Dangerous Dog Bylaw
This bylaw is a consolidated digital version of the official legal document. It is not an exact reproduction and is for information purposes only.
For any questions related to this bylaw, contact 519-747-8785 or municipalenforcement@waterloo.ca
Bylaw number: 2026-010
Last amended by Bylaw No. 2026-010, February 23, 2026
A bylaw to regulate dangerous dogs, potentially dangerous dogs and prohibited dogs
- Definitions
- Powers of the poundkeeper
- Other jurisdictions
- Designating potentially dangerous dogs
- Designating dangerous dogs
- Prohibited dogs
- Powers of inspection
- Work order
- Order to discontinue
- Remedial action
- General
- Notice
- Appeal
- Inquiry
- Application of certain requirements
- Serving notices
- This bylaw prevails
- Penalty provisions
- Repeal and transition
Whereas Section 11 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, (the “Municipal Act”), authorizes a municipality to pass bylaws respecting matters to do with animals;
And whereas it is deemed expedient to pass a bylaw relating to Dangerous Dogs, Potentially Dangerous Dogs and Prohibited Dogs;
And whereas Sections 23.2, 23.3 and 23.5 of the Municipal Act authorizes a municipality to delegate its administrative and hearing powers in certain circumstances;
Now therefore the municipal council of the corporation of the city of waterloo enacts as follows:
1.0 Definitions
1.1 In this bylaw:
“Administrative Penalty Bylaw” means the General Administrative Penalty Bylaw No. 2023-038 of the City, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereof;
“City” means The Corporation of the City of Waterloo or the geographical area of the municipality, as the context requires;
“Dangerous" means:
a) a Dog that, in the absence of any mitigating factor, has attacked, bitten, or caused injury to a person or has demonstrated a propensity, tendency or disposition to do so;
b) a Dog that, in the absence of any mitigating factor, has significantly injured a domestic animal; or,
c) a Dog, previously designated as a Potentially Dangerous Dog, that is kept or permitted to be kept by its owner in violation of the requirements for such Dog.
“Designated Provision” means any section of this Bylaw designated in accordance with Section 18.2;
“Director” means the Director of Municipal Enforcement Services of the City of Waterloo or their designate;
"Dog" means any dog, male or female, over the age of twelve (12) weeks;
"Dog Control Officer" includes the officers or employees of the Poundkeeper as designated by the Poundkeeper;
“Hearing Officer” means a person designated by Council for the purpose of hearing appeals under this Bylaw;
"Mitigating Factor" means a circumstance which excuses aggressive behaviour of a dog and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, may include circumstances where:
a) the dog was, at the time of the aggressive behaviour, acting in defence of an attack by a person or domestic animal;
b) the dog was, at the time of the aggressive behaviour, acting in defence of its young or reacting to a person or domestic animal trespassing on the property of its owner; or,
c) the dog was, at the time of the aggressive behaviour, being teased, provoked or tormented.
"Muzzle" means a humane fastening or covering device that is:
a) of adequate strength placed over a dog's mouth to prevent it from biting; and,
b) approved by the Poundkeeper.
"Owner" means an owner of a Dog, and includes a person who keeps or harbours a Dog and, where the owner is a minor, the person responsible for the custody of the minor. Where applicable, "owns" and "owned" shall have a corresponding meaning;
"Pit Bull Dog" means a dog of any age which can be identified as a dog of one or more of the following breeds or mixed breeds by the Poundkeeper, namely:
a) a Pit Bull Terrier;
b) a Staffordshire Bull Terrier;
c) an American Staffordshire Terrier;
d) an American Pit Bull Terrier; or,
e) a Pit Bull.
"Potentially Dangerous" means:
a) a dog that, in the absence of any mitigating factor, chases or approaches any person or domestic animal, anywhere other than on the property of the owner, in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, including, but not limited to, behaviour such as growling or snarling; or,
b) a dog that has been impounded by the Poundkeeper or for whom the owner has been convicted on a total of three (3) occasions within a twenty-four (24) month period for such dog being at large in the municipality.
"Pound" means the animal shelter operated by the Poundkeeper;
"Poundkeeper" means the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth and where applicable, includes any Dog Control Officer;
"Prohibited" means:
a) a Pit Bull Dog which is not a restricted dog as defined under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter D. 16, as amended or replaced;
b) a dog, previously designated as a dangerous dog, that is kept or permitted to be kept by its owner in violation of the designation requirements for such dog.
"Running at Large" means:
a) when found in any place other than the premises of the owner of the dog and not under the control of any person and not under leash, with no such leash exceeding 1.8 metres (6 feet) in length; or,
b) when on the premises of the owner of the dog and not tied up or in a properly enclosed area, as prescribed in this Bylaw.
“Screening and Hearing Officer Bylaw” means Bylaw No. , as amended or replaced, as passed by the City to provide for the appointment of Screening and Hearing Officers in the City.
“Secretary of Dog Appeals” means a City employee who is assigned to the role by the Director.
2.0 Powers of the poundkeeper
2.1 The Poundkeeper may designate a Dog as Potentially Dangerous, Dangerous, or Prohibited by issuing a notice in accordance with this Bylaw.
3.0 Other jurisdictions
3.1 Where the Poundkeeper has designated a Dog Potentially Dangerous, Dangerous, or Prohibited in another jurisdiction in which the Poundkeeper operates, that Dog shall be automatically given that same designation in the City of Waterloo, and the Poundkeeper shall issue the appropriate notice in accordance with this Bylaw. However, where the Poundkeeper, after an investigation in another jurisdiction in which the Poundkeeper operates does not designate a Dog Potentially Dangerous, Dangerous, or Prohibited, then no secondary investigation shall occur in the City for the same incident or series of facts.
4.0 Designating potentially dangerous dogs
4.1 Where the Poundkeeper designates a Dog as Potentially Dangerous, the Poundkeeper shall serve notice upon the Owner of such Dog requiring the Owner, upon receipt of such notice, to comply with any or all of the following requirements:
a) to keep the Potentially Dangerous Dog, when it is on the lands and premises of the Owner, confined:
i. within the Owner's dwelling and under the effective control of an adult; or,
ii. in an enclosed pen constructed with a secure top and sides and either a secure bottom effectively attached to the sides, or sides embedded in the ground to a minimum depth of 30 centimetres (1 foot), or as otherwise approved by the Poundkeeper. The pen shall provide humane shelter for the Potentially Dangerous Dog while preventing it from escaping therefrom, and preventing the entry therein of unsupervised children;
b) to keep the Potentially Dangerous Dog under the effective control of an adult person and under leash, with such leash to be approved by the Poundkeeper and not to exceed 1.8 metres (6 feet) in length, at all times when it is not confined in accordance with Section 4.1(a);
c) to securely attach a Muzzle as defined in this Bylaw to the Potentially Dangerous Dog at all times when it is not confined in accordance with Section 4.1(a);
d) to permit the Poundkeeper to insert a microchip implantation in the Potentially Dangerous Dog for the purpose of identifying the Potentially Dangerous Dog;
e) to provide the Poundkeeper with the new address and telephone number of the Owner within two (2) calendar days of moving the Potentially Dangerous Dog;
f) to provide the Poundkeeper with the name, address and telephone number of the new Owner within two (2) calendar days of selling or giving away the Potentially Dangerous Dog;
g) to advise the Poundkeeper within two (2) calendar days of the death of the Potentially Dangerous Dog;
h) to advise the Poundkeeper forthwith if the Potentially Dangerous Dog is Running at Large, or has bitten or attacked any person or animal; and,
i) to purchase and display, at the entrance to the Owner's dwelling which a person would normally approach, a warning sign provided by the Poundkeeper. The sign shall be posted in such a manner that it cannot be easily removed by passersby, and must be clearly visible to a person approaching the entrance.
4.2 Subject to Section 13 of this Bylaw, inclusive of subsections, every Owner of a Dog that is designated as Potentially Dangerous in accordance with Section 4 of this Bylaw shall ensure that the requirements of the designation, as set out in the notice, are complied with at all times.
5.0 Designating dangerous dogs
5.1 Where the Poundkeeper designates a Dog as Dangerous, the Poundkeeper shall serve notice upon the Owner of such Dog requiring the Owner, upon receipt of such notice, to comply with any or all of the following requirements:
a) to keep the Dangerous Dog, when it is on the lands and premises of the Owner confined:
i. within the Owner's dwelling and under the effective control of an adult; or,
ii. in an enclosed pen constructed with a secure top and sides and either a secure bottom effectively attached to the sides or sides, embedded in the ground to a minimum depth of 30 centimetres (1 foot), or as otherwise approved by the Poundkeeper. The pen shall provide humane shelter for the Dangerous Dog while preventing it from escaping therefrom, and preventing the entry therein of unsupervised children;
b) to keep the Dangerous Dog under the effective control of an adult person and under leash, such leash to be approved by the Poundkeeper and not to exceed 1.8 metres (6 feet) in length, at all times when it is not confined in accordance with Section 5.1(a);
c) to securely attach a Muzzle as defined in this Bylaw to the Dangerous Dog at all times when it is not confined in accordance with Section 5.1(a);
d) to permit the Poundkeeper, or designate, to insert a microchip implantation in the Dangerous Dog for the purpose of identifying the Dangerous Dog;
e) to provide the Poundkeeper with the new address and telephone number of the Owner within two (2) calendar days of moving the Dangerous Dog;
f) to provide the Poundkeeper with the name, address and telephone number of the new Owner within two (2) calendar days of selling or giving away the Dangerous Dog;
g) to advise the Poundkeeper within two (2) calendar days of the death of the Dangerous Dog;
h) to advise the Poundkeeper forthwith if the Dangerous Dog is Running at Large, or has bitten or attacked any person or animal; and,
i) to display at the front entrance to the Owner's dwelling a warning sign provided by the Poundkeeper. The sign shall be posted in such a manner that it cannot be easily removed by passersby, and must be clearly visible to a person approaching the entrance.
5.2 Subject to Section 13 of this Bylaw, inclusive of subsections, every Owner of a Dog that is designated as Dangerous in accordance with Section 5 of this Bylaw shall ensure that the requirements of the designation, as set out in the notice, are complied with at all times.
6.0 Prohibited dogs
6.1 Despite anything to the contrary in this or any other bylaw of the City, the Poundkeeper may seize, impound and euthanize any Prohibited Dog, as determined in their discretion, and may deal with such Dog in accordance with the authority set out under this Bylaw or any other City bylaw, or any other applicable law.
6.2 Where the Poundkeeper designates a Dog as Prohibited, the Poundkeeper shall serve notice of same upon the Owner of such Dog. Where the Poundkeeper has not yet seized and impounded the Prohibited Dog, the notice shall require the Owner, upon receipt of such notice, to deliver the Prohibited Dog to the Pound within six (6) calendar days.
6.3 Every Owner of a Dog that is designated as Prohibited in accordance with Section 6.2 of this Bylaw shall, where the Poundkeeper has not seized and impounded the Prohibited Dog as of the date of delivery of the notice, deliver the Prohibited Dog to the City Pound within six (6) calendar days, and Section 6.1 of this Bylaw shall apply as if the Dog had been seized and impounded.
7.0 Powers of inspection
7.1 The Poundkeeper and the City may enter on land at any reasonable time for the purpose of carrying out an inspection to determine whether or not the following are being complied with:
a) this Bylaw;
b) a direction or order of the City or Poundkeeper under this Bylaw; or,
c) an order made under Section 431 of the Municipal Act, as amended.
7.2 For the purposes of conducting an inspection pursuant to Section 7.1 of this Bylaw, the Poundkeeper and or the City may, in accordance with the provisions of Section 436 of the Municipal Act, as amended:
a) require the production for inspection of documents or things relevant to the inspection;
b) inspect and remove documents or things relevant to the inspection for the purpose of making copies or extracts;
c) require information from any person concerning a matter related to the inspection; and,
d) alone or in conjunction with a person possessing special or expert knowledge, make examinations or take tests, samples or photographs necessary for the purposes of the inspection.
8.0 Work Order
8.1 Where the Director or Poundkeeper has reasonable grounds to believe that a contravention of this Bylaw has occurred, the Director or Poundkeeper may make an order requiring the person who contravened this Bylaw or who caused or permitted the contravention, or the owner of the Dog, to do work to correct the contravention.
8.2 An order under Section 8.1 shall set out:
a) reasonable particulars of the contravention adequate to identify the contravention; and,
b) the work to be done and date by which the work must be done
8.3 Any person who fails to comply with an order issued under this section is guilty of an offence.
9.0 Order to discontinue
9.1 Where the Director or Poundkeeper has reasonable grounds to believe that a contravention of this Bylaw has occurred, the Director or Poundkeeper may make an order requiring the person who contravened this Bylaw or who caused or permitted the contravention, or the owner of the Dog, to do work to discontinue the contravening activity.
9.2 An order under Section 9.1 shall set out:
a) reasonable particulars of the contravention adequate to identify the contravention; and,
b) the date by which there must be compliance with the order.
9.3 Any person who fails to comply with an order issued under this section is guilty of an offence.
10.0 Remedial action
10.1 If a person fails to do a matter or thing, including comply with an order under this Bylaw, as directed or required by this Bylaw, the City may recover the costs of doing the matter or thing from the person directed or required to do it by action, or by adding the costs to the tax roll and collecting them in the same manner as property taxes.
10.2 The costs outlined in Section 10.1 shall include interest calculated at a rate of fifteen (15%) per cent per annum, calculated for the period commencing the day the City incurs the costs and ending on the day the costs, including the interest, are paid in full.
10.3 Where the order is directed to the owner of the land, the amount of the costs, including interest, constitutes a lien on the land upon the registration in the proper land registry office of a notice of lien. The lien is in respect of all costs that are payable at the time the notice is registered plus interest accrued to the date the payment is made. Upon receiving payment of all costs payable plus interest accrued to the date of payment, the City shall register a discharge of the lien in the proper land registry office.
11.0 General
11.1 The Poundkeeper may release an impounded Dog to its Owner:
a) if the Owner claims possession of the Dog within three (3) calendar days after the date of seizure and impounding; and,
b) if the Poundkeeper is satisfied that the Dog is licensed for the current year after identification of the Dog by the Owner and payment by the Owner of fifty ($50.00) dollars for the first day or any part thereof and seven ($7.00) dollars for each additional day or any part thereof which the Dog has been impounded, plus the cost of any immunization given under subsection 11.8.
11.2 Despite subsection 11.1, where a Potentially Dangerous Dog or Dangerous Dog has been impounded for any reason, the Poundkeeper shall not restore the said Dog to its Owner or to any other person unless the Poundkeeper is satisfied that the person to whom the Dog is to be restored to is aware of and in compliance with the provisions of Sections 4 or 5, as the case may be. All fees otherwise payable to the Poundkeeper upon restoration of an impounded Dog to its Owner are payable by the Owner of a Potentially Dangerous Dog or a Dangerous Dog for any length of time it may be held in the Pound pursuant to this section.
11.3 Despite subsection 11.1, where a Prohibited Dog has been impounded, the Poundkeeper, after providing notice under Section 6.2 and subject to Section 13, inclusive of all subsections, may forthwith euthanize the Dog in a humane manner.
11.4 The Owner, if known, of every Potentially Dangerous Dog or Dangerous Dog impounded, whether or not the Dog is claimed by the Owner from the Pound, shall be liable for the payment of the Pound fee and shall pay all fees on demand to the Poundkeeper.
11.5 Where any Potentially Dangerous Dog or Dangerous Dog seized under the provisions of this Bylaw is injured or should be euthanized without delay for humane reasons, or for the reasons of safety to persons or animals, the Poundkeeper may euthanize the Dog in a humane manner as soon after seizure as the Poundkeeper sees fit, in their discretion, without permitting any person to reclaim the Dog or without offering it for sale.
11.6 The Poundkeeper shall keep a record of every Dog impounded or seized under this Bylaw, including a description of the Dog, the licence and tag number if it wore a tag, and the date of disposition and the disposition made.
11.7 Where the Owner of a Potentially Dangerous Dog or a Dangerous Dog which has been impounded is unable to demonstrate compliance with the provisions of Sections 4 or 5, as the case may be, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Poundkeeper, or refuses to do so, the Poundkeeper, after a reasonable period of time, may:
a) euthanization of the Dog in a humane manner; or
b) sell the Dog for such price as the Poundkeeper deems reasonable; or,
c) dispose of the Dog pursuant to the Animals for Research Act R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, as amended, and any regulations thereunder.
11.8 The sale price of any Dog sold by the Poundkeeper shall belong to the Poundkeeper.
11.9 Any Dog impounded not wearing a tag for the current year may be given an inoculation to provide immunization against rabies.
11.10 The City, its agents and servants, and the Poundkeeper shall not be liable for damages or compensation for any Dog euthanized under the provisions of this Bylaw and no such damages or compensation shall be paid to any person.
12.0 Notice
12.1 The notice referred to in Sections 4, 5 and 6 shall include:
a) a statement that the Poundkeeper has reason to believe that the Dog is Potentially Dangerous, Dangerous, or Prohibited, as the case may be;
b) the requirements that the Owner must comply with in accordance with this Bylaw and when such requirements take effect;
c) where the Poundkeeper has designated the Dog as Prohibited, a statement that the Dog will be euthanized in a humane manner; and,
d) a statement that the Owner may request, within five (5) calendar days of receipt of the Poundkeeper's notice, and is entitled to, a hearing by a Hearing Officer who may affirm, vary or rescind the Poundkeeper's designation of the Dog as Potentially Dangerous, Dangerous, or Prohibited, as the case may be.
12.2 The notice referred to in Sections 4 and 5 may further include a statement, as determined by the Poundkeeper in their sole discretion, as to whether the Owner may apply to rescind the designation in accordance with Sections 13.8 and 13.9.
13.0 Appeal
13.1 An Owner who receives a notice from the Poundkeeper designating such Dog as Potentially Dangerous, Dangerous, or Prohibited may appeal that notice from the Poundkeeper to a Hearing Officer as appointed under the Screening and Hearing Officer Bylaw.
13.2 The Director shall designate a Secretary of Dog Appeals.
13.3 The Secretary of Dog Appeals shall keep on file the records of all official business of the Hearing Officer hearing appeals under this section, including all records of appeals and minutes of all decisions respecting those appeals.
13.4 All appeals shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary of Dog Appeals within five (5) calendar days of receipt of the notice from the Poundkeeper and shall set out the grounds for appeal. Upon receipt of such written appeal, the Secretary of Dog Appeals shall endeavor to schedule a hearing within forty-five (45) calendar days of receipt of the request for an appeal hearing, or as soon thereafter as possible. Notice of the Hearing shall be issued to the Owner appealing the notice and all other parties a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to the hearing date.
13.5 A Hearing Officer shall hear all appeals.
13.6 On appeal, the Hearing Officer may:
a) affirm or rescind the Poundkeeper's designation of the Dog as Potentially Dangerous or Dangerous;
b) substitute its own designation of the Dog as Potentially Dangerous or Dangerous;
c) substitute its own requirements of the Owner of a Potentially Dangerous or Dangerous Dog pursuant to Sections 4 or 5;
d) add or remove the option to apply to rescind the designation in accordance with 12.2; and or,
e) when a Dog has been designated by the Poundkeeper as Prohibited, affirm or rescind the Poundkeeper's designation of the Dog.
13.7 A request of appeal under Section 13 does not act as a stay of the requirements of the designation under Sections 4.1(a), 4.1(b), 4.1(c), 5.1(a), 5.1(b), 5.1(c) or 6.3, and such requirements shall be complied with until the Hearing Officer has issued their decision.
13.8 Where a Dog has been designated Potentially Dangerous or Dangerous under Sections 4 or 5 of the Bylaw and where:
a) the Poundkeeper has included in the notice the option to rescind the designation; and,
b) the designation has not been appealed or the designation has otherwise been affirmed or varied by the Hearing Officer and the option to rescind the designation remains, an Owner may apply to rescind the designation and all accompanying requirements after one (1) year from the date of the designation. Such application shall include:
i. A letter from the Owner confirming that the subject Dog has not bitten or attacked any person or animal since its designation;
ii. A copy of a certificate or other evidence confirming that the Dog has completed and passed the Canine Good Citizen Test; and,
iii. A letter of reference from an independent certified Dog trainer holding a certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT), Pet Professional Guild (PPG), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), or the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), which comments on and provides evidence of the following:
Confirming that the subject Dog is known to them and has been trained by them for a minimum of thirty (30) training hours;
Providing a log of those minimum thirty (30) training hours with corresponding dates, times, locations, and length of training sessions;
Confirming that they have observed the Owner handling the Dog sufficiently and without issue on their own;
Confirming they are not aware of any incidents where the subject Dog has bitten or attacked any person or animal since its designation; and,
Confirming that they have no reason to believe that any of the requirements of the designation are necessary to ensure the safety of any other person or animal.
13.9 An application under Section 13.8 may be sent, along with all accompanying evidence, to the Poundkeeper. The Poundkeeper, once confirming their own records that they have not received a complaint that the subject Dog has bitten or attacked any person or animal since its designation, shall review the application and evidence received and shall advise the Owner within forty-five (45) calendar days of receipt whether:
a) The designation and all accompanying requirements are thereby after rescinded based on the evidence; or,
b) The designation and all accompanying requirements remain as the evidence provided did not comply with Section 13.8 above. In this case, the Poundkeeper shall also advise what evidence is missing and the Owner may re-apply with additional evidence at any time thereafter.
14. Inquiry
14.1 The Poundkeeper may either on its own initiative, or as a result of a complaint received by it from a resident of the City, conduct an inquiry into whether a Dog should be designated as Potentially Dangerous, Dangerous, or Prohibited, as the case may be.
15. Application of certain requirements
15.1 Save and except for the requirements under Sections 4.1(a), 4.1(b), 4.1(c), 5.1(a), 5.1(b), 5.1(c) and 6.3, the rest of the requirements of Sections 4, 5 and 6 which may be imposed on an Owner or Dog by the Poundkeeper pursuant to such sections shall not be required until:
a) the time for requesting an appeal has expired without an appeal being requested;
b) an appeal has been requested and the request has been withdrawn or abandoned; or,
c) an appeal has been requested and the Hearing Officer has issued their decision.
16.0 Serving notices
16.1 Any notices served by the Poundkeeper or requests for hearings made by an Owner pursuant to this Bylaw shall be provided by hand delivery or prepaid registered mail or courier and, in the event of service by prepaid registered mail, shall be deemed received on the fifth calendar day after the date of mailing.
17.0 This bylaw prevails
17.1 In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between this Bylaw and Bylaw 2009-047, being the Animal Control Bylaw, as amended or replaced, or any other bylaw, then this Bylaw shall prevail. All other provisions of Bylaw 2009-047, as amended or replaced, which do not conflict with this Bylaw shall continue to apply to Potentially Dangerous or Dangerous Dogs.
17.2 Each and every of the provisions of this Bylaw is severable and if any provision of this Bylaw should for any reason be declared invalid by any Court it is the intention and desire of this Council that each and every of the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and in effect.
18.0 Penalty provisions
18.1 Any person who contravenes any provisions of this Bylaw is guilty of an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine or penalty prescribed by the provisions of the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, as amended.
18.2 Sections 4.2, 5.2, 6.3, 8.3, and 9.3 of this Bylaw are hereby designated as parts of this Bylaw to which the Administrative Penalty Bylaw applies.
18.3 Any person who contravenes any Designated Provision of this Bylaw shall, upon issuance of a penalty notice in accordance with the Administrative Penalty Bylaw, be liable to pay an administrative penalty and any administrative fees.
19.0 Repeal and transition
19.1 By-law 98-92 is hereby repealed.
19.2 Reference to repealed Bylaw 98-92 in any documentation shall be deemed to reference this Bylaw.
19.3 Notwithstanding Section 19.1 above, the provisions of Bylaw 98-92 shall be deemed to continue in force and effect with respect to any and all orders, designations, appeals, or prosecutions issued, filed or commenced under said bylaw and any liability or penalty outstanding under said bylaw may be collected as if the bylaw had not been repealed.
19.4 This bylaw shall come into force and effect on the date of its final passing.