Animal Control

Although dogs can be YOUR best friend, some dogs can get the neighbours howling. If you own a dog, take responsibility by learning which animal-related by-laws apply to your pet. We've
summarized some details below.

If you own a dog, you must ensure that your dog is licensed.ﾠ Losing a pet can be a traumatic experience - for both the owner and for the pet.ﾠ Municipal dog licensing, by identifying and registering dogs, helps to ensure that they are reunited with their owners if lost or stray.ﾠ Dog licenses expire on December 31st each year and can be renewed by visiting the municipal offices or by mailing the Dog Registration Form with the applicable license fee.

The licence fees are:

ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30th OF EACH YEAR:
Spayed or neutered - $12.00 each
Not spayed or neutered - $17.00 each
Dog with microchip implant - $10.00 each (no tag will be issued and proof is required)
Puppies under 6 months - no charge
Guide dogs and guide dog puppies - no charge
Kennel Licence - $50.00
Replacement tag - $5.00

AFTER APRIL 30th OF EACH YEAR:
Spayed or neutered - $15.00 each
Not spayed or neutered - $20.00 each
Dog with microchip implant - $13.00 each (no tag will be issued and proof is required)
Puppies under 6 months - no charge
Guide dogs and guide dog puppies - no charge
Kennel Licence - $55.00

Dogs At Large
In the interest of public safety and animal welfare, dogs must be under the control of their owners at all times, and must not be permitted to run at large within the boundaries of the Town of Mississippi Mills. The Town of Mississippi Mills has a zero tolerance policy for dogs running at large and dog owners will be fined $70.00 for every occurrence. In addition, if your dog is found at large and impounded, you will be charged pound fees.

Dog Bites/Attacks
It is an offence to allow your dog to bite or attack a person or a domestic animal without provocation. Aggressive dogs are a threat to public safety and to other animals. You can help prevent your pet from harming others by giving it proper care and training. The Dog Owner's Liability Act (DOLA) of Ontario enables a dog-attack victim to make a claim against the dog's owner. Under the DOLA, victims may ask the court to have the dog destroyed, or have the dog's owner take steps to control the dog by muzzling and leashing it.

Barking Dogs
Dog owners must prevent their pet from constant barking that disturbs the peace. Such barking may also signal behavioural problems that the dog owner should address.

Limitations of the Number of Pets:

• If you live in Almonte Ward, Hamlets of Blakeney, Appleton, Clayton, Pakenham or in registered plans of subdivision, you are permitted to keep no more than 3 dogs.
• If you live in other than those areas listed above, you are permitted to keep no more than 6 dogs
• Hunters are permitted to keep no more than 12 dogs.