Responsible Animal Ownership By-law

Hamilton's Responsible Animal Ownership By-law No. 12-031(PDF, 1.38 MB) ensures the health and safety of residents, protects property and prevents public issues.

The Responsible Animal Ownership By-law talks about:

• Dog licensing

• Roaming animals or owned animals ‘at large’

• Cleaning up after your animal

• Designating potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs

• Prohibiting exotic animals

• Rural and urban regulations

• Pet limits- four domestic animals per house in urban areas

• Prohibiting urban chickens

• Where and how an animal may be housed to make sure it’s healthy and safe

Zero Tolerance' dog license enforcement program

Hamilton has a Zero Tolerance dog licence enforcement program. Any person who owns, has custody of or keeps an unlicensed dog may be charged under the Provincial Offences Act. Fines start at $180 and go up to $10,000.