Animal Control Bylaw & Ticket Disputes
The City's Animal Control Bylaw provides for licensing and animal control within city limits.
Please note the new Responsible Animal Owner Bylaw is now in force.
Questions and Answers about the Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw
What's new on managing dog behaviour?
- There are no breed-specific regulations.
- Dogs will be restricted based on past behaviour.
- Dogs can be declared a Nuisance, Aggressive, or Dangerous based on their behaviour.
- A Nuisance Dog is one that has been convicted of two or more offences under the bylaw and has been declared a Nuisance by an Animal Control Officer.
- An Aggressive Dog is a dog that has displayed aggressive behaviour, caused a minor injury, and is declared an Aggressive Dog by an Animal Control Officer.
- The Owner of a dog that has been declared Aggressive may appeal the declaration.
- A Dangerous Dog is a dog that has killed or seriously injured a person or another animal or a dog that an Animal Control Officer has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to kill or cause serious injury to a person and has been declared a Dangerous Dog by an Animal Control Officer.
- Animal Control Officers can ask the Courts to have a Dangerous Dog humanely euthanised.
- Dogs declared a Nuisance, Aggressive, or Dangerous will be subject t increased fines, licensing, and impoundment fees.
What are Dog Owner responsibilities in off-leash areas?
- Obey all signs.
- Carry a leash at all times.
- Dog(s) must be kept in sight at all times.
- There must be a person of at least 19 years of age present.
- All dogs must be under control at all times including being able to be immediately recalled by the owner.
- Immediately remove faeces deposited by the dog.
- Immediately leash and remove a dog if it becomes aggressive.
- Nuisance, Aggressive, and Dangerous Dogs are
not permitted to be in any off-leash area.
How much can a dog bark before it's considered a nuisance?
- Any sound made by an animal that is an unprovoked regular pattern of noise or sound for a period of more than five (5) minutes between 10:00pm and 7:00am, or more than ten (10) minutes between 7:00am and 10:00pm may be considered a Nuisance Sound.
- An Animal Control Officer may also deem the noise a Nuisance Sound if they find it to be unusual and unnecessary.
What other things should a Dog Owner be aware of?
- Dogs must always be kept on a leash outside unless the animal is on its Owner's private property or in a designated off-leash area.
- Immediately clean up and properly dispose of dog waste and always carry a suitable means of picking up waste in public spaces.
- Do not allow a dog to act aggressively or chase people or other animals.
- Do not leave a dog tethered on public property or within 1.5 metres of the Owner's property line.
- Do not allow a dog in a floral area of a City park.
- Do not allow a dog on property that has signs prohibiting it from being there.
- Respect others' right to decline interacting with dogs. Some people may not like or appreciate dogs.
What changes will affect cat owners?
- Cats are not allowed to roam free on another person's property.
- Cats must have identification that links the cat to an owner.
- Proper identification for a cat includes traceable microchips or tattoos or a collar and tag with the owner's name, address, and phone number.
- Fines and impoundment fees will be levied on cat owners whose pets are found at large.
- Cat traps may be used on private property to capture cats on their property.
- All trapped cats must either be turned over to an Animal Control Officer or taken to the Animal Control Shelter.
Animal Control Ticket Dispute
Residents who feel they were given a ticket in error or need to resolve a ticket dispute may contact Animal Control at 250-561-7622. Animal Control tickets may also be disputed online or in person within fourteen (14) days of the ticket's issuance.
Dog Licensing
Licensing a dog each year should be considered a form of insurance. A licensed dog provides the best chance for a pet's safe return should they become lost or escape. Dog licenses may be purchased at City Hall, the SPCA/animal pound, and most pet stores in Prince George. Buying one ensures the pet's and owner's information are entered into the City's licensing system. This information is made available to Animal Control Officers immediately should a dog become lost.
Lost, Found, or Stolen Pets
Pets that are lost, found, or stolen may be reported to Animal Control at 250-561-7622. Animal Control Officers make every reasonable effort to return licensed dogs to their rightful owners. A first offence is not usually penalized. All unlicensed dogs are kept in the Animal Pound. Impounded licensed and unlicensed animals may be adopted after 72 hours. Unlicensed dogs are turned over to the BC SPCA North Cariboo Branch after 72 hours where they may be adopted or transferred to other SPCA branches throughout the province.
SPCA/City of Prince George Animal Pound
4011 Lansdowne Road, BC V2N 2R5
Canada
Phone: 250-562-5511
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
For more information:
Animal Reports
Pet Emergencies
For emergencies such as serious dog or dangerous animal attacks, contact Bylaw Services at 250-561-7622. Animal Control is on call 24 hours a day.
Reporting Dead Animals
To report a dead animal located on a city street or other public property, call 250-561-7600 or email the Service Centre with the details.
Reporting Wildlife
Large and/or dangerous animals spotted within city limits must be reported to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-800-663-9453.