Harrington Township council unanimously approved a new dog ownership by-law on Monday, September 15, aimed at improving public safety and animal welfare. Residents must now register their dogs with the township.
Dog owners must obtain a $15 identification tag, valid for the dog’s lifetime, and may keep no more than four dogs per household. The limit does not apply to pet stores, training schools, kennels, veterinary clinics, or the owner of a female dog that is in heat for up to 120 days.
Dogs trained by a specialized institution as a guide or support animal will be exempt from the $15 fee if the owner provides proper certification. Owners must register dogs with the municipality within 30 days of acquisition, or on the day the dog reaches three months in age.
Council said the by-law ensures all dog owners obtain a tag and pay the associated fee, and clarifies what constitutes a dangerous or nuisance dog, or one in need of additional regulation.
Dogs must always wear their identification tags, and owners must notify the township when changing addresses or if a tag is lost or damaged.
Council said an unspecified grace period will be granted for owners to comply.
Owners must ensure their dogs have access to food and water, are kept in suitable shelter, are not subjected to abuse, and receive necessary medical care if injured or ill.
Dogs that bite or attack a person or another domestic animal, causing injury, may be declared potentially dangerous. Owners must confine these dogs with a device that prevents them from leaving the property and post a sign warning of the dangerous dog.
Dogs are prohibited from roaming streets, alleys, public places, or other private properties. Owners are responsible for any costs if their dog is seized.
Violations can result in fines ranging from $250 to $20,000, depending on the severity and repeat offences.
The township will mail detailed information to all permanent residents in the coming weeks.
