Dogs

• Responsible Dog Ownership
• Violating HRM By-Law A-300
• Dealing With Nuisance Dog Issues

Responsible Dog Ownership

Pet owners are responsible for the actions of their pets at all times. Responsible dog owners:

• understand the benefits of spaying/neutering their dogs.

• prevent their dogs from creating an issue for their neighbours by complying with regulations provided in HRM By-Law A-300 Respecting Animals and Responsible Pet Ownership

HRM By-Law A-300 stipulates that dog owners must:

• license their dog within 10 days of becoming the owner and renewing their dog's license each year. Owners must ensure their dog's license tag is in place at all times.

• prevent their dog from attacking a person or another animal. Dogs that bite or attack may be deemed "dangerous dogs."

• prevent their dog from running at large. Any dog found running at large may be picked up by Animal Services.

• prevent their dog from damaging public property or property owned by another individual.

• immediately remove defecation from public property or property owned by another individual. Owners of assistance dogs are not required to pick up after their dogs.

• prevent their dog from making excessive noise.  A dog is considered to be making excessive noise if it barks or howls repeatedly for a period of 20 minutes.




• keep their unspayed female dog confined within a dog proof enclosure while it is in heat.

• prevent their dog from being in a public area that is designated by signage as an area prohibiting dogs.

Violating HRM By-Law A-300

Dog owners found to be in violation of HRM By-Law A-300 may:

• be issued a warning notice.

• be issued a Summary Offense Ticket of $340.21 or greater.

• face prosecution in a court of law.

• have their dog seized by Animal Services.

Dealing With Nuisance Dog Issues (Damaging Property, Defecation, Excessive Barking, Running At Large)

Residents experiencing an issue with nuisance dogs issues should:

• talk to the owner of the dog and identify the issue. They may not be aware that their pet is being disruptive.

• register a complaint.
  • To register a damaging property, defecation or running at large complaint, contact the HRM Calll Centre at 490-4000, 1-800-835-6428 (toll free in Nova Scotia). You should provide a description of the dog, the name and address of the dog's owner, and the time and location where the incident occurred.
  • To register an excessive barking complaint, record the location where the dog lives, and the dates, times and duration of the barking in a barking dog log . Forward the log to Animal Services or call the HRM Calll Centre at 490-4000, 1-800-835-6428 (toll free in Nova Scotia) to request that an officer pick up the log.

more information on registering a complaint

Residents who see a dog running at large should:

• contact the owner if they recognize the dog.

• contact Animal Services at 490-4000, 1-800- 835-6428 (Toll free Nova Scotia Only). When reporting a dog running at large, residents should provide a description of the dog, and the time and location where the dog was seen running at large.