A recent article on Dog Politics discussed a proposal in New Jersey to require all “pit bull” owners to be photographed, pay an extra registration fee, and have signficant personal information recorded in a central database.

I have been going through all the bylaws and ordinances for many cities and towns throughout Canada, including a number that restrict or prohibit certain breeds. Below is a summary of the various types of restrictions or prohibitions I have found.

Keep in mind two things:

1. These are ONLY in Canada.
2. Every one of these restrictions or prohibitions is BY BREED.

Mobility Restrictions

• 3 ft leash
• muzzle
• muzzle/leash in vehicle
• minimum age of person walking the dog
• enclosed pen (with top and sides and lock) or tethered with a chain
• crate or pen the dog if children under 14 are in the house
• not allowed in off-leash dog parks
• automatically declared dangerous or vicious

Ownership Restrictions

• limit on number of dogs
• dogs from out-of-town not allowed in town
• in some towns, no grandfather clause – all existing dogs must leave immediately
• non-transferable licence (no transfer of ownership allowed)

Owner Tracking and Registration

• mandatory microchip
• mandatory spay/neuter
• mandatory immunization for rabies (specifically listed for restricted breeds)
• special “restricted or dangerous dog” licence (with a higher annual fee)
• special application fee
• must apply in person with dog
• signed and sworn statement that dog is legal and that the dog you are applying for is the dog you are with
• photograph taken by Animal Control Officer
• notification of change of address, change of ownership, death of dog
• special dog tag
• no replacement for special dog tag (unlike regular dog tags) – must apply for new licence
• warning sign on premises
• one million dollars liability insurance
• visiting dogs required to register with city and pay a registration fee

Penalties

• higher penalties for noncompliance
• entry/seizure without warrant specifically allowed for certain breeds
• law can be enforced by ANY town employee, not just law enforcement or animal control
• owner is responsible for all kenneling costs after impounding

Destruction of Dogs

• town will not return impounded dog (regardless of reason for impounding)
• destroy prohibited breeds on sight with no notification to owner
• mandatory death of dog if owner fails to comply
• mandatory death of puppies if discovered
• owner is responsible for cost of destroying the dog