Augusta Township has a By-Law regarding the regulation and control, protection and identification of dogs living within the township.
By-Law 3075-2013, which was passed by Council December 9, 2013, outlines the responsibilities of dog owners and for those operating kennels.
UPDATE 01/03/2022:
As COVID-19 numbers are on the rise, residents that prefer not to come in to the office have a couple of other options for purchasing their dog tags/licenses. Visit the Dog & Kennel Licenses – February 2021 page for more information.
Here is a brief overview:
Dog Licenses
- Owners must license and register their dogs EVERY year on or before the last BUSINESS day in February. When purchased before the end of February you will pay the discounted price of $15. Tags are available throughout the year should you forget, however you will be required to pay full price ($30).
- New puppy Owners must license and register their puppy with the Township 12 weeks after its date of birth ($15).
- New Township residents must license and register their dogs with the Township within 30 days after taking up residency in the Township ($15).
- Dog tags must be WORN securely by the dog at all* times.
- Owners could be fined for failure to purchase an annual license ($55) on top of still having to pay to then license & register the dog ($30).
Dogs At Large
- Owners must ensure that their dog is secure and under control at all times.
- A dog is considered to be ‘running at large’ if the Owner/designate does not have immediate control of the dog and/or when it is found in ANY* place other than on the Owner’s property.
- If your dog is found running at large you may be fined ($55) and the dog could be seized or destroyed if it is found to be necessary for safety and/or humane reasons.
- Anyone may capture a dog running at large and trespassing on his/her property and can notify the Canine Control Officer, who will then pick up the dog and either impound it or return it to the owner.
Canine Control Officer
Sally Bell
Phone: (613) 803-0053
Or you can email her.
*The only exceptions being for Police Services dogs and hunting dogs while the dog is actively hunting. It must still be under the control of the Owner/designate.
Noise and Nuisance
- Owners who do not clean up and dispose of any excrement left by the dog on ANY property whether private or public could be fined ($105) – in other words – you MUST scoop-the-poop!
- Owners are not permitted to allow their dogs to make or cause excessive noises or sounds (including barking) that tend to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment or comfort of their neighbours.
- If your dog is found to be causing continuous noise or being a nuisance you could be fined ($105).
Kennels
- A kennel is considered any place where 5 or more dogs are lodged, bred, kept or boarded. In other words, if you have more than 4 dogs you will need a kennel license.
- A “small” kennel is considered 5-10 dogs (not including puppies) .
- A “large” kennel is considered 11-30 dogs (not including puppies). 30 is the maximum number of dogs allowed to be kept.
- Kennel licenses are to be purchased EVERY year on or before the last BUSINESS day in February at the Township office. Licenses purchased before this date are available at the discounted price of $60 for small kennels and $120 for large kennels. Licenses purchased after March 1st will be at full price: $90 for small kennels and $200 for large kennels.
- All LARGE kennels are required to have their premises inspected by the OSPCA or by the Township at least once EACH year. The Township can request that an inspection of the kennel be completed before issuing the license.
- Kennel Owners are not required to purchase Township dog tags/licenses for each of the dogs, however they are required to supply each dog with a “Kennel Identifier Tag” similar in manner to the Township tag and unique to that Kennel. Kennel Identifier Tags must be securely fixed to each dog while the dog is boarded or resides within the Township of Augusta. A sample of this tag is to be shown to Township staff when applying for the kennel license.
- Kennels must also follow all requirements under the Zoning By-Law, therefore a site plan control agreement will be requested of all new kennel applications. Through the site plan process the Township can ensure compliance with all the Township and/or agency requirements for proposed development are met and maintained (i.e. parking, setbacks, landscaping, lighting etc.).
Important Links:
Kennel License Application – 2022
3075-2013 Dog Owner & Kennel Operator Responsibilities By-Law
Pit Bulls and Other Restricted Breeds
As per the Province of Ontario’s Dog Owner’s Liability Act of 2005 it is ILLEGAL to own any of the following “pit bull” breeds:
(a) a pit bull terrier
(b) a Staffordshire bull terrier
(c) an American Staffordshire terrier
(d) an American pit bull terrier
(e) a dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to those of dogs referred to in any of clauses (a) to (d); (“pit-bull”)
The Act clearly states that “no person shall,
(a) own a pit bull;
(b) breed a pit bull;
(c) transfer a pit bull, whether by sale, gift or otherwise;
(d) abandon a pit bull other than to a pound operated by or on behalf of a municipality, Ontario or a designated body;
(e) allow a pit bull in his or her possession to stray;
(f) import a pit bull into Ontario; or
(g) train a pit bull for fighting.”
Rabies
Rabies is a virus that can be transmitted, through saliva, from an infected mammal to any other mammal, including livestock, pets, wildlife and humans. Non-mammals, including fish, poultry, birds, reptiles, and amphibians (e.g. frogs and toads) can’t get rabies. Rabies is almost always fatal. Once signs of rabies appear, the animal will die, typically within a few days.
Under Provincial law, dogs and cats (including those kept indoors) must be vaccinated for rabies as soon as it is 3 months old. They then need a booster one year later and then depending on the type of vaccine given by the veterinarian, they will need it again every 1-3 years after that for the remainder of its life. You could be fined if your pet isn’t vaccinated for rabies.
For more information on rabies in pets, visit the Province of Ontario website.
Each year, the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit holds low-cost clinics which are open to all residents of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. One of these clinics is usually held at the Augusta Township Public Works Garage at 5328 Algonquin Road each September. We encourage people that may have numerous pets bring their cats and dogs to these clinics. Keep checking our website or our Facebook page closer to September for more information.