ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE (excluding cats)

Every owner of an animal shall maintain sufficient control of the animal, so as to prevent the animal from running at large within the boundaries of the Township. An animal shall be deemed to be running at large when found straying from the property upon which it is normally kept and not under the control of any person. The Corporation or agent may seize any animal running at large in the Township and cause such animal to be returned to the owner or impounded.

The Township uses the services of Traveling Paws Kennels (Connie Murphy) at RR#4 Almonte for pound services. Please call (613) 257-5270 or (613) 780-7048 (pager).


DOG BITES/ATTACKS

Every person or owner of a dog shall take all precautions to prevent the dog from biting or attacking any person or fighting or attacking or biting any dog, domestic animal, livestock or domestic fowl, whether on private or public property.

The Dog Owner's Liabiltiy Act (DOLA) of Ontario enables a dog-attack victim to make a claim against the dog's owner. Under the DOLA, victims may ask the court to have the dog destroyed or have the dog's owner take steps to control the dog by muzzling and leashing it.


BARKING DOGS

Owners of a dog shall take all precautions necessary to prevent the dog from barking as to disturb the peace and quiet of any residence or persons in the vicinity.


POOP & SCOOP

In the interest of public health and environmental protection, a dog owner must promptly pick up and dispose of the dog's waste. Owners of a dog who allows waste to be placed on public property owned by the Township or private property not owned by the dog owner are guilty of an offence.
 

PIT BULLS

The Dog Owners Liability Act (DOLA) requires that ALL Pit Bulls be spayed/neutered, on a leash of no more than 1.8 metres in length, and muzzled when off the property of the owner. When on the property of the owner, the property must be securely enclosed to prevent the pit bull from breaking out of the property. Pit bulls can be seized by Animal Control if it is felt they are behaving in a menacing manner, have bitten or attacked a person or animal, or are considered to be a Prohibited Pit Bull (i.e. one that has not been spayed/neutered). It is illegal to give away or sell Pit Bulls or their puppies in Ontario. The only agencies that can sell or give away these dogs are pounds and shelters. Failure to comply with the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA) could result in charges or the dog could be ordered destroyed. For a copy of the DOLA or further information please visit www.e-laws.gov.on.ca.
 

DOG LICENCING

Please be a responsible pet owner and ensure your dog has proper identification. You must register your dog with the Township and tags can be purchased in person at the Township Hall or through the mail. If you have lost your dog, please call Animal Control at the above number immediately.  Dog licences expire on December 31^st each year.
 

SPAYING/NEUTERING

Spaying/neutering can help to prevent your pet from wandering, and reduces the risk of many diseases. Every year unwanted animals end up in municipal pounds, cared for at public expense. If you are unable to keep your dog/cat, call Animal Control or your local pound or shelter. Please do not leave these animals to fend for themselves. This practice is inhumane and against the law.
 

ONTARIO SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (OSPCA)

Animal Control and Animal Cruelty are two different agencies. When considering which agency to call consider this – Animal Control protects people from animals, Cruelty Agents (OSPCA) protect animals from people. If you suspect animal cruelty or neglect, please call the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) at 613‑283‑9360.

If you require more information, please contract Anita Stuart, Animal Control Officer at 613-259-9998.