owner-(allow/permit) persistent calling by any domestic pet
S. 5.38
$200.00
Owner- fail to comply with the Regulations in Schedule "D" as it pertains to the keeping of
Rabbits
S. 5.39
$250.00
Obstructing an officer in the execution of (his/her) duties
S. 6.4
$300.00