HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS-14-187 - Repeal and Replacement of Dogs By-law Staff Report
rTC.�r R finance and Corporate Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: November 10, 2014
SUBMITTED BY: Jennifer Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor, 519 741-2200 ext. 7265,
Shayne Turner, Director of Enforcement, 519 741-2200 ext. 7753
PREPARED BY: Jennifer Sheryer
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Wards
DATE OF REPORT: October 20, 2014
REPORT NO.: FCS-14-187
SUBJECT: Repeal and Replacement of Dogs By-law
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council adopt the two by-laws attached to Report FCS-14-187 in place of Chapter
Chapter 530 (Dogs) of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code.
BACKGROUND:
At its meeting on February 4, 2013, Council directed staff to work in collaboration with the
Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society and the City of Waterloo, where appropriate, to develop a
Responsible Pet Ownership Strategy and report back at a future meeting of this committee.
Although work on the strategy is ongoing, staff in conjunction with the Humane Society, have
identified some changes to the Dogs by-law that support this initiative and address concerns
raised by the public over the years.
Immediate implementation of the new by-laws will allow the recommended changes to take
effect for the new calendar year. Although this is short notice for such changes, staff felt it was
important not to miss the opportunity to have these changes take effect on January 1, 2015.
It is also important for the new by-laws to be enacted as quickly as possible to ensure that set
fines can be applied for and implemented as close to the date of the by-law coming into force as
possible. Set fines allow enforcement staff to continue issuing tickets where appropriate without
the necessity of a court appearance for each offence.
REPORT:
The current Dogs by-law is 51 pages long and likely seems complicated and convoluted to
members of the public. Staff wishes to make the by-law more succinct and organized so that
members of the public can read and understand the requirements more easily. Staff
recommends that the current by-law be separated into two distinct and much shorter by-laws.
The first by-law will deal with responsible dog ownership and obligations on all dog owners. The
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second by-law will separate out the provisions applicable to our dog designation process — the
process for designating dogs as potentially dangerous, dangerous, restricted, and prohibited.
As dog designations are most often used for aggressive dogs, most dog owners will not be
impacted by the second by-law.
The new responsible dog ownership by-law will incorporate the majority of owner requirements
contained in the existing by-law. Staff has updated the by-law to make the language more
precise and clear, and also recommends that the following changes be implemented:
a) licensing: our current by-law requires dog owners to purchase licences for each
calendar year that are only valid until December 31St. When licences are purchased late,
they become significantly more expensive and also last for a shorter time. This makes it
very difficult for the Humane Society to sell dog licences as the year progresses. Staff
recommends that licences be valid for 12 months from the time of purchase beginning
January 1, 2015.
The Humane Society has also asked for the ability to sell a 24 month licence. Although
24 month licences will not be available immediately, the by-law sets the structure to
allow this to happen in the future. Once these licences are available, an owner will
benefit by paying the current year's licence fee for each 12 month period in a 24 month
licence.
These changes support responsible pet ownership as licences will have as much value
to the purchaser no matter when they are purchased during the year. When dogs are
licenced, it is easier to return them to their homes.
b) dog welfare provisions: the City and Humane Society have received various complaints
about dogs living outside and not being adequately cared for over the winter. Our
current by-law does not give the support necessary to address these situations.
Staff recommends that the new by-law address dog welfare by requiring owners to
provide adequate shelter, care, food and water, exercise, and veterinary care.
Other new provisions will require that dogs that are tethered are done so in a manner
that will not injure the dog, and that dogs be kept in adequately sanitary conditions.
Although some of these situations can already be addressed under cruelty legislation,
incorporating such provisions into the by-law will allow the Humane Society to be more
responsive to public concerns and situations where a dog is being put at risk by
inadequate care. The new provisions will also give more Humane Society by-law
officers the authority to deal with these concerns. These initiatives also support
responsible pet ownership.
c) maximum number of dogs: several situations have arisen this year where staff believe a
person in extraordinary situations should be exempted from the three dog maximum in
the City. In order to allow these situations to be dealt with on a staff level, some
changes are recommended to the by-law.
New provisions would allow a person fostering dogs for the City through the Humane
Society to be exempt with respect to the fostered dogs. Service dogs being used to
assist a person with a disability should also not be counted to the three dog limit.
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Staff also recommends that in some very specific situations such as death or illness in
the family or merging households that the Humane Society should be able to allow four
dogs in a household provided certain criteria are met. Giving responsible owners the
flexibility to keep an extra dog in these situations helps keep dogs out of shelters and
supports responsible pet ownership.
d) nuisance provision: staff recommends a new provision in the by-law which will prohibit a
person from keeping a dog in a manner that adversely impacts neighbouring properties
or residents. This provision would be similar to the provision previously added to our
animals by-law. It would allow staff to better address situations where odours, straying,
feces, or noise disturb others and would thus support responsible pet ownership.
e) set fines: as soon as Council approves the new by-laws, staff will make application for
set fines under the Responsible Dog Ownership By-law. Current set fines may not be
used once the new by-laws have been implemented. Staff will also ask for approval for
higher fines especially for failure to licence, run at large, and dog attack offences.
Higher fines should assist with deterrence and encourage increased responsible dog
ownership.
The new Dog Designations by-law incorporates the provisions of the old by-law about dog
designations. Concerns raised by the Dog Designation Appeal Committee and Humane Society
over the years have been addressed. Duplication in the by-law has been removed to make the
by-law much shorter and easier to understand. Language is more concise and provisions are
better organized for clarity. Additionally, the following changes are recommended:
a) conditions available for designated dogs: the conditions the Humane Society may
include in a designation have been expanded. The existing conditions in some cases
have not been restrictive enough to address all safety concerns with designated dogs.
In other cases, the conditions are too restrictive for the situation.
The new by-law gives the Poundkeeper the ability to select from more conditions to
ensure the designation is properly tailored for the specific circumstances. By allowing
the Poundkeeper more flexibility in assigning appropriate conditions up front, we hope
that less appeal hearings are necessary.
Conditions that were poorly worded in the past have also been re-worded to make more
sense. For example, one condition required a person to keep their dog in their dwelling
or penned outside. In many situations, a fence is adequate to contain the dog.
Additionally, the dog should be permitted on the owner's property when leashed and
under the control of an adult just as it is permitted to be on public property in those
circumstances. The new condition allows the Humane Society to approve a fenced area
for the dog and allows the owner to have the dog out under leash on its own property.
b) off leash areas: the current by-law was not clear enough about off leash areas and
designated dogs. In some cases such as where a dog has been running at large,
appropriate exercise may be critical in ensuring the health of the dog and may also make
it easier for the owner to control the dog. In situations where a dog has been aggressive
with other dogs, allowing it in an off leash area would not make sense. The new wording
allows the Humane Society to specifically address whether a dog should be permitted in
an off leash area or not.
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c) run at large designations: Our current by-law allows a dog to be designated as
potentially dangerous because it has been running at large repeatedly. Even a well-
tempered dog running at large can present a danger to itself and traffic. However, this
designation is often more of a reflection on the owner's failure to control the dog than
any fault in the dog's temperament. In recognition of this, the by-law will allow the
Humane Society to rescind these sorts of designations if the dog is transferred to either
the Humane Society or a new responsible owner.
d) changes in circumstances: occasionally a dog that has been designated has a change
of circumstances that alters the appropriateness of conditions. This could include a
change in the ownership, residence, or physical health of a dog. The new by-law will
allow the Humane Society to make application to the Dog Designation Appeal
Committee where such material change in circumstances merits a reconsideration of the
designation or conditions.
e) previous designations: the new by-law clarifies that where a new designation is in place,
it will replace any former designation.
f) penalties: the current by-law has a maximum fine of$5,000. An owner of a dog that has
shown a propensity to aggression needs to take the imposed conditions seriously. It is
recommended that the new by-law include graduated maximum fines so that repeat
offenders could be charged up to $10,000 for second offence and up to $25,000 for a
third or subsequent offence. It is hoped that the possibility of higher fines will further
deter owners from failing to comply with provisions of designations.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
This report aligns with Community Priority: Quality of Life as contained in the City's strategic
plan.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The new by-law will continue to be enforced by building division staff. Costs of enforcement will
depend on how frequently the by-law is utilized which cannot be determined at this time.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM and CONSULT - This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in
advance of the Committee meeting. Various comments received from the public have been
considered in improving the by-laws. Additionally, the Dog Designation Appeal Committee was
consulted with respect to the new Dog Designations By-law and the Humane Society had been
involved in recommending changes to the old by-law and reviewing both new by-laws.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Dan Chapman, Deputy CAO Finance and Corporate Services Department.
Appendices:
Appendix A— Responsible Dog Ownership By-law
Appendix B— Dog Designation By-law
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Appendix A
BY-LAW NUMBER
OF THE
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER
(Being a by-law to with respect to
responsible dog ownership)
WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to repeal Chapter 530 of The City of
Kitchener Municipal Code as adopted by By-law 88-100 and to replace it with this by-law and a
Dog Designations By-law;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the City of Kitchener
enacts as follows:
Definitions
1. In this by-law:
"animal services provider" means the Kitchener-Waterloo and North Waterloo Humane Society,
including its officers and employees.
"boarding kennel" shall be as defined in Chapter 531 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code or
any successor by-law thereto.
"breeding kennel" shall be as defined in Chapter 531 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code or
any successor by-law thereto.
"City" means The Corporation of the City of Kitchener.
"Class I Doggie Daycare" shall be as defined in Chapter 531 of The City of Kitchener Municipal
Code or any successor by-law thereto.
"Class II Doggie Daycare" shall be as defined in Chapter 531 of The City of Kitchener Municipal
Code or any successor by-law thereto.
"Confirmed Designation" means a confirmed designation as defined in the City's Dog
Designations By-law.
"Council" means the Council of the City.
"designated dog" shall mean a designated dog as defined by the City's Dog Designations By-
law or any predecessor by-law thereto.
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"dog" means any dog, male or female.
"dog free zone" means areas designated by Council as areas where dogs are prohibited and
having signage placed on site or boundaries of the site showing it to be a dog free area or zone.
"doggie daycare" means both Class I Doggie Daycare and Class II Doggie Daycare.
"electronic containment device" means an electronic system whereby a subterranean cable is
installed around the perimeter of the area in which the dog is to be contained, a receiver is worn
by the dog on its collar, and an electric shock is transmitted by the receiver to the dog if the dog
attempts to cross the subterranean cable.
"mitigating factor" means a circumstance which excuses aggressive behavior 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 behavior, acting in defence to 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 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.
"officer" shall include a municipal law enforcement officer, a by-law officer, an employee of the
Kitchener-Waterloo and North Waterloo Humane Society, an agent or inspector appointed
pursuant to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.
0.36, and a member of the Waterloo Regional Police Services.
"off leash park" means an area designated by Council as an off-leash area and having signage
placed on site or boundaries of the site showing it to be an off-leash area in which owners are
generally permitted to have dogs off leash.
"owner" of a dog includes a person in care or control of a dog, who keeps or harbours a dog,
and, where the owner is a minor, the person responsible for the custody of the minor.
"pet shop" means a pet shop as defined in Chapter 575 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code
or any successor by-law thereto.
"prohibited dog" shall mean a dog that is a prohibited dog pursuant to the City's Dog
Designations By-law or any predecessor by-law thereto.
"puppy" means any dog, male or female, twelve weeks of age or younger.
"shelter facility" means the animal shelter operated by the Kitchener-Waterloo and North
Waterloo Humane Society.
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Licensing
2. Unless otherwise provided in this by-law, every owner of a dog other than a puppy shall
ensure that it has a current and valid City licence.
3. At the time of licensing, the owner applicant, shall be required to pay the applicable
licensing fee set by Council from time to time. If the animal services provider makes a 24 month
licence available, the fee for each year of the licence shall be as set out for the current year in
the fees set by Council.
4. Licences shall be valid for 12 months or 24 months as specified running from the date of
purchase or, where a licence has been purchased prior to the expiration of a current valid
licence, for 12 months or 24 months as specified from the expiration of that current licence
unless otherwise specified herein.
5. Upon application for a licence the owner may be required to produce a certificate signed
by a practising veterinarian that the dog has been inoculated with an anti-rabies vaccine within a
period of twenty-four months prior to the date of application for a licence.
6. Every licence for a dog issued hereunder is personal to the owner thereof and may not
be assigned or transferred.
7. Any licence issued under this by-law or under any former by-law of the City with respect
to a Pit Bull dog other than a licence for a restricted dog shall be deemed to be immediately
cancelled. Where a licence is cancelled pursuant to this section, the owner shall be entitled to a
credit or refund on any paid-up licence fee.
Special Licensing Fee Categories
8. Where a special licensing fee is provided for, conditional upon a dog being sterilized, the
reduced fee will only be given where the owner submits a copy of his/her certificate of
sterilization together with his/her licence application or where the owner otherwise satisfies the
animal services provider that his/her dog has been sterilized. If the animal services provider is
not satisfied that the dog has been sterilized, the otherwise applicable licensing fee will apply.
Designated dogs are generally required to be sterilized and no discount for sterilization will be
available on licences for designated dogs.
9. Where a licence for a sterilized dog is issued and a current non-sterilized dog licence
has previously been issued for that same dog, the owner shall be entitled to a credit or refund
on the difference between the non-sterilized dog licence fee and the sterilized dog licence fee.
10. Senior citizens, upon proof of age 65 or older, shall be entitled to a licence fee discount
as set by Council from time to time.
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11. Despite any other licensing fees contained herein, newcomers to the city of Kitchener
who produce proof of a valid dog licence from another municipality including a city of Waterloo
valid restricted dog licence, may be issued a Kitchener dog licence for that dog, except a Pit Bull
dog, for a reduced fee as set by Council from time to time and the licence shall be valid for the
remainder of that calendar year.
Licensing Tags
12. On payment of the first Kitchener licence fee for a dog the owner shall be furnished with
a dog tag from the animal services provider. The fee charged for replacement of lost dog tags
either during the currency of the licence or for subsequent licences for the same dog will be the
fee set by Council.
13. All licences and tags issued pursuant to this by-law shall be serially numbered and a
record of their issue shall be kept by the animal services provider. Licensing records shall set
out the name and address of the owner, the name of the dog and information as to the date of
the dog's last anti-rabies inoculation.
Registration of Puppies
14. The owner of a dog licensed by the City or required to be licensed by the City, other than
a restricted dog, shall register puppies with the animal services provider within eight weeks of
his/her dog having a litter. The owner shall inform the animal services provider of the age and
sex of each puppy. Upon registration, the animal services provider shall assign the owner a
number to be included in every advertisement of the puppies.
Licensing and Licensing Fee Exemptions
15. No veterinarian shall be required to cause dogs belonging to another person that are
harboured on a temporary basis at his/her veterinary facility to be licensed.
16. No breeding kennel, boarding kennel, or doggie daycare owner or operator licensed by
the City shall be required to cause dogs belonging to another person that are harboured on a
temporary basis at his/her doggie daycare, boarding kennel, or breeding kennel facility to be
licensed.
17. Where an owner or operator of a breeding kennel can show to the satisfaction of the
animal services provider that the breeding kennel is licensed by the City, no fee will be required
of the owner or operator for licensing of the dogs belonging to that owner or operator and
properly kept at the licensed premises.
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18. Where a certificate is produced from a recognized training establishment stating that a
dog is being used as a working dog to assist a disabled person, no fee will be required of the
owner for the licensing of that dog.
19. Where an owner of a dog can show to the satisfaction of the animal services provider
that a dog is being trained or used by the Waterloo Regional Police Services for police purposes
or being trained or used by the Kitchener Fire Department for search and rescue purposes, no
fee will be required of the owner for the licensing of that dog.
Owner Requirements
20. No person shall keep or harbour any dog in a manner that adversely impacts
neighbouring properties or residents whether through offensive odours, noise likely to disturb
inhabitants, straying or roaming of dog(s), accumulation of feces or otherwise.
21. The owner of an dog, other than a puppy, shall keep a dog tag issued by the animal
services provider upon payment of a licence fee for the dog securely fixed on the dog at all
times. If the animal services provider issues a sticker to show that a dog tag is current and
valid, the owner shall also ensure that the dog wears its tag with a sticker issued by the animal
services provider showing the dog licence for that dog is current and valid.
22. The running at large of dogs is prohibited and no owner of a dog shall allow the dog to
run at large.
23. Every dog shall be under leash and under effective control of an adult person unless the
dog is on the lands of a person who has given prior consent to the dog being unleashed. Any
dog that is not in compliance with the requirements of this section shall be deemed to be
running at large.
24. For the purposes of sections 22 and 23, no leash shall exceed 2.4 metres (8 feet).
25. No owner of a dog shall permit it to trespass on any private property.
26. An owner of a dog, when such dog is on property owned or occupied by the owner or on
property owned or occupied by some other person with such person's consent, shall keep the
dog contained on such property by means of one of the following:
(a) enclosure;
(b) containment within a fenced area;
(c) physical restraint of the dog by chain or other similar means;
(d) an electronic containment device; or
(e) where such lands are located within an agricultural zone shall keep the dog
contained on such property by any reasonable means.
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27. Use of an electronic containment device for the purposes of section 26 shall be subject
to the following conditions:
(a) any dog owner using an electronic containment device shall notify the animal
services provider immediately upon commencing use of such a device;
(b) a dog being contained by an electronic containment device shall be kept at least two
metres from any property line abutting public property; and
(c) a sign stating that an electronic containment device is in use at the property shall be
placed adjacent to any normal entry door for the dwelling located on the property and
such sign shall be clearly visible from any public property.
28. Notwithstanding section 22, a dog may be off-leash in an off leash park unless otherwise
specified by the City through a confirmed designation or otherwise.
29. The owner of a dog shall not permit the dog to enter or remain in an off leash park if the
dog has been prohibited from entering off leash parks by the City through a confirmed
designation or otherwise.
30. The owner of a dog shall comply with the regulations posted at an off leash park while
using or allowing their dog to use the off leash park.
31. No owner of a dog shall permit the dog to enter or remain in a dog free zone.
32. Every owner of a dog shall remove forthwith and dispose of any excrement left by the
dog on any property other than the owner's property.
33. No owner shall permit his/her dog to attack any domestic animal or domestic bird, or to
fight with, bite, or attack another dog.
34. No owner shall permit his/her dog to attack, bite, or cause injury to any person in the
absence of a mitigating factor as defined under this by-law.
Dog Welfare
35. An owner of a dog shall provide it with adequate and appropriate care, food, water,
shelter, exercise, and attention as may be required to meet the needs of that particular dog.
36. Where a dog is in distress, the owner of the dog shall, at the owner's expense, have the
dog examined and treated by a veterinarian as necessary or take such other action as is
necessary to relieve the dog of its distress.
37. If a dog is customarily kept out of doors, the owner shall provide for the dog's use, a
structurally sound, weather-proofed and insulated enclosure of appropriate size and dimension
and sufficient to protect the dog from weather conditions.
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38. Every owner of a dog shall ensure that at all times a dog is tethered that the dog has
unrestricted movement within the range of the tether and that the dog cannot suffer injury
resulting from the tethering.
39. No person shall keep or harbour any dog in a manner that adversely impacts the health
or well-being of the dog. For the purposes of this section, unsanitary conditions, neglect,
overcrowding, inadequate feeding, and inadequate medical attention are each deemed to be
circumstances which could adversely impact the health or well-being of a dog.
40. No person or owner shall cause, permit or allow a dog to be confined in a vehicle without
appropriate ventilation and at an appropriate temperature to ensure the dog is not in distress or
reasonably likely to be in distress while in the vehicle.
41. No person shall allow a dog to be in the portion of a moving motor vehicle not enclosed,
including riding in the back of a pick up truck or flat bed truck unless the dog is:
(a) contained in a ventilated kennel or similar device securely fastened to the bed of the
truck; or
(b) securely tethered by a body harness in such a manner that it is not standing on bare
metal, cannot jump or be thrown from the vehicle, and cannot reach beyond the
outside edges of the vehicle.
Maximum Number of Dogs
42. No person shall keep or permit to be kept more than three dogs over the age of 12
weeks within or about any dwelling unit.
43. Section 42 shall not apply to:
(a) a veterinary hospital, clinic, office or veterinary service lawfully operated and
supervised by a veterinarian licensed to practice in Ontario;
(b) the shelter facility;
(c) premises registered as a research facility in accordance with the Animals For
Research Act;
(d) a breeding kennel licensed by the City;
(e) a pet shop licensed by the City;
(f) a boarding kennel licensed by the City;
(g) a doggie daycare licenced by the City;
(h) a working dog where a certificate is produced from a recognized training
establishment stating that the dog is being used as a working dog to assist a
disabled person; or
(i) dogs owned by the Kitchener-Waterloo and North Waterloo Humane Society and
being fostered in a dwelling unit at its request.
44. The animal services provider may grant an exemption allowing a person to keep four
dogs over 12 weeks in age within or about a dwelling unit when the fourth dog has been
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acquired as a result of a family death or illness,joint occupancy where occupants had their own
pets prior to deciding to live together, or for other compassionate reasons conducive to
responsible dog ownership provided the animal services provider believes the dogs will be kept
in accordance with other provisions of this by-law and will not cause a nuisance to neighbours
or other residents. However, an exemption shall not be granted merely because a person
wishes to own more than three dogs or is able to provide a suitable home to a dog in need of a
home but there must be some factor giving that person a moral or ethical responsibility with
respect to such additional dog. In deciding whether to grant such exemption, the animal
services provider may consider all reasonable factors including:
(a) previous convictions or founded complaints under this or a previous by-law of the
City respecting dogs;
(b) the size and breed of the dogs;
(c) reasonable concerns of neighbours in the area; and
(d) the suitability of the premises.
Any exemption granted pursuant to this section will be of limited duration until one of the four
dogs dies or is no longer owned by the person(s) holding the exemption, limited to the stated
premises of the dog owner, subject to any reasonable conditions imposed by the animal
services provider, and subject to revocation by the animal services provider at any time due to
concerns related to any of the factors outlined in subsections (a) through (d) above.
45. Prior to rendering a decision with respect to an exemption allowing a fourth dog over 12
weeks in age or a decision revoking a previously granted exemption allowing a fourth dog, the
animal services provider shall discuss any concerns with the person impacted and allow them
the opportunity to respond whether verbally or in writing and shall then set out the decision and
reasons therefore in writing.
46. Notwithstanding section 42, a person who on February 21, 1994 held more than three
valid City dog licences with respect to his/her dwelling unit may keep up to 10 dogs over 12
weeks in age at such dwelling unit provided that such person complies with all of the provisions
of Schedule A to this by-law. No person permitted by this section to keep up to 10 dogs over 12
weeks of age shall fail to comply with the requirements of Schedule A to this by-law, and any
failure to comply with the requirements of Schedule A will result in this permission being
revoked and upon notification of such revocation in writing by the animal services provider, that
person shall be subject to section 42 of this by-law. A person maintaining this exemption to
keep up to 10 dogs over 12 weeks in age at a location pursuant to this by-law or any
predecessor by-law respecting dogs shall not be required to obtain a breeding kennel or
boarding kennel licence from the City to do so.
Impoundment
47. The animal services provider may seize and impound:
(a) any dog found running at large; or
(b) any prohibited dog.
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48. The animal services provider shall keep a record of every dog impounded or seized,
including the date it was impounded, a description of the dog, the licence and tag number if it
wore a tag, and the date of disposition and the disposition made.
49. Unless otherwise permitted or directed under this by-law, the animal services provider
shall keep any dog seized for running at large for at least five working days after the date of
seizure and impounding before allowing the dog to be sold or otherwise disposed of.
50. The animal services provider may release an impounded dog to an owner at any time
unless otherwise contemplated or directed by this by-law.
51. Where a dog is impounded, the owner shall be liable for and shall pay on demand the
following fees to the animal services provider:
(a) payment of the impound fee set by Council for the first day or any part thereof which
the dog has been impounded;
(b) payment of a reasonable boarding fee set by the animal services provider for each
subsequent day or any part thereof which the dog has been impounded; and
(c) payment of the cost of any vaccination given pursuant to this by-law.
52. When a dog is impounded, the animal services provider may require that the dog have a
current valid licence and that any of the fees set out in section 51 be paid prior to the release of
the dog or may require that such fees be paid by a later date.
53. Any female dog found to be running at large in heat may at the discretion of the animal
services provider be held at the shelter facility until no longer in heat, but in any case no longer
than twenty-one days.
54. Any impounded dog not wearing a tag for the current year may be given an inoculation
to provide immunization against rabies.
55. In the event that the possession of any impounded dog found running at large has not
been restored to the owner within five working days after seizure, the dog may be:
(a) disposed of by the animal services provider in a humane manner;
(b) sold by the animal services provider for such price as the animal services provider
deems reasonable; or
(c) disposed of by the animal services provider pursuant to the Animals for Research
Act and the regulations thereunder.
56. The sale price of any dog sold by the animal services provider shall belong to the animal
services provider.
57. When selling or disposing of a dog pursuant to this by-law, the animal services provider
shall give notice of any known confirmed designation and resulting requirements of keeping the
dog in the city of Kitchener to a person prior to transferring ownership of the dog to that person.
58. Where a dog which has been seized is injured and should be destroyed without delay for
humane reasons, the animal services provider may dispose of the dog in a humane manner as
soon after the seizure as he/she thinks fit without permitting any person to reclaim the dog or
without offering it for sale.
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59. Despite the animal services provider's ability to release an impounded dog, where a
designated dog has been impounded for any reason, the animal services provider shall not
restore the said dog to its owner or to any other person unless the animal services provider is
satisfied that the person to whom the dog is to be restored is aware of and in compliance with
the requirements for keeping the dog. All fees otherwise payable to the animal services provider
upon restoration of an impounded dog to its owner are payable by the owner of a designated
dog for any length of time it may be held in the shelter facility pursuant to this section.
60. Where the owner of a designated dog which has been impounded is unable to
demonstrate compliance or ability to comply with the requirements of keeping the dog to the
reasonable satisfaction of the animal services provider or refuses to do so, the animal services
provider, after a reasonable period of time may:
(a) dispose of the dog in a humane manner;
(b) sell the dog for such price as the animal services provider deems reasonable; or
(c) dispose of the dog pursuant to the Animals for Research Act and regulations
thereunder.
61. Despite the animal services provider's ability herein to release an impounded dog or
designated dog to its owner, where a prohibited dog has been impounded, the animal services
provider may dispose of the dog in a humane manner.
62. Every owner shall cause any dog known to be rabid to be immediately destroyed.
63. The animal services provider shall cause any dog in its possession that is known to be
rabid to be immediately destroyed.
66. Where a dog is alleged to have bitten any person, such dog may be impounded on the
order of the Regional Medical Officer of Health in the manner prescribed by the Regulations
under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
65. The animal services provider shall notify the Regional Medical Officer of Health of any
reported bites which broke the victim's skin.
Powers of Entry and inspection Powers
66. An agent or representative of the municipality or an officer may enter on land at any
reasonable time for the purpose of carrying out an inspection to determine whether this by-law
is being complied with.
67. For the purposes of an inspection pursuant to this by-law, an officer, or any agent or
representative of the City may:
(a) require the production for inspection of documents or things including any dog
relevant to the inspection;
(b) inspect documents or things relevant to the inspection;
(c) require information from any person concerning a matter related to the inspection;
and
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(d) alone or in conjunction with a person possessing special or expert knowledge, make
examination or take tests, samples, or photographs necessary for the purposes of
the inspection.
68. Nothwithstanding sections 66 and 67, inspections of a room or place actually being used
as a dwelling unit shall comply with the requirements of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Offences and Penalties
69. Every person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence and is
liable, upon conviction, to a fine for each offence, not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000).
70. The fines amounts set out in section 69 above are exclusive of costs and are
recoverable under the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O., 1990, c. P.33.
Administrative Provisions
71. This by-law shall be known as the "Responsible Dog Ownership By-law".
72. It is hereby declared that each and every of the foregoing sections of this by-law is
severable and that, if any provisions of this by-law should for any reason be declared invalid by
any Court, it is the intention and desire of Council that each and every of the then remaining
provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.
73. By-laws 2004-265, 2005-60, 2007-117, 2007-161, 2007-188, 2008-70, 2008-190, 2009-
161, 2010-018, 2010-147, 2010-203, 2011-172, 2012-167, 2013-092, 2013-160, and the
contents of Chapter 530 are hereby repealed as of January 1, 2015 and this by-law comes into
force and effect on January 1, 2015.
PASSED at the Council Chambers in the City of Kitchener this day
of A.D. 2014.
Mayor
Clerk
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Schedule A
A person permitted pursuant to section 46 of the City's Responsible Dog Ownership By-law to
keep up to ten dogs over 12 weeks in age shall comply with the following requirements:
a) to not keep or permit to be kept more than 10 dogs over 12 weeks in age within or
about his/her dwelling unit at any time.
b) to not receive a conviction relating to the failure to licence any of his/her dogs as
required under the City's Responsible Dog Ownership By-law, or a conviction
relating to any of his/her dogs or dwelling unit under the City's Responsible Dog
Ownership By-law, the City's Dog Designations By-law, Chapter 450 (Noise),Chapter
650 (Lot Maintenance) or Chapter 665 (Property Standards) of The City of Kitchener
Municipal Code, all as amended from time to time.
c) to ensure that that any part of any yards or runways where such person's dog or
dogs are kept that are less than five feet away from any abutting property line shall
be solidly fenced and the yards and runways associated with the keeping of the dogs
shall be completely enclosed with a solidly constructed fence so as to fully obstruct
the visibility of the neighbouring properties from the dogs and to prevent the dogs
from escaping from the premises.
d) to keep the dogs only at the dwelling unit listed on his/her City dog licences valid on
February 21, 1994.
e) to ensure the kennel floor shall be thoroughly cleaned at least once every day or
more often as may be necessary to keep the floor clean.
f) to ensure that the kennel and surrounding areas shall be maintained in a sanitary,
ventilated and clean condition free from offensive odours.
g) to ensure that the dogs shall be kept in sanitary, well bedded, well ventilated, lighted
and clean quarters at all times.
h) to ensure that the dogs shall be fed and watered periodically each day and kept in a
clean and healthy condition free from vermin and disease.
i) to ensure that that an exercise area is provided so as to enable each dog to exercise
freely and easily so as to maintain physical health and well being.
j) to ensure that the kennel is maintained at a healthful temperature at all times for the
health, welfare and comfort of every dog therein.
k) to ensure that each cage or pen used for the housing of dogs shall be so constructed
and maintained so that:
i) every dog in the cage or pen may comfortably extend its legs to its full
extent, stand, sit, turn around and lie down in a fully extended
position;
ii) it is not likely to harm any dog therein;
iii) any dog therein cannot readily escape therefrom; and
iv) it may be readily cleaned.
1) to ensure that the yards and runways associated with the kennel operation shall be
cleaned at least once daily when in use.
m) to ensure that the excreta, dead animals and other waste resulting from the keeping
of dogs shall be removed from the premises as necessary.
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Appendix B
BY-LAW NUMBER
OF THE
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER
(Being a by-law to with respect to
designation of potentially dangerous,
dangerous, prohibited, and restricted dogs)
WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to repeal Chapter 530 of The City of
Kitchener Municipal Code as adopted by By-law 88-100 and to replace it with this by-law and a
Responsible Dog Ownership By-law;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener
enacts as follows:
Definitions
1. In this by-law:
"animal services provider" means the Kitchener-Waterloo and North Waterloo Humane Society,
including its officers and employees.
"City" means The Corporation of the City of Kitchener.
"confirmed designation" means any unrescinded potentially dangerous, dangerous, restricted, or
prohibited dog designation whether issued under this or any former City by-law respecting dogs:
(a) as set out by the animal services provider where the time for requesting an appeal,
as specified in the by-law has expired without an appeal being requested;
(b) as set out by the animal services provider where an appeal was requested in the
time specified in the by-law but the request for an appeal was withdrawn or the
appeal was dismissed as abandoned;
(c) as affirmed, varied, modified, or substituted by the Dog Designation Appeal
Committee where Council has ratified or affirmed the decision of the Dog
Designation Appeal Committee; or
(d) as varied, modified or substituted by Council where Council has not ratified or
affirmed the decision of the Dog Designation Appeal Committee or any part thereof
or where Council has in any way varied, modified, or substituted the Dog Designation
Appeal Committee's decision;
but confirmed designation shall not include a previous designation that has been replaced by a
new confirmed designation.
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"Council" means the Council of the City.
"Dangerous dog" 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 dog" shall mean any dog that is the subject of a confirmed designation.
"dog" means any dog, male or female unless otherwise specified in this by-law.
"Dog Designation Appeal Committee" means the Committee appointed by Council to perform
functions and conduct appeal hearings as set out in this by-law.
"Dog Owners'LiabilityAct' shall mean the Dog Owners' Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D. 16.
"lodging house" means a dwelling containing one or more lodging units designed to
accommodate four or more residents. The residents may share common areas of the dwelling
other than the lodging units, and do not appear to function as a household.
"mitigating factor" means a circumstance which excuses aggressive behavior 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 behavior, acting in defence to 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 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.
"multiple unit dwelling" means a building containing three or more dwelling units but shall not
include a street townhouse dwelling or semi-detached dwelling.
"Municipal Act, 2001" shall mean the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25.
"muzzle" means a humane fastening or covering device placed over a dog's mouth, of adequate
strength to prevent it from biting as approved by the animal services provider.
"officer" shall include a municipal law enforcement officer, a by-law officer, an employee of the
Kitchener-Waterloo and North Waterloo Humane Society, an agent or inspector appointed
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pursuant to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.
0.36, and a member of the Waterloo Regional Police Services.
"Off-Leash Park" shall mean an Off-Leash Park as defined by the City's Responsible Dog
Ownership By-law.
"owner" of a dog includes a person in care or control of a dog, who keeps or harbours a dog,
and, where the owner is a minor, the person responsible for the custody of the minor.
"Pit Bull dog" means a dog of any age which has the appearance and physical characteristics
predominantly conforming to the standards for any of the following breeds, as established by the
Canadian Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club as set out in
Schedule `A' hereto, and determined by the animal services provider, namely:
(a) American Pit Bull Terrier;
(b) Staffordshire Bull Terrier; or
(c) American Staffordshire Terrier;
but shall not include a Staffordshire Bull Terrier which is registered with the Canadian Kennel
Club or the American Kennel Club and also shall not include an American Staffordshire Terrier
that has been registered with the Canadian Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club.
"potentially dangerous dog" 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 its 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 animal services provider or for whom the
owner has been convicted on a total of three occasions within a twenty-four month
period for such dog being at large in the municipality.
"prohibited dog" means:
(a) a Pit Bull dog which is not a restricted dog;
(b) a dog, previously designated as a restricted dog, that is kept or permitted to be kept
by its owner in violation of the requirements for such dog; or
(c) a dog, previously designated as a dangerous dog, that is kept or permitted to be kept
by its owner in violation of the requirements for such dog.
"restricted dog" means:
(a) a dog that is a Pit Bull dog for which the owner had a valid 1996 or 1997 City dog
licence;
(b) a dog that is a Pit Bull dog where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the animal
services provider that the dog:
(i) was owned by a resident of Ontario on August 29, 2005 or was born in
Ontario within 90 days of August 29, 2005; and
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(ii) is being kept in accordance with the Dog Owners' Liability Act, and the
regulations thereunder; or
(c) a dog deemed to be a restricted dog pursuant to section 30.
"run(s) at large", "running at large", or "being at large" shall have the same meaning as set out
for "running at large" in the City's Responsible Dog Ownership By-law.
"shelter facility" means the animal shelter operated by the Kitchener-Waterloo and North
Waterloo Humane Society.
Dog Designations
2. The animal services provider may either on its own initiative or as the result of a
complaint received by it from a resident of the City of Kitchener conduct an inquiry into whether
a dog should be designated a potentially dangerous dog, a dangerous dog, a restricted dog, or
a prohibited dog, as the case may be.
3. As a result of the inquiry conducted by the animal services provider into whether a dog
should be designated as a potentially dangerous, dangerous, restricted or prohibited dog, the
animal services provider may designate a dog as a potentially dangerous, dangerous, restricted,
or prohibited dog where there are reasonable grounds for the animal services provider to
believe that the dog fits the definition of potentially dangerous, dangerous, restricted or
prohibited dog under this by-law.
4. Any notices served by the animal services provider shall be provided by hand delivery or
prepaid registered mail and, in the event of service by prepaid registered mail to the owner's last
known address, shall be deemed received on the fifth working day after the date of mailing.
5. When the animal services provider designates a dog as a potentially dangerous,
dangerous, restricted or prohibited dog, the animal services provider shall serve a notice
including the following as applicable:
(a) a statement that the animal services provider has reason to believe that the dog is a
potentially dangerous, dangerous, restricted or prohibited dog, as the case may be;
(b) the requirements that the owner must comply with in accordance with this by-law and
when such requirements take effect;
(c) a statement that the owner may request in writing, within five working days of receipt
of the animal services provider's notice, and is entitled to, an appeal hearing before
the Dog Designation Appeal Committee which may decide to affirm or rescind the
animal services provider's designation of the dog as potentially dangerous,
dangerous, restricted, or prohibited, as the case may be, and the Dog Designation
Appeal Committee may decide to substitute its own designation or its own
requirements of the owner of a potentially dangerous, dangerous, restricted, or
prohibited dog;
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(d) a statement that any decision of the Dog Designation Appeal Committee may be
substituted, varied, affirmed or rescinded by Council;
(e) a statement that the owner must muzzle the dog at all times when it is off the
property of the owner until this notice becomes a confirmed designation and
thereafter shall comply with the requirements of the confirmed designation;
(f) a statement that this notice will become a confirmed designation upon expiry of the
time for requesting a hearing if an hearing has not been requested and that if a
hearing is requested this notice will become a confirmed designation upon the day
that Council affirms or ratifies, rescinds, varies or substitutes any decision of the Dog
Designation Appeal Committee;
(g) where the notice is a designation of a dog that is subject to a previous confirmed
designation, a statement that the owner must additionally comply with the terms of
the previous designation at all times until this notice becomes a confirmed
designation and thereafter shall comply with the requirements of the new confirmed
designation; and
(h) where the animal services provider has designated the dog as a prohibited dog, a
statement that the dog will be disposed of in a humane manner.
Conditions of Potentially Dangerous, Dangerous, and Restricted Designations
6. Where the animal services provider designates a dog as a potentially dangerous dog,
dangerous dog, or restricted dog and serves the owner with notice of such designation, the
animal services provider shall include each of the conditions set out in sections 18-26 and may,
at the animal services provider's discretion, include any of the conditions set out in sections 7-
17. Where the animal services provider designates a dog as a restricted dog, the animal
services provider shall also include the conditions set out in sections 27 and 28.
Optional Conditions
7. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog is kept, when it is on the lands and
premises of the owner, confined:
(a) within the dwelling;
(b) in an outdoor pen that is both secure and provides humane shelter to the satisfaction of
the animal services provider;
(c) in an area with a secure and adequate fence to the satisfaction of the animal services
provider however the animal services provider may refuse to approve any fenced area if,
in the sole discretion of the animal services provider, a fenced area would provide
insufficient protection to members of the public including unsupervised children who may
wander into the area; or
(d) when outside of the dwelling and the approved pen or fenced area contemplated by
subsections (b) and (c), under the effective control of a person of at least sixteen years
of age and under leash, such leash not to exceed 1.8 metres (6 feet) in length and to be
approved by the animal services provider and, where the dog is required to wear a
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muzzle off its property by this designation shall also wear a muzzle when confined in
accordance with this subsection (d).
8. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog is kept caged, penned, or under the
control of a person of at least sixteen years of age when any child under the age of fourteen is
in the owner's dwelling.
9. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog is kept caged, penned, or under the
control of a person of at least sixteen years of age when any child under the age of fourteen
who does not habitually reside in the owner's dwelling is present.
10. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog is kept caged, penned, in a locked room
not accessible to children or through inadvertence, or under the control of an occupant of the
dwelling who is at least 18 years of age when any person who does not habitually reside in the
owner's dwelling is present.
11. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog is kept under the effective control of a
person of at least sixteen years of age and under leash, such leash not to exceed 1.8 metres (6
feet) in length and to be approved by the animal services provider, at all times when the
designated dog is off the owner's property and not caged or otherwise penned or confined to the
satisfaction of the animal services provider.
12. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog wears a securely attached muzzle that
is satisfactory to the animal services provider at all times when it is off the owner's property and
not caged or otherwise penned or confined to the satisfaction of the animal services provider.
13. The owner shall ensure that the warning signs or signs provided by the animal services
provider are displayed at the entrance to the owner's dwelling which a person would normally
approach and at any other place on the property as directed by the animal services provider.
The sign(s) shall be posted in such a manner that it/they cannot be easily removed by
passersby and the sign posted at the entrance which a person would normally approach must
be clearly visible to a person approaching the entrance or, when in a multiple unit dwelling, the
owner will provide the name of the property owner and property manager if any and allow the
animal services provider to request that person to post a sign or signs.
14. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog is sterilized and shall provide proof
satisfactory to the animal services provider that such procedure has been performed within 30
days of this designation becoming a confirmed designation.
15. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog is not kept or harboured in a multiple
unit dwelling or lodging house and where the owner's current dwelling is a multiple unit dwelling
or lodging house the dog may be kept or harboured at other premises subject to all the
conditions imposed on the keeping of the dog pursuant to this designation.
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16. The owner may allow the designated dog to enter a City Off-Leash Park without a
muzzle or leash provided all other conditions of this designation and all other rules of the Off-
Leash Park as set out in the City's Responsible Dog Ownership By-law and as posted at the
Off-Leash Park are complied with.
17. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog is microchipped by a licensed veterinarian
and supply the microchip information to the animal services provider. The owner shall also
permit the animal services provider to verify the implantation of such microchip.
Mandatory Conditions
18. The owner shall ensure that all conditions pertaining to the dog when it is off the property
of the owner including any leashing and muzzling requirements are complied with in any City
Off-Leash Park unless specified otherwise in this designation.
19. The owner shall ensure that the animal services provider is provided with the new
address and telephone number of the owner within two working days of moving the designated
dog.
20. The owner shall provide the animal services provider with the name, address and
telephone number of the new owner within two working days of selling or giving away the
designated dog.
21. The owner shall advise the animal services provider within two working days of the
death of the designated dog.
22. The owner shall advise the animal services provider forthwith if the designated dog runs
at large or has bitten or attacked any person or animal.
23. The owner shall provide a copy of this designation to any person who keeps or harbours
the designated dog.
24. The owner shall provide a copy of this designation to any veterinarian treating the
designated dog and within the veterinarian's premises shall be exempt from the requirements of
this designation to the extent necessary to secure veterinary treatment for the dog at the
discretion of the veterinarian.
25. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog has a current City dog licence.
26. The owner shall ensure that the designated dog wears the tag or tags provided by the
animal services provider at all times and shall pay the reasonable cost for such tag or tags.
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Additional Mandatory Conditions for Restricted Dogs
27. The owner of the restricted dog shall ensure that the dog is kept only in accordance with
all applicable requirements of the Dog Owners'Liability Act and the regulations thereunder.
28. The owner of the restricted dog shall notify the animal services provider within two
working days of whelping in the event the restricted dog has a litter. The owner shall deliver the
offspring to the shelter facility within six weeks of whelping to be disposed of in a humane
manner or provide proof satisfactory to the animal services provider that the animals have been
removed from the City to a location not prohibited by the Dog Owners'Liability Act.
Prohibited Dogs
29. Where the animal services provider designates a dog as a prohibited dog, the animal
services provider shall serve notice upon the owner of such dog. If the animal services provider
has not seized and impounded the prohibited dog, the notice shall require the owner, upon
receipt of such notice, to deliver the prohibited dog within six working days to the shelter facility
or provide proof satisfactory to the animal services provider that the dog has been removed
from the City to a location not prohibited by the Dog Owners'Liability Act.
Formerly Prohibited Dogs that became Restricted Dogs
30. Every Pit Bull dog designated as a prohibited dog prior to April 7, 2008 where it is
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the animal services provider that the dog:
(a) was owned by a resident of Ontario on August 29, 2005 or was born in Ontario within
ninety days of August 29, 2005; and
(b) is being kept in accordance with the Dog Owners' Liability Act, and the regulations
thereunder,
is hereby deemed to be a restricted dog.
31. For every Pit Bull Dog deemed to be a restricted dog by section 30, in place of the terms
and conditions set out in the original designation document the owner shall comply with all of
the following conditions:
(a) to keep the dog, when it is on the lands and premises of the owner, confined:
(i) within the owner's dwelling;
(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 animal services provider. The pen shall provide humane
shelter for the restricted dog while preventing it from escaping therefrom and
preventing entry therein of unsupervised children; or
(iii) when outside of the dwelling and the approved pen contemplated by
subsection (ii), under the effective control of a person of at least sixteen years
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of age and under leash, such leash not to exceed 1.8 metres (6 feet) in length
and to be approved by the animal services provider and wearing a muzzle
approved by the animal services provider;
(b) to keep the dog under the effective control of a person of at least sixteen years of
age and under leash, such leash not to exceed 1.8 metres (6 feet) in length and to
be approved by the animal services provider, at all times when the restricted dog is
off the owner's property and not caged or otherwise penned or confined to the
satisfaction of the animal services provider;
(c) to securely attach a muzzle as defined in this by-law to the dog at all times when it is
off the owner's property and not caged or otherwise penned or confined to the
satisfaction of the animal services provider;
(d) to have a microchip inserted in the dog by a licensed veterinarian, to provide
evidence satisfactory to the animal services provider that the dog has been
implanted with a microchip, and to supply the microchip information to the animal
services provider;
(e) to provide the animal services provider with the new address and telephone number
of the owner within two working days of moving the dog;
(f) to provide the animal services provider with the name, address and telephone
number of any new owner of the dog within two working days of transferring the dog;
(g) to advise the animal services provider within two working days of the death of the
dog;
(h) to advise the animal services provider forthwith if the dog is running at large or has
bitten or attacked any person or animal;
(i) to purchase and display at the entrance to the owner's dwelling which a person
would normally approach and at any other place on the property as directed by the
animal services provider, a warning sign or warning signs provided by the animal
services provider. The sign(s) shall be posted in such a manner that it/they cannot be
easily removed by passersby and the sign posted at the entrance which a person
would normally approach must be clearly visible to a person approaching the
entrance or, if renting a property, the owner will provide the name of the property
owner and property manager, if any, and allow the animal services provider to
request that person to post a sign or signs;
Q) to provide proof satisfactory to the animal services provider that the dog has been
sterilized;
(k) to provide a copy of these requirements and notice of the dog's restricted status to
any person who keeps or harbours the dog;
(1) to cause the dog to wear a tag or tags provided by the animal services provider at all
times and to pay the reasonable cost for such tag or tags; and
(m)to ensure that the dog has a current City dog licence.
Appeal Hearings — Dog Designation Appeal Committee
32. Where the owner of a dog who receives a notice from the animal services provider
designating such dog as a potentially dangerous dog, a dangerous dog, a restricted dog or a
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prohibited dog, requests an appeal hearing in writing to the Clerk within five working days of
receipt of such notice, the Dog Designation Appeal Committee shall endeavour to hold an
appeal hearing pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, R.S.O. 1990,
c. S.22 within forty-five working days of the Clerk's receipt of the request for an appeal hearing
or as soon thereafter as possible.
33. When a dog has been designated by the animal services provider as a potentially
dangerous dog, dangerous dog, restricted dog, or a prohibited dog and when an appeal hearing
has been requested the Dog Designation Appeal Committee may do any of the following:
(a) affirm or rescind the animal services provider's designation of the dog;
(b) substitute its own designation of the dog as potentially dangerous, dangerous,
restricted, or prohibited; and
(c) substitute its own requirements of the owner of the dog including requirements the
Dog Designation Appeal Committee may tailor to the specific circumstances before
it, or uphold or vary the requirements imposed by the animal services provider.
34. When considering a prohibited dog designation or when considering substituting a
prohibited dog designation for any other designation and where the dog is not yet full grown, the
Dog Designation Appeal Committee may adjourn the hearing to a later date if in the opinion of
the Dog Designation Appeal Committee it will have more complete or useful evidence to assess
at that time with respect to the breed of the dog.
35. When the Dog Designation Appeal Committee upholds a prohibited dog designation or
substitutes any designation with a prohibited dog designation, it must require the owner to
deliver the dog to the shelter facility or to provide evidence satisfactory to the animal services
provider that the dog has been removed from the City and shall specify a deadline for the owner
to comply but the Committee may also:
(a) specify or extend the time given by the animal services provider for surrendering or
removing the dog to allow the owner additional time to make arrangements to
remove the dog from the City; and/or
(b) impose interim restrictions on the keeping of the dog until such time as it is removed
from the City.
36. Any decision of the Dog Designation Appeal Committee must be ratified or affirmed by
Council before taking effect and Council may ratify or affirm, rescind, add to, vary, or substitute
the designation and any of the restrictions imposed upon the keeping of a dog set out in the
decision of the Dog Designation Appeal Committee.
37. Where a person has requested a hearing and does not appear at the appointed time, the
Dog Designation Appeal Committee may dismiss the hearing as abandoned or may, where it
has cause to believe it would be beneficial to do so, adjourn the hearing to allow the owner an
opportunity to be present. If the hearing is dismissed as abandoned by the Dog Designation
Appeal Committee, the designation and requirements set out by the animal services provider in
the notice of designation shall stand. Notwithstanding anything else in this section, where a
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person has requested an appeal hearing for a prohibited dog designation and does not appear
at the appointed time, the Dog Designation Appeal Committee shall not dismiss the appeal
hearing as abandoned but shall hear and consider evidence before rendering its decision. This
requirement does not preclude the Dog Designation Appeal Committee from adjourning the
appeal hearing as contemplated herein.
38. A person who has received a dog designation and requested an appeal may withdraw
their appeal at any time and in any manner acceptable to the City's Committee Administrator
which may, at the discretion of the City's Committee Administrator include withdrawal by phone,
e-mail, or verbal or written request.
Rescinding or Reconsideration of Dog Designations
39. Where a dog has been designated as potentially dangerous or dangerous solely due to
running at large, the animal services provider may, in its sole discretion, rescind that designation
where the dog has been transferred to a new owner or is now owned by the Kitchener-Waterloo
and North Waterloo Humane Society.
40. The animal services provider may make application to the Dog Designation Appeal
Committee to rescind or alter a confirmed dog designation where, in the sole opinion of the
animal services provider, there has been a material change in circumstances that merits a
reconsideration of the designation. Notice of such application shall be given to any known
owner(s) of the designated dog and such owner(s) are entitled to attend and give evidence at
any such reconsideration hearing. Any decision of the Dog Designation Appeal Committee is
subject to Council's authority pursuant to section 36 of this by-law.
Requirements for Owners of Designated Dogs
41. Where any owner receives or becomes aware of a notice designating a dog as
potentially dangerous, dangerous, restricted, or prohibited, that owner shall ensure that the dog
wears a muzzle at all times when off the property of the owner until the notice is either
rescinded or becomes a confirmed designation.
42. Where a dog is designated that is the subject of a previous confirmed designation, the
owner shall comply with all conditions of the previous confirmed designation until the new
designation becomes a confirmed designation.
43. Every owner and every person who keeps or harbours a designated dog shall comply
with the terms of the confirmed designation whether such confirmed designation was issued
pursuant to this by-law or any former City by-law.
44. Any requirements for designated dogs pursuant to this by-law are in addition to the
requirements of the City's Responsible Dog Ownership By-law.
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45. No person shall keep or harbour a prohibited dog unless in accordance with the terms of
a confirmed designation.
46. Every subsequent owner of a dog that is or was the subject of any confirmed designation
shall comply with the requirements of the confirmed designation as if he/she were the owner of
the dog at the time the notice designating the dog was issued.
47. The animal services provider shall endeavour to give notice of the requirements
accompanying a dog that is the subject of any confirmed designation to any of its subsequent
owners should the animal services provider become aware that ownership of the dog has
changed.
Powers of Entry and Inspection Powers
48. An agent or representative of the municipality or an officer may enter on land at any
reasonable time for the purpose of carrying out an inspection to determine whether this by-law
or a Confirmed Designation made under this or any former by-law of the City is being complied
with.
49. For the purposes of an inspection pursuant to this by-law, an officer, or any agent or
representative of the City may:
(a) require the production for inspection of documents or things including any dog
relevant to the inspection;
(b) inspect documents or things relevant to the inspection;
(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
examination or take tests, samples, or photographs necessary for the purposes of
the inspection.
50. Nothwithstanding sections 48 and 49, inspections of a room or place actually being used
as a dwelling unit shall comply with the requirements of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Offences and Penalties
51. Every person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence and is
liable, upon conviction, to a fine for each offence, not exceeding:
(a) on a first offence under this by-law, five thousand dollars ($5,000);
(b) on a second offence under this by-law, ten thousand dollars ($10,000); and
(c) on a third or subsequent offence under this by-law, twenty five thousand dollars
($25,000).
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52. The fines amounts in section 51 above are exclusive of costs and are recoverable under
the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O., 1990, c. P.33.
Administrative Provisions
53. This by-law shall be known as the "Dog Designations By-law".
54. It is hereby declared that each and every of the foregoing sections of this by-law is
severable and that, if any provisions of this by-law should for any reason be declared invalid by
any Court, it is the intention and desire of Council that each and every of the then remaining
provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.
55. This by-law comes into force and effect on January 1, 2015.
PASSED at the Council Chambers in the City of Kitchener this day
of A.D. 2014.
Mayor
Clerk
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Schedule `A' - Breed Standards
AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER
OFFICIAL UNITED KENNEL CLUB (UKC) STANDARD
(as revised by UKC on October 21, 2004)
History
Sometime during the nineteenth century, dog fanciers in England, Ireland, and Scotland began
to experiment with crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the
gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog. The result was a dog
that embodied all of the virtues attributed to great warriors: strength, indomitable courage, and
gentleness with loved ones. Immigrants brought these bull and terrier crosses to the United
States. The American Pit Bull Terrier's many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers and
ranchers who used their APBTs for protection, as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to
hunt, to drive livestock, and as family companions. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier
continues to demonstrate its versatility, competing successfully in Obedience, Tracking, Agility,
Protection, and Weight Pulls, as well as Conformation. The United Kennel Club was the first
registry to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. U.K.C. founder C. Z. Bennett assigned
U.K.C. registration number 1 to his own APBT, Bennett's Ring in 1898.
General Appearance
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth,
well-defined musculature. This breed is both powerful and athletic. The body is just slightly
longer than tall, but bitches maybe somewhat longer in body than dogs. The length of the front
leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog's
height at the withers. The head is of medium length, with a broad, flat skull, and a wide, deep
muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high set, and may be natural or cropped. The
relatively short tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point. The American Pit Bull
Terrier comes in all colours and colour patterns. This breed combines strength and athleticism
with grace and agility and should never appear bulky or muscle-bound or fine-boned and rangy.
Characteristics
The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest
for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make
excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because
most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the
APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed's
natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for
this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly,
even with strangers. Aggressive behaviour toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and
highly undesirable. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of
intelligence and its willingness to work. The American Pit Bull Terrier has always been capable
of doing a wide variety of jobs so exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to
how much they interfere with the dog's versatility.
Head
The APBT head is unique and a key element of breed type. It is large and broad, giving the
impression of great power, but it is not disproportionate to the size of the body. Viewed from the
front, the head is shaped like a broad, blunt wedge. When viewed from the side, the skull and
muzzle are parallel to one another and joined by a well defined, moderately deep stop.
Supraorbital arches over the eyes are well defined but not pronounced. The head is well
chiselled, blending strength, elegance, and character.
SKULL—The skull is large, flat or slightly rounded, deep, and broad between the ears. Viewed
from the top, the skull tapers just slightly toward the stop. There is a deep median furrow that
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diminishes in depth from the stop to the occiput. Cheek muscles are prominent but free of
wrinkles. When the dog is concentrating, wrinkles form on the forehead, which give the APBT
his unique expression.
MUZZLE—The muzzle is broad and deep with a very slight taper from the stop to the nose, and
a slight falling away under the eyes. The length of muzzle is shorter than the length of skull, with
a ratio of approximately 2:3. The topline of the muzzle is straight. The lower jaw is well
developed, wide and deep. Lips are clean and tight.
Faults: Snipey muzzle; flews; weak lower jaw.
TEETH —The American Pit Bull Terrier has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth
meeting in a scissors bite.
Fault: Level bite.
Serious Faults: Undershot, or overshot bite; wry mouth; missing teeth (this does not apply to
teeth that have been lost or removed by a veterinarian).
NOSE —The nose is large with wide, open nostrils. The nose may be any colour.
EYES— Eyes are medium size, round to almond-shaped, and set well apart and low on the
skull. All colours are equally acceptable except blue, which is a serious fault. Haw should not be
visible.
Serious Faults: Bulging eyes; both eyes not matched in colour; blue eyes.
EARS — Ears are high set and may be natural or cropped without preference.
If natural, semi-prick or rose are preferred. Prick or flat, wide ears are not desired.
Neck
The neck is of moderate length and muscular. There is a slight arch at the crest. The neck
widens gradually from where it joins the skull to where it blends into well laid-back shoulders.
The skin on the neck is tight and without dewlap.
Faults: Neck too short and thick; thin or weak neck; ewe neck; dewlap.
Forequarters
The shoulder blades are long, wide, muscular, and well laid back. The upper arm is roughly
equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an apparent right angle. The forelegs are
strong and muscular. The elbows are set close to the body. Viewed from the front, the forelegs
are set moderately wide apart and perpendicular to the ground. The pasterns are short,
powerful, straight, and flexible. When viewed in profile, the pasterns are nearly erect.
Faults: Upright or loaded shoulders; elbows turned outward or tied-in; down at the pasterns;
front legs bowed; wrists knuckled over; toeing in or out.
Body
The chest is deep, well filled in, and moderately wide with ample room for heart and lungs, but
the chest should never be wider than it is deep. The forechest does not extend much beyond
the point of shoulder. The ribs extend well back and are well sprung from the spine, then
flattening to form a deep body extending to the elbows. The back is strong and firm. The topline
inclines very slightly downward from the withers to a broad, muscular, level back. The loin is
short, muscular and slightly arched to the top of the croup, but narrower than the rib cage and
with a moderate tuck-up. The croup is slightly sloping downward.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong, muscular, and moderately broad. The rump is well filled in on each
side of the tail and deep from the pelvis to the crotch. The bone, angulation, and musculature of
the hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters. The thighs are well developed with thick,
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easily discerned muscles. Viewed from the side, the hock joint is well bent and the rear pasterns
are well let down and perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are
straight and parallel to one another.
Faults: Narrow hindquarters; hindquarters shallow from pelvis to crotch; lack of muscle; straight
or over angulated stifle joint; cow hocks; sickle hocks; bowed legs.
Feet
The feet are round, proportionate to the size of the dog, well arched, and tight. Pads are hard,
tough, and well cushioned. Dewclaws may be removed.
Fault: Splayed feet.
Tail
The tail is set on as a natural extension of the topline, and tapers to a point. When the dog is
relaxed, the tail is carried low and extends approximately to the hock. When the dog is moving,
the tail is carried level with the backline. When the dog is excited, the tail may be carried in a
raised, upright position (challenge tail), but never curled over the back (gay tail).
Fault: Long tail (tail tip passes beyond point of hock).
Serious faults: Gay tail (not to be confused with challenge tail); kinked
tail.
Disqualification: Bobbed tail.
Coat
The coat is glossy and smooth, close, and moderately stiff to the touch.
Faults: Curly, wavy, or sparse coat.
Disqualification: Long coat.
Colour
Any colour, colour pattern, or combination of colours is acceptable, except for merle.
Disqualification: Merle
Height and Weight
The American Pit Bull Terrier must be both powerful and agile so actual weight and height are
less important than the correct proportion of weight to height. Desirable weight for a mature
male in good condition is between 35 and 60 pounds. Desirable weight for a mature female in
good condition is between 30 and 50 pounds. Dogs over these weights are not to be penalized
unless they are disproportionately massive or rangy.
Gait
The American Pit Bull Terrier moves with a jaunty, confident attitude, conveying the impression
that he expects any minute to see something new and exciting. When trotting, the gait is
effortless, smooth, powerful, and well coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive
behind. When moving, the backline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate
suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere
with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to converge toward centre line of balance.
Faults: Legs not moving on the same plane; legs over reaching; legs crossing over in front or
rear; rear legs moving too close or touching; rolling; pacing; paddling; sidewinding; hackney
action; pounding.
Disqualifications
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Unilateral or bilateral
deafness. Bobbed tail. Albinism. Merle. Long coat. Note: Although some level of dog aggression
is characteristic of this breed, handlers will be expected to comply with U.K.C. policy regarding
dog temperament at U.K.C. events.
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STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER
OFFICIAL CANADIAN KENNEL CLUB (CKC) BREED
STANDARD FOR THE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER
General Appearance
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog. He should be of great strength for his
size, and although muscular, should be active and agile.
Temperament
From the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the modern dog draws his character of
indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with his affection for his
friends, and children in particular, his off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes him the
foremost all-purpose dog.
Size
Weight: Dogs, 28 - 38 Ibs (13-17 kg).
Bitches, 24-33'/2 Ibs. (11-15 kg).
Height (at shoulder): 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), these heights being related to the weights.
Coat and Colour
Coat smooth, short and close to the skin. Colour red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these
colours with white. Any shade of brindle, or any shade of brindle with white. Black and tan or
liver colour not to be encouraged.
Head
Short, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop, short foreface,
black nose. The mouth should be level, i.e., the incisors of the bottom jaw should fit closely
inside the incisors of the top jaw, and the lips should be tight and clean. Eyes: dark preferable
but may bear some relation to coat colour. Round, of medium size, and set to look straight
ahead. Ears rose or half-pricked and not large.
Neck
Muscular, rather short, clean in outline and gradually widening towards the shoulders.
Forequarters
Legs straight and well boned, set rather wide apart, without looseness at the shoulders, and
showing no weakness at the pasterns, from which point the feet turn out a little.
Body
The body should be close-coupled, with a level topline, wide front, deep brisket, well-sprung ribs
and rather light in the loins.
Hindquarters
Should be well muscled, hocks let down with stifles well bent. Legs should be parallel when
viewed from behind. The feet should be well padded, strong and of medium size.
Tail
Should be of medium length, low set, tapering to a point and carried rather low. It should not curl
much and may be likened to an old-fashioned pump handle.
Faults
To be penalized in accordance with the severity of the fault: Light eyes or pink eye rims. Tail too
long or badly curled. Non-conformation to the limits of weight or height. Full drop and prick ears.
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Undershot or overshot mouths. The following faults should debar a dog from winning any prize:
Pink (Dudley) nose. Badly undershot or overshot mouth. Badly undershot: where the lower jaw
protrudes to such an extent that the incisors of the lower jaw do not touch those of the upper
jaw. Badly overshot: where the upper jaw protrudes to such an extent that the incisors of the
upper jaw do not touch those of the lower jaw.
OFFICIAL AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB (AKC) BREED
STANDARD FOR THE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER
(as approved by AKC on November 14, 1989,
effective January 1, 1990)
General Appearance
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog. It should be of great strength for its size
and, although muscular, should be active and agile.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Height at shoulder: 14 to 16 inches. Weight: Dogs, 28 to 38 pounds; bitches, 24 to 34 pounds,
these heights being related to weights. Non-conformity with these limits is a fault. In proportion,
the length of back, from withers to tail set, is equal to the distance from withers to ground.
Head
Short, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop, short foreface,
black nose. Pink (Dudley) nose to be considered a serious fault. Eyes — Dark preferable, but
may bear some relation to coat colour. Round, of medium size, and set to look straight ahead.
Light eyes or pink eye rims to be considered a fault, except that where the coat surrounding the
eye is white the eye rim may be pink. Ears — Rose or half-pricked and not large. Full drop or full
prick to be considered a serious fault. Mouth —A bite in which the outer side of the lower
incisors touches the inner side of the upper incisors. The lips should be tight and clean. The
badly undershot or overshot bite is a serious fault.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is muscular, rather short, clean in outline and gradually widening toward the
shoulders. The body is close coupled, with a level topline, wide front, deep brisket and well
sprung ribs being rather light in the loins. The tail is undocked, of medium length, low set,
tapering to a point and carried rather low. It should not curl much and may be likened to an old-
fashioned pump handle. A tail that is too long or badly curled is a fault.
Forequarters
Legs straight and well boned, set rather far apart, without looseness at the shoulders and
showing no weakness at the pasterns, from which point the feet turn out a little. Dewclaws on
the forelegs may be removed. The feet should be well padded, strong and of medium size.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters should be well muscled, hocks let down with stifles well bent. Legs should be
parallel when viewed from behind. Dewclaws, if any, on the hind legs are generally removed.
Feet as in front.
Coat
Smooth, short and close to the skin, not to be trimmed or de-whiskered.
Colour
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Red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these colours with white. Any shade of brindle or any
shade of brindle with white. Black-and-tan or liver colour to be disqualified.
Gait
Free, powerful and agile with economy of effort. Legs moving parallel when viewed from front or
rear. Discernible drive from hind legs.
Temperament
From the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the modern dog draws its character of
indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its
friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a
foremost all-purpose dog.
Disqualification
Black-and-tan or liver colour.
AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER
OFFICIAL CANADIAN KENNEL CLUB (CKC) BREED
STANDARD FOR THE AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER
General Appearance
The Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-
together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be
stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.
Size
Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18-19 inches (46-48 cm) at
shoulders for the male and 17-18 inches (43-46 cm) for the females is to be considered
preferable.
Coat and Colour
Coat short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy. Any colour, solid, parti, or patched is
permissible, but all white, more than 80 percent white, black and tan, and liver not to be
encouraged.
Head
Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop;
muzzle medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well
defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Nose
definitely black. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Eyes dark and round,
low down in skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids. Ears set high; cropped or uncropped, the
latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held half rose or prick.
Neck
Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium
length.
Forequarters
Shoulders strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping. Forelegs set rather wide apart to
permit chest development. The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern
upright. No resemblance of bend in front.
Body
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Back fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of
tail. Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Chest, deep and broad. Loins slightly
tucked.
Hindquarters
Well muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of moderate size, well arched
and compact.
Tail
Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not
docked.
Gait
Must be springy but without roll or pace.
Faults
Faults to be penalized are Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, undershot or overshot mouth, full
drop ears, tail too long or badly carried.
OFFICIAL AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB (AKC) BREED STANDARD
FOR THE AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER
(as approved by AKC on June 10, 1936)
General Impression
The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a
well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He
should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.
Head
Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; and
ears are set high. Ears —Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be
short and held rose or half prick. Full drop to be penalized. Eyes - Dark and round, low down in
skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids. Muzzle — Medium length, rounded on upper side to fall
away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power.
Lips close and even, no looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Nose
definitely black.
Neck
Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium
length.
Shoulders
Strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping.
Back
Fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail.
Loins slightly tucked.
Body
Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit
chest development. Chest deep and broad.
Tail
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Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not
docked.
Legs
The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No resemblance of
bend in front. Hindquarters well-muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of
moderate size, well-arched and compact. Gait must be springy but without roll or pace.
Coat
Short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy.
Colour
Any colour, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white,
black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
Size
Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18 to 19 inches at shoulders for the
male and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable.
Faults
Faults to be penalized are: Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail too long or badly carried,
undershot or overshot mouths.
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