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Responsible Dog Ownership
Pet owners are responsible for the actions of their pets at all times. Responsible dog owners:
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 $342.41 or greater.
- face prosecution in a court of law.
- have their dog seized by Animal Services.
Dealing With Nuisance Dog Issues
Residents experiencing an issue with nuisance dogs 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 Citizen Contact Centre at 311 or1-800-835-6428 (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 (pdf). Forward the log to Animal Services or call the HRM Citizen Contact Centre at 311 or 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 311 or 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.
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