Animal Control Bylaw

Owning a domestic animal such as a dog or cat can be a very satisfying experience, however it is the owner’s responsibility to know and understand the rules and regulations pertaining to ownership. Westlock County Bylaw 18-2006 controls the keeping of dogs in the County. The following excerpts from the Bylaw should help to inform animal owners as to their responsibility regarding their pets. Any person who contravenes any provision of the Bylaw is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine.
No owner:

• Shall allow his/her dog to run at large.

• Shall allow his/her dog to chase or bite any person, whether on the
  property of its owner or not.

• Shall allow his/her dog to chase or bite stock.

• Shall allow his/her dog to bark or howl to the extent that such barking or howling disturbs any person.

• Shall permit his/her dog to defecate on any public or private property, other than the property of its owner.

• If a dog defecates on any public or private property, other than the property of its owner, the owner shall cause such defecation to be removed immediately.

• A blind owner of a guide dog is not subject to the obligation of this Section.

• Shall allow his/her dog to damage public or private property.

• Shall allow his/her dog to chase a vehicle.

• Shall allow his/her dog to upset waste receptacles or to scatter the contents thereof either in or about a street, lane or other public property, or in or about property not belonging to or in possession of the owner.The dog owner is guilty of an offense separate and apart from the offense provided in Section 2.(1) and, upon payment of a tag issued pursuant to this By-Law or upon summary conviction thereof shall, in addition to any penalty imposed upon him/her, be civilly liable to the Municipal District for any expenses directly or indirectly incurred by it in connection with the receptacle being upset or the waste scattered about.

• Shall cause a dog to run at large by: Untying, loosening or otherwise freeing a dog which has been tied or otherwise restrained, or Negligently or willfully opening a gate, door or other opening in a fence or enclosure in which a dog has been confined.