As a responsible dog owner, you want nothing more than for your pooch to be safe and happy. Here’s what you need to know from By-Law A-700 Respecting Animals and Responsible Pet Ownership.
As a dog owner in our municipality you must:
- license your dog within 20 days of acquiring it or moving to the municipality and it is over the age of 6 months;
- renew your dog’s licence each year (or purchase a lifetime license with a microchip);
- make sure your dog is always wearing its licence;
- remove defecation immediately from public and private property that is not your own (unless you have a service dog);
- obey signs for dogs (off leash but under control, on leash, or all dogs prohibited;
- confine your unspayed female dog in a dog-proof enclosure while she’s in heat; and
- keep your dogs on leash in public areas where no signs are posted indicating otherwise.
Prevent your dog from:
- attacking a person or another animal;
- running at large;
- damaging public or private property; and
- making excessive noise.
Remember: Halifax Regional Municipality is a dogs on leash community unless otherwise posted.
Dog owners found to be in violation of the bylaw may:
If you’re found in violation of the bylaw, you could face one or more of the following penalties:
be issued a warning notice by a Compliance Officer;
be issued a Summary Offense Ticket of $237.50 or greater by a Compliance Officer;
face prosecution in a court of law; or,
have your dog seized by Animal Services.
Troubles with a dog in your neighbourhood?
If you’re experiencing a problem or issue with a dog in your neighbourhood, the first step is to talk to the owner who may not be aware that their pet is being disruptive.
If the issue persists, you can register a complaint by contacting 311.