Complaints - Stray Dogs
What can I do about stray dogs in my neighbourhood?
Call the Animal Services Agency at 311 to register a complaint about dogs running at large.
At that time you will be asked a series of questions:
- your name, address and phone number
- the address of where the dog lives, if known
- the date and time that you last saw the dog off it’s property
- a description of the dog
Your complaint will be registered and an Animal Services Agency Officer will investigate.
Please note that the Animal Services Agency does not respond to anonymous complaints.
Is there a by-law about my neighbours dog running around without a leash on?
The City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 Section 20.(1)(a) states that no owner shall permit his dog to run at large.
What does run at large mean?
The City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 Section 16. defines “at large” as being off the premises of the owner and not on a leash held by a person able to control the dog. The leash shall be no longer than six (6) feet.
Can I let my dog run off leash in the school grounds if no one is around?
No – the City of Winnipeg Pound by-law 2443/79 Section 20.(1)(h) prohibits dogs on any school or playground, at anytime.
Does a dog have to be behind a fence?
No, the by-law does not require that a dog be behind a fence only that it remains on its owner’s property. If off its owners property it must be on a leash held by a person able to control the dog. The leash must be no longer than six (6) feet.
The dog stays on its property but it isn’t fenced or chained. Is that okay?
Yes, as long as the dog remains on its property it has not violated the Pound By-law. If off its owners property it must be on a leash held by a person able to control the dog. The leash must be no longer than six (6) feet.
Why can’t I let my dog run without a leash?
The City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 Section 20.(1) clearly states that as a dog owner you must keep your dog on a leash while off its property. The leash cannot extend longer than 6 feet and the leash must be held by a person able to control the dog.
Letting your pet run loose puts them and the community in danger. Every year hundreds of dogs and cats die in traffic accidents. Motorists may be injured trying to avoid these animals. When allowed to run at large your pet can be killed or injury by another animals, they can ingest poison or come in harms way in numerous other ways.
A large playful dog may frighten seniors and children and can cause injury by jumping up on them. Dogs and cats also create conditions for disease by ripping apart garbage and by soiling property. A stray dog or cat also puts people at risk for rabies.
Pets that run free contribute to the already explosive pet population in Winnipeg.
Owners who fail to keep their dog or cat on a leash in Winnipeg are subject to fines of $200.00.
Remember, a leash keeps your dog where it wants to be - by your side.
