Bylaw No. 8176 - The Dangerous Animals Bylaw, 2003 (codified to Bylaw 10140, Dec 17 2025)
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
· adopted 2003-01-06
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Bylaw No. 8176
The Dangerous Animals Bylaw, 2003
Codified to Bylaw No. 10140
(December 17, 2025)
Bylaw No. 8176
Table of Contents
Section
Page
Short Title ........................................................................................................................ 1
Purpose ........................................................................................................................... 1
Definitions ....................................................................................................................... 1
Application ....................................................................................................................... 2
Dangerous Animals ......................................................................................................... 3
Exemption for Guard Dogs .............................................................................................. 3
Fighting Dogs Considered Dangerous ............................................................................ 4
Dangerous Animal Hearings ........................................................................................... 4
Offences .......................................................................................................................... 7
Penalties ......................................................................................................................... 8
Order Binds Subsequent Owner ..................................................................................... 9
Impoundment of Dangerous Animals .............................................................................. 9
Execution of Destruction Order ..................................................................................... 10
Destruction by Peace Officers ....................................................................................... 11
Entry and Search .......................................................................................................... 11
Charges May Be Added to Property Taxes ................................................................... 11
Criteria for Muzzle and Leash for Dangerous Animals .................................................. 11
Inoculation of Animals ................................................................................................... 12
Micro Chipping of Dangerous Animals .......................................................................... 12
Enclosures for Dangerous Animals ............................................................................... 12
Signs ............................................................................................................................. 13
Quarantine of Animals ................................................................................................... 14
Rabies Test of Animals ................................................................................................. 14
Appointment of Designated Officers .............................................................................. 14
Coming Into Force ......................................................................................................... 14
Appendix "A" ................................................................................................................. 16
Appendix "B" ................................................................................................................. 17
Appendix "C" ................................................................................................................. 18
BYLAW NO. 8176
The Dangerous Animals Bylaw, 2003
The Council of The City of Saskatoon enacts:
Short Title
1.
This Bylaw may be cited as The Dangerous Animals Bylaw, 2003.
Purpose
2.
The purpose of this Bylaw is to:
(a)
promote the health, safety, protection and welfare of people and the
protection of property;
(b)
ensure the humane treatment of domestic animals;
(c)
regulate and prohibit the keeping of dangerous animals within the
City; and
(d)
prohibit dog fighting.
Definitions
3.
In this Bylaw:
(a)
"Animal Control Agency" means the Animal Control Agency
designated pursuant to The Animal Control Bylaw, 1999;
(b)
"City" means the City of Saskatoon;
(c)
"City Clerk" means the person appointed as City Clerk of the City
pursuant to section 85 of The Cities Act;
(d)
"judge" means a judge or a justice of the peace of the Provincial
Court of Saskatchewan or, in the case of an appeal, a judge of the
Court of King's Bench for Saskatchewan;
Page 2
(d.1) "muzzle" means a device which:
(i)
covers the entirety of the jaws, mouth and nose of the animal;
(ii)
is capable of being securely fastened to prevent it from
coming loose;
(iii)
is sufficiently strong and well-fitted to prevent the animal from
biting;
(iv)
is humane and permits the animal to breathe, pant, drink and
see; and
(v)
is commercially or professionally made.
(e)
"owner" includes:
(i)
a person who owns or has possession of, or control over, an
animal to which this Bylaw applies; and
(ii)
the person responsible for the custody of a minor where the
minor is the owner of an animal;
but does not include:
(iii)
a veterinarian registered pursuant to The Veterinarians Act,
1987 who has possession of or control over an animal for the
purposes of preventing, diagnosing or treating a disease of or
injury to the animal; or
(iv)
an animal shelter or pound operated by the City or the
Saskatoon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Inc.;
(f)
"Poundkeeper" means the Poundkeeper designated pursuant to
The Animal Control Bylaw, 1999;
(g)
"provocation" means an act done intentionally for the purpose of
provoking an animal to which this Bylaw applies.
Application
4.
This Bylaw shall apply to domestic cats and dogs in the City.
Page 3
Dangerous Animals
5.
(1)
An animal is dangerous where it is proved that:
(a)
the animal, without provocation, in a vicious or menacing manner,
chased or approached a person or domestic animal in an apparent
attitude of attack;
(b)
the animal has a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack
without provocation, to cause injury or to otherwise threaten the
safety of persons or domestic animals;
(c)
the animal has, without provocation, bitten, inflicted injury, assaulted
or otherwise attacked a person or domestic animal.
(2)
For the purposes of this Section, an animal is presumed not to have been
provoked, in the absence of evidence to the contrary.
(3)
In cases where an owner owns two or more animals and it is determined
that one of the animals is dangerous within the meaning of subsection (1)
but it is unknown which one of the animals is dangerous:
(a)
all of the animals that are suspected to be dangerous shall be
deemed to be dangerous; and
(b)
an order or interim order pursuant to Section 8 shall be made against
all of the animals that are deemed to be dangerous, and each order
shall include all of the same terms and conditions.
(4)
In determining whether an animal is "suspected to be dangerous" within the
meaning of subsection (3), a judge may consider all of the evidence,
including the appearance of the animals and whether a person who is
unfamiliar with the animals might reasonably mistake one of them for the
other.
Exemption for Guard Dogs
6.
No dog shall be considered dangerous where an action described in clause
5(1)(a), (b) or (c) occurred while the dog was:
(a)
acting in the performance of police work; or
(b)
working as a guard dog on commercial property:
Page 4
(i)
securely enclosed on property by a fence or other barrier
sufficient to prevent the escape of the dog and the entry of
children of tender years; and
(ii)
defending that property against a person who was committing
an offence.
Fighting Dogs Considered Dangerous
7.
Notwithstanding the generality of Section 5, a dog is dangerous where it is proved
that the dog is owned primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting or is trained
for dog fighting.
Dangerous Animal Hearings
8.
(1)
If a complaint is made that an animal is dangerous, a judge shall hold a
hearing to determine if, based upon the evidence adduced at the hearing,
the animal is, in fact, dangerous.
(2)
Notice of the hearing referred to in subsection (1) shall be served upon the
owner of the animal. The notice shall be served:
(a)
in the case of an owner who is an individual:
(i)
by delivering it personally to the owner; or
(ii)
if the owner cannot conveniently be found by leaving it for the
owner at the owner's residence with a person at that
residence who appears to be at least 18 years of age;
(b)
in the case of an owner that is a corporation:
(i)
by sending it by registered mail to the registered office of the
corporation; or
(ii)
by delivering it personally to the manager, secretary or other
executive officer of the corporation or the person in charge of
any office or other place where the corporation carries on
business in Saskatchewan.
(3)
Where an owner does not appear at the time and place appointed for the
hearing after having been notified of that time or place, the judge may
proceed ex parte to hear and determine the proceedings in the absence of
the owner as fully and effectively as if the owner had appeared.
Page 5
(4)
If the judge is satisfied, on the evidence, that the animal is dangerous, the
judge shall make an order embodying all of the following terms:
(a)
if the owner removes the animal from the owner's property, the owner
shall muzzle and leash it in accordance with the criteria prescribed
in Section 16 and keep it under direct control and supervision;
(b)
the owner shall inoculate the animal against rabies in accordance
with the provisions of Section 17;
(c)
the owner shall report the sale or other disposition of the animal to a
designated officer appointed pursuant to Section 23;
(d)
where the animal is moved to a different city or municipality, the
owner shall notify:
(i)
the clerk of that city or municipality; and
(ii)
the City Clerk;
(d.1) where the animal is moved to a different address within the City, the
owner shall provide the City Clerk with the owner's new address;
(e)
where the animal is to be sold or given away, the owner shall:
(i)
notify any prospective owner that the animal has been
declared dangerous, before it is sold or given away; and
(ii)
notify a designated officer appointed pursuant to Section 23
of the name, address and telephone number of any new
owner of the animal;
(e.1) the owner shall, before a person handles the animal, notify the
person that the animal has been declared dangerous;
(e.2) the owner shall:
(i)
disclose the terms of the order to any person who has
possession of or control over the animal;
(ii)
instruct any person who has possession of or control over the
animal to comply with the terms of the order; and
(iii)
ensure that any person who has possession of or control over
the animal complies with the terms of the order.
Page 6
(f)
if the animal is unlicensed, the owner shall, at the owner's expense
and within ten days of the date of the order, purchase the requisite
license for the animal;
(f.1)
subject to clause (f), the owner shall maintain a valid license for the
animal while the animal resides in a municipality which requires the
animal to be licensed;
(g)
the owner shall have the animal micro chipped in accordance with
Section 18.
(5)
An order pursuant to subsection (4) may also include any or all of the
following terms:
(a)
the owner shall keep the animal in an enclosure which complies with
the criteria prescribed in Section 19;
(b)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 9711 - June 29, 2020)
(c)
the owner shall display signs in compliance with Section 20;
(d)
the owner shall have the animal spayed or neutered;
(e)
the owner shall take such other measures as the judge considers
appropriate.
(5.1) After a complaint has been made pursuant to subsection (1) and a
proceeding has been initiated, a judge may, pending a determination of the
matter or pending an appeal, make an interim order including, with any
necessary modification, any of the terms set out in subsections (4) and (5).
(6)
Notwithstanding subsection (4), a judge may, in the alternative, order that
the animal be destroyed or otherwise disposed of at the owner's expense
and shall give directions with respect to the destruction or other disposition.
(6.1) If an order has previously been made with respect to an animal pursuant to
this Bylaw, the judge may issue an order pursuant to subsection (6) or
vacate the previous order and issue a new order that is not less restrictive
than the previous order.
(7)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 9711 - June 29, 2020)
(8)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 9711 - June 29, 2020)
Page 7
(9)
A person desiring to appeal an order pursuant to this Section, other than an
interim order pursuant to subsection (5.1), shall, within seven days of the
order being appealed from, file a notice of appeal with the Court of King's
Bench, and the provisions of Part XXVII of the Criminal Code apply with any
necessary modification.
(10)
To the extent that a term added to an order pursuant to subsection (5)
conflicts with or limits the effect of a term mentioned in subsection (4), the
term mentioned in subsection (4) prevails.
Offences
9.
(1)
Any person who owns a dog for the purpose of dog fighting, or trains,
torments, badgers baits or otherwise uses a dog for the purpose of causing
or encouraging the dog to make unprovoked attacks on persons or domestic
animals is guilty of an offence.
(2)
Any person who displays a prescribed sign warning of the presence of a
dangerous animal and who is not acting in accordance with an order made
pursuant to subsection 8(5) or 8(5.1) or has not received the permission of
the City to display the sign is guilty of an offence.
(3)
Any person who does not comply with any part of an order made against
them pursuant to subsection 8(4), (5), (5.1) or (6) is guilty of an offence.
(4)
Any person who owns an animal that, without provocation, attacks,
assaults, wounds, bites, injures or kills a person or domestic animal, is guilty
of an offence.
(5)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 8988 - December 19, 2011)
(6)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 8988 - December 19, 2011)
(7)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 8988 - December 19, 2011)
(8)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 8988 - December 19, 2011)
(9)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 8988 - December 19, 2011)
(10)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Bylaw, any person who was an
owner of an animal at any time within the 30 days preceding the date of an
offence mentioned in subsection (4) involving that animal may be charged
with and convicted of that offence where the person:
Page 8
(a)
knew or reasonably ought to have known that the animal has a past
history of dangerous behaviour; and
(b)
failed to disclose that knowledge to the person to whom the animal
was given or sold.
(11)
Any person who sells or gives away an animal without disclosing any
knowledge of the animal's past history of dangerous behaviour is guilty of
an offence.
(12)
For the purposes of subsections (10) and (11), "dangerous behaviour"
means any of the behaviours mentioned in Section 5 or any past
involvement with dog fighting.
Penalties
9.1
(1)
A person who is guilty of an offence pursuant to subsection 9(3) or 9(4) is
liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than the minimum penalty
shown in Appendix "B" and:
(a)
in the case of an individual, not exceeding $10,000.00 or
imprisonment for not more than one year, or both; and
(b)
in the case of a corporation, not exceeding $25,000.00, or
imprisonment of the directors of the corporation for not more than
one year, or both.
(2)
A person who is guilty of an offence for which a minimum penalty is not
prescribed in Appendix "B" is liable on summary conviction:
(a)
in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.00 or
imprisonment for not more than one year, or both; and
(b)
in the case of a corporation, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.00, or
imprisonment of the directors of the corporation for not more than
one year, or both.
(3)
In addition to imposing the penalty under subsection (1) or (2), the
convicting judge shall make an order embodying the requirements of
subsection 8(4).
(4)
An order pursuant to subsection (3) may also include the requirements of
subsection 8(5).
Page 9
(5)
Notwithstanding subsection (3), the judge may, in the alternative, order that
the animal be destroyed or otherwise disposed of at the owner's expense
and shall give directions with respect to the destruction or other disposition.
(5.1) If an order has previously been made with respect to an animal pursuant to
this Bylaw, the judge may issue an order pursuant to subsection (5) or
vacate the previous order and issue a new order that is not less restrictive
than the previous order.
(6)
A person desiring to appeal an order or conviction pursuant to this Section
shall, within seven days of the order or conviction being appealed from, file
a notice of appeal with the Court, and the provisions of Part XXVII of the
Criminal Code apply with any necessary modification.
Order Binds Subsequent Owner
10.
An order issued pursuant to Section 8 or 9.1 continues to apply if the animal is sold
or given to a new owner or is moved to a different municipality.
Impoundment of Dangerous Animals
10.1 (1)
If an animal is impounded pursuant to section 327 of The Cities Act, the City
may keep the animal impounded pending a judge's determination with
respect to the animal.
(2)
Subject to subsections (3) and (4), when a judge makes a determination
with respect to an animal impounded pursuant to subsection (1), other than
an order pursuant to subsection 8(6) or 9.1(5), the owner must:
(a)
retrieve the animal within the later of:
(i)
10 days after the date of the judge's determination;
(ii)
if the animal is ordered to be impounded until a later date,
three days after that date; or
(iii)
if a judge makes the release of an impounded animal
conditional upon the owner taking certain action by a certain
date, such as building an enclosure for the animal, three days
after the date set by the judge for completion of the action;
and
(b)
at the time of retrieving the animal, pay all fees set out in Appendix
"C" as well as any other costs of impoundment, such as veterinary
costs.
Page 10
(3)
If a determination mentioned in subsection (2) or an order made pursuant
to subsection 8(6) or 9.1(5) is appealed, the City may keep the animal
impounded pending the disposition of the appeal, including any further
appeal.
(4)
If an appeal mentioned in subsection (3) does not result in the destruction
of the animal, the owner must:
(a)
retrieve the animal within the later of:
(i)
three days after expiry of any further appeal period;
(ii)
if the animal is ordered to be impounded until a later date,
three days after that date; or
(iii)
if a judge on appeal makes the release of an impounded
animal conditional upon the owner taking certain action by a
certain date, such as building an enclosure for the animal,
three days after the date set by the judge for completion of the
action; and
(b)
at the time of retrieving the animal, pay all fees set out in Appendix
"C" as well as any other costs of impoundment, such as veterinary
costs.
(5)
If an order of a judge or an appeal mentioned in subsection (3) results in the
destruction of the animal, the owner of the animal shall be responsible for
payment of all fees set out in Appendix "C" as well as any other costs of
impoundment, such as veterinary costs.
(6)
If the owner of an animal does not pay the fees and costs and retrieve the
animal within the time period set out in subsection (2) or (4), as the case
may be, the City may dispose of the animal at the City's discretion.
(7)
Any fees or costs mentioned in this Section, including costs relating to
disposal of an animal mentioned in subsection (6), are an amount owing to
the City by the owner of the animal.
Execution of Destruction Order
11.
(1)
Unless the owner otherwise agrees, every order for destruction of an animal
shall state that it shall not be implemented for eight days.
(2)
Where an appeal is taken against an order for the destruction of an animal,
the application of the order is stayed pending the disposition of the appeal.
(3)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 9868 - January 25, 2023)
Page 11
12.
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 9868 - January 25, 2023)
Destruction by Peace Officers
13.
(1)
A peace officer as defined by the Criminal Code may destroy any animal
that the officer finds injuring or viciously attacking a person or domestic
animal.
(2)
Where the officer acted in good faith, a peace officer who destroys an
animal pursuant to subsection (1) is not liable to the owner for the value of
the animal.
Entry and Search
14.
If a peace officer as defined by the Criminal Code or a designated officer has
reasonable grounds to believe that an animal that is dangerous or has been
ordered to be destroyed or otherwise disposed of is in or on any premises, the
peace officer or designated officer may enter the premises and search for and
impound the animal in accordance with Section 327 of The Cities Act.
Charges May Be Added to Property Taxes
15.
(1)
If a person owes the City for costs incurred by the City with respect to a
dangerous animal, the City may add the amount owing to the tax roll of any
parcel of land for which the person is the assessed person.
(2)
If an amount is added to the tax roll of a parcel of land pursuant to
subsection (1), the amount:
(a)
is deemed for all purposes to be a tax imposed pursuant to The Cities
Act from the date it was added to the tax roll; and
(b)
forms a lien against the parcel of land in favour of the City from the
date it was added to the tax roll.
Criteria for Muzzle and Leash for Dangerous Animals
16.
Where an animal that has been declared dangerous pursuant to Section 8 is
removed from the owner's property, the animal shall be equipped with a muzzle
and be secured by a leash in accordance with the following criteria:
Page 12
(a)
the animal shall be fitted with a collar or harness for the body that is
properly placed and fitted on the animal;
(b)
the movement of the animal shall be controlled by a person by means
of a leash attached to the collar or harness of the animal;
(c)
the leash shall not exceed 1.2 metres in length and shall be
constructed of a material having a tensile strength of at least 40
kilograms.
(d)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 9868 - January 25, 2023)
(e)
(Repealed - Bylaw No. 9868 - January 25, 2023)
Inoculation of Animals
17.
(1)
Where an animal has been declared to be dangerous pursuant to Section
8, the owner of the animal shall, at the owner's expense and within ten days
of the date of the order of the judge declaring the animal to be dangerous,
have the animal inoculated against rabies by a veterinarian and provide
proof to a designated officer that the animal has been inoculated.
(2)
Where the owner of an animal provides proof that the animal has been
inoculated
against rabies during the period of 12 months prior to the date of the order,
the owner is not required to comply with subsection (1) until the expiration
of 12 months from the date of inoculation of the animal or as otherwise
recommended in writing by a licensed veterinarian.
(3)
The owner of an animal shall have the animal inoculated within each
12-month period following the inoculation mentioned in subsection (1) or
(2), or as may otherwise be recommended in writing by a licensed
veterinarian during the lifetime of the animal.
Micro Chipping of Dangerous Animals
18.
Where an animal has been declared dangerous pursuant to Section 8, the owner
of the animal shall, at the owner's expense and within ten days of the date of the
order, cause the animal to be micro chipped by the Poundkeeper.
Enclosures for Dangerous Animals
19.
If a judge orders pursuant to clause 8(5)(a) that an animal be kept in an enclosure,
the enclosure must comply with the following criteria:
Page 13
(a)
the enclosure shall be constructed of wood or any other building
material of sufficient strength and in a manner adequate to:
(i)
confine the animal; and
(i)
prevent the entry of children of tender years;
(b)
the entrances and other areas by which entry to or exit from the
enclosure may be made shall be locked or fastened in a manner
adequate to prevent the animal from escaping from the enclosure;
(c)
the enclosure shall be at least 3 metres in length, 1.5 metres in width
and 1.8 metres in height;
(d)
the enclosure shall have a top secured to the sides of the enclosure;
(e)
the enclosure shall:
(i)
have a floor secured to the sides of the enclosure; or
(ii)
the sides of the enclosure shall be embedded in the ground to
a depth of at least .6 metres;
(f)
the enclosure shall:
(i)
provide protection from the elements for the animal;
(ii)
provide adequate light and ventilation for the animal; and
(iii)
be kept in a sanitary and clean condition.
Signs
20.
(1)
If a judge orders pursuant to clause 8(5)(c) that an owner shall display a
sign in accordance with this Section, the owner of the animal shall, within
ten days of the date of the order of the judge, display a sign on the owner's
premises warning of the presence of the animal in the form illustrated in
Appendix "A".
(2)
A sign required by subsection (1) shall be placed at each entrance to the
premises where the animal is kept and on the enclosure in which the animal
is confined.
(3)
A sign required by subsection (1) shall be clearly visible and capable of
being read from any adjacent public road.
Page 14
(4)
A sign required by subsection (1) shall be kept in good condition and in
place as long as the animal resides at the premises regardless of whether
the animal is physically present at the premises at any given time.
Quarantine of Animals
21.
Where an animal has bitten a person or domestic animal, the owner of the animal
shall, unless the animal is ordered destroyed, quarantine the animal for
observation for symptoms of rabies for a period of not less than ten days.
Rabies Test of Animals
22.
(1)
Every person who destroys an animal following the non-fatal biting of a
person or domestic animal, whether the destruction is pursuant to an order
of a judge or court or at the decision of the owner of the animal, shall, if the
destruction is carried out before the completion of the quarantine period
mentioned in Section 21, retain the head of the animal in a manner usable
for testing the animal for rabies.
(2)
Where a person destroys an animal in the circumstances described in
subsection (1), the person shall immediately notify a veterinarian or a peace
officer that they are in possession of the head of an animal to be tested for
rabies.
Appointment of Designated Officers
23.
(1)
The Poundkeeper and the Animal Control Agency shall be designated
officers for the purposes of this Bylaw.
(2)
The Poundkeeper and the Animal Control Agency are authorized to
delegate enforcement of this Bylaw to their employees.
Coming Into Force
24.
This Bylaw shall come into force on the day of its final passing.
Read a first time this 6th day of January, 2003.
Read a second time this 6th day of January, 2003.
Read a third time and passed this 6th day of January, 2003.
Page 15
"James Maddin"
"Janice Mann"
"SEAL"
Mayor
City Clerk
Page 16
Appendix "A"
Page 17
Appendix "B"
Mandatory Minimum Penalties
Mandatory Minimum Penalty
Section
Offence
1st Offence
2nd Offence
3rd Offence
9(3)
failure to comply
$500.00
$1,000.00
$1,500.00
with Court Order
9(4)
owning animal that
$250.00
$500.00
$750.00
attacks, assaults,
wounds, bites or
kills
Page 18
Appendix "C"
Impoundment Fees for Cats and Dogs
Fees below are exclusive of any applicable taxes.
Pound fee:
Effective January 1, 2026: $57.50
Effective January 1, 2027: $60.00
Care and sustenance fee:
$15.00 per day or a portion thereof commencing at 12:00 a.m. on the day
immediately following the day of impoundment