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The Township of Brock has been experiencing an increase in complaints involving stray, abandoned and at large animals throughout the Municipality. We want to remind all residents that owning a pet is a privilege that brings great rewards but also great responsibility. We have created a list that will assist you in ensuring that as an owner you are being responsible by ensuring the safety, security, health and well being of your pet to ensure you are being a responsible owner within the community.
Licensing:
All dogs above 6 months of age, that reside in Brock, must be licensed each calendar year. Licensing tags are required to be always affixed to your dog’s collar (Animal Control By-Law 2446-2012-PP Section 2) Failure to license your dog may result in fines and/or charges under the Animal Control By-Law.
Off Leash / At large:
Under section 3 of the Animal Control By-Law, you are required to always keep your dog and cat under your control. Pets are not permitted to run free on the street or in any other public place, or anywhere off the owner’s property at any time. All pets must be supervised and on a leash. Failure to do so may result in fines and/or charges and/or the impoundment of your pet.
Veterinary Care:
Take your pets for regular checkups and ask questions about their diet, behaviour, activity level and ensure your dog stays up to date with vaccinations. Pet owners are required under both the Animal Control By-Law and Provincial Animal Welfare Laws to ensure suitable, adequate, and appropriate care is always required.
Spay and Neuter:
Though not a legal requirement, responsible pet owners should spay or neuter their pets to prevent accidental breeding. Not spaying or neutering your pets contributes to the overpopulations of unwanted and abandoned animals. Residents are reminded that you are not permitted to breed dogs or cats within the Township of Brock without a Breeding or Boarding Kennel License.
Care of Animals:
Pet Owners should be aware that section 5 of the Animal Control By-Law states that “every person who keeps, harbours, maintains, or possesses a dog or cat shall provide such animal, or cause it to be provided, with a clean and sanitary environment free from an accumulation of fecal matter, adequate and appropriate care, food, water, shelter, warmth, opportunity for physical activity, attention, veterinary care as may be required, and an environment that is appropriate to meet the physical and behavioural needs of the animal”. Persons failing to ensure these needs are met may be subjected to fines, charges under Municipal By-Laws and/or charges under the Provincial Animal Welfare Act and or the Criminal Code of Canada.
Legislation:
- 2446-2012-PP - Animal Control By-law (townshipofbrock.ca)
- Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act
- Criminal Code (Department of Justice - Canada)
- Health of Animals Act (Department of Justice – Canada)
- Dog Owners’ Liability Act (Ministry of the Attorney General)
- Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act