Animal Control and Services
Effective December 1, 2019, the Township of Perth South began a contract with the Stratford Perth Humane Society (SPHS) for services which include animal control for dogs, by-law services, and pound services. The contract is in effect until December 31, 2023.
The animal control portion of the contract is specifically geared for dogs, with full services being provided on weekdays, and emergency services being provided on evenings, weekends and holidays. For further information please see below.
| Animal Licences |
| Dog owners are required to obtain a licence for their dog (see By-Law #41-2006 Part 5). Invoices are sent out at the beginning of each year to registered dog owners. Please ensure that the tag is attached to the dog at all times when it is off your property. A dog tag is the best form of ID for your dog, as it will assist in recovering your dog if it is lost. If you are unsure if your dog is registered, contact the Township office.
Anyone who wishes to obtain a kennel licence must complete an application form (see By-Law #41-2006). Forms are available at the municipal office. It is important to contact the municipal office prior to building any type of kennel structure, etc. as there are certain zoning requirements and standards in place.
Dog and Kennel License Fees
|
Fee Name
|
Fee Cost
|
|
First dog in any household
|
$10.00 per year
|
|
Second dog in any household a further
|
$20.00 per year
|
|
Third dog in any household a further
|
$30.00 per year
|
|
Kennel License Fee
|
$60.00 per year
|
|
| By-Laws and Fines |
| Number of Dogs |
- No more than three (3) dogs may be kept in or about a dwelling unit within the corporate limits of the Township without a kennel licence.
See By-Law #41-2006 (Part 2)
|
| Kennels |
- A kennel licence must be obtained from the Township for an annual fee of $60.00.
- A kennel licence shall only be issued to an owner of pure-bred dogs (a dog registered or eligible for registration with an association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act of Canada).
- Kennels must contain an enclosed and fenced area for the keeping of dogs with a suitable fenced outdoor run for the dogs.
- A kennel licence shall be renewed each year and shall automatically lapse if not renewed by June 30th of the year following the last licence issued.
See By-Law #41-2006 (Part 3)
|
| Pit Bulls |
- No person may own or keep a dog of the breed known as pit bull terrier or a mongrel dog in which the predominant strain is of a pit bull terrier.
See By-Law #41-2006 (Part 4)
|
| Dogs Running at Large |
- No person owning, possessing or harbouring a dog shall allow it to run at large within the Township.
- A dog is "running at large" when it is found in any other place than the premises of its owner or keeper and not under the control of any person.
- If a dog is found running at large it may be seized and removed to the pound as established in the By-Law, by any peace officer or by the Animal Control Officer of the Township.
See By-Law #41-2006 (Part 6)
|
| Penalties |
- Any person who contravenes any section of this By-Law is guilty of an offence and upon conviction, shall be liable to a fine in accordance with the provisions of the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, C. P.33, as amended, plus the costs provided for in the said Act and such penalty shall be recoverable as set out under the Act.
- Any person wishing the immediate release of a dog by the Animal Control Officer, once in the custody of said officer, and the dog not having been transported to the pound shall be liable to a $50.00 fine plus costs before said dog will be released to the owner or harbourer of the dog.
See By-Law #41-2006 (Part 7)
|
|
| Lost and Found Pets |
| If you see a dog running at large, please contact the Humane Society.
The Stratford-Perth Humane Society is located at 125 Griffith Road, Stratford. They can be reached by phone at 519-273-6600. More information about lost and found pets is available on their website.
|
| Report a Dead Animal |
| If you wish to report a dead animal, please contact the Municipal Office. |
| Report Dead Livestock |
| Please contact the Municipal Office to get in contact with a livestock evaluator.
See the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Wildlife Compensation Program Guidelines for more information.
Provincial regulations on deadstock disposal.
|
| Wildlife |
| Wildlife and Rural Living |
Rural living means that there is the potential for encounters with wildlife. While this is generally an excellent opportunity to appreciate nature's beauty, precautions must be taken. Education and prevention are essential for safe and enjoyable co-existence.
Please note that wildlife issues on private property are the responsibility of the landowner. Landowners can call pest control or animal control companies to remove wildlife from their properties if necessary. |
| Immediate Danger |
|
If you are in immediate danger or if an animal is being aggressive and may injure someone, call Police at 911.
|
| Contact with Potentially Rabid Animals |
| If you have been bitten, or had direct contact with an animal, seek medical attention and report it to the Perth District Health Unit at 519-271-7600 ext. 267.
If a dead or alive, potentially rabid raccoon, skunk, fox or bat is encountered and it has been in contact with domestic animals, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 613-384-1230.
If you suspect wildlife disease, the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre can diagnose. They can be contacted at 866-673-4781 or you can report and submit information on their website.
|
|
Livestock and Wildlife
|
|
If your livestock is dead, please contact the Township office to get in contact with our livestock evaluator. See the Report a Dead Animal section for more information about this process.
See the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Wildlife Compensation Program Guidelines for more information.
|
| Large Wildlife Sightings |
| While it is highly uncommon, there have been instances in the Township of Perth South and surrounding Perth County where large wildlife such as animals resembling a cougar or bobcat have been sighted. |
|
