Reminder: dog licence deadline is March 31

Dog owners across Strathcona County are reminded to register/renew their dog licence by March 31, 2018. The new Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw (37-2017) focuses on owner responsibilities through incentives and enforcement. All dogs residing in Strathcona County are required to have a dog licence, renewable each year.

Existing dog licences may be renewed through online banking, by mail or in-person. Please note, first-time dog licences must be purchased in-person. Bring any supporting documentation for price reductions, if applicable. More information or call 780-449-0170 for payment locations and details.

The new bylaw features incentives to promote responsible dog ownership. For example, to assist officers in returning dogs to their homes, owners who microchip their dogs in 2017 will receive a dog licence fee waiver for one year. In addition, owners who complete a recognized dog-training course in 2017 will also be eligible for a fee waiver for one year. Owners who microchip and complete a dog training course in 2017 will be eligible to have their dog licensing fees waived for two years.

Public feedback also provided clear direction on raising fines for repeated offences, such as failing to supervise and maintain control of a dog in an off-leash area, failure to remove defecation when off the owner’s property, excessive dog barking and leaving a dog in distress. Under the new bylaw, in most cases, offences start at $100 and are doubled for a second offence in the same year. The fine doubles again for the third (or more) occurrence of the same offence in the same year. Serious offences such as dog attacks, bites and injury result in mandatory court appearances.

The dog limit has also been increased from two to three dogs for properties up to five acres in size, and five dogs for properties over five acres in size before an over-limit permit is required. A summary of considerations for an over-limit permit application is also included in the new bylaw.

The new bylaw came into effect as of January 1, 2018. Dog licences are valid from April 1 – March 31 each year. Nearly 2,000 residents provided input into the County’s new Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw (37-2017), approved by Council on September 5, 2017. 

For more information, including a full listing of dog licence fees and incentives or call 780-449-0170 to request a copy of the Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595