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There are a few licences and by-laws which pertain to animals in the City of Guelph. The Guelph Humane Society is under contract by the City of Guelph to enforce the Animal Control by-law, and the Exotic Animals by-law. The Stoop & Scoop by-law is enforced on a complaint basis, please contact Bylaw Compliance at 519-837-2529 or [email protected].
Chickens
The keeping of poultry, ducks, geese and pigeons is regulated under the Animal Control By-law.
Poultry Registration Form
Dogs
Animal Control
The Animal Control By-law provides for the licensing and regulating of dogs and for prohibiting or regulating the running at large of dogs in the City.
Stoop-and-Scoop
The Stoop-and-Scoop By-law provides for the removal and sanitary disposition of excrement for any animal. With some exceptions, this by-law applies to any person who owns, harbours, possesses or is in control of any animal.
The Property Standards By-law (2000-16454) addresses private property standards and includes the requirement of property owners to keep private property clear of animal waste.
Noise Control
The Noise Control By-law (1998)-15760 prohibits the persistent barking of domestic animals at all times.
Licences
Licences are required for all dogs over 3 months old. Please visit the Guelph Humane Society website or contact them at 519-824-3091.
Kennels
A licence is also required to operate a kennel. For more information or to register please contact the licensing division at [email protected] or 519-822-1260 extension 2551
Bill 132: The Public Safety Related to Dogs Statute Law Amendment Act:
On August 29, 2005 Bill 132 – An Act to amend the Dog Owner’s Liability Act (DOLA) to increase public safety in relation to dogs, including pit bulls, came into force.
Exotic and non-domestic animals
The Animal Control Bylaw applies to the keeping of snakes, ducks, geese, poultry, pigeons and other animals such as monkeys and raccoons.
Mosquitoes
The City of Guelph regulates the accumulation of standing water on all properties under By-law (2003)-17192. For information on protecting yourself and your family from West Nile Virus, visit the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health website.
Rodents/vermin
The Property Standards By-law requires every building and accessory building be kept free of rodents, vermin and insects. Every yard shall be kept free of rodents and vermin. Every opening in a building, including any openable window, that might permit the entry of rodents, vermin and insects, shall be screened or sealed.
Insects (bees, caterpillars, wasps, etc)
We do not have regulations to address concerns regarding insects outside the dwelling. Property Standards By-law (2000)-16454 requires every building and accessory building be kept free of rodents, vermin and insects. Every opening in a building, including any openable window that might permit the entry of rodents, vermin and insects, shall be screened or sealed.