The Importance of Responsible Pet Ownership in Calgary

Pet ownership comes with immense joy and responsibility. As members of our communities, we must ensure that our pets are well cared for and do not pose risks to others. Calgary is again experiencing another serious dog bite incident in SE Calgary, highlighting the ongoing need for responsible pet ownership and strict adherence to city bylaws.

There have been some high-profile and very traumatic events related to pet ownership in Ward 12, in the last couple years. Responsible pet ownership means being proactive—licensing pets, ensuring they are properly secured, socialized, and trained, and respecting shared community spaces. By understanding and following Calgary’s Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, we can all contribute to a safer and more harmonious city.

Animal Bylaws in Calgary

The City of Calgary’s animal bylaws focus on maintaining public safety, ensuring animal welfare, and fostering respectful cohabitation between pet owners and the community. The most common issues include:

1. Licensing

• All dogs and cats must be licensed. Compliance helps reunite lost pets with their owners and ensures accountability.

2. Off-Leash Areas

• Dogs must be on a leash unless in designated off-leash parks. Allowing dogs to roam freely outside these areas can result in fines and safety risks.

3. Noise Complaints

• Excessive barking or howling can disrupt neighbourhoods. Repeated noise disturbances can lead to fines and enforcement actions.

4. Aggressive Animals

• Dangerous or aggressive animal behaviour is taken seriously. Dogs that attack people or other animals may face strict regulations or, in severe cases, euthanasia.

5. Animal Welfare

• Pet owners must provide proper care, including protection from extreme weather. Neglect can lead to fines, penalties, or criminal charges.

6. Wildlife Encounters

• Calgary’s proximity to natural areas means increased interactions with urban wildlife like coyotes. Managing these encounters is crucial for safety.

7. Stray and Abandoned Animals

• The city enforces strict rules for handling strays, emphasizing responsible adoption and pet rehoming.

Despite a decrease in animal-related service requests last year, any number of violations signals underlying issues that need attention. Serious incidents, such as dog attacks, require a collective effort to prevent future tragedies.

How Animal Bylaw Enforcement Works

Calgary’s bylaw officers oversee pet-related complaints and investigations. When a complaint is received—such as a roaming dog or a cat in someone’s yard—officers follow a structured process:

1. Complaint Submission – Residents report concerns via 311.

2. Investigation – Peace Officers in assigned communities handle cases related to unlicensed pets, stray animals, and aggressive behavior.

3. Enforcement – Officers determine necessary actions, including warnings, fines, or court petitions for severe cases.

4. Follow-Up – Specialized officers ensure compliance with imposed conditions, such as improved fencing or mandatory training.

The Aggressive Animal Investigation Team

To address rising concerns over animal aggression, Calgary implemented a specialized Aggressive Animal Team. Their role includes:

• Evaluating Incidents: Assessing cases individually to determine contributing factors and necessary interventions.

• Assigning Conditions: Implementing measures like self-closing gates, training programs, or equipment such as muzzles and dual-contact leashes.

• Monitoring Compliance: Regular follow-ups with pet owners to ensure adherence to safety requirements.

These interventions help mitigate risks while supporting responsible pet ownership.

Understanding the Vicious Dog Designation

For severe cases, dogs may receive a "vicious" designation, requiring:

• Muzzling in Public

• Two-Point Contact Leashing

• Mandatory Training for Owners and Dogs

While these measures do not alter a dog’s behavior entirely, they aim to enhance control and prevent further incidents.

The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw

For Dogs:

• Must be licensed by three months of age.

• Must be leashed in public unless in an off-leash park.

• Cannot bark excessively or cause damage to property.

• Must be transported safely in vehicles.

• Are prohibited from school grounds, playgrounds, sports fields, and golf courses.

For Cats:

• Must be licensed.

• Must remain on their owner’s property.

• Cannot damage others’ property or disturb the peace.

• Are limited to a maximum of six per household.

Common Complaints in Ward 12

Many Ward 12 residents report issues such as:

• Dogs off-leash in on-leash areas

• Dogs barking for extended periods

• Cats roaming and causing property damage

• Pets escaping properties, leading to injuries or fatalities

Residents can file complaints through 311, but for investigations to proceed, statements must be submitted to substantiate claims.

What to Do If You Find a Roaming Cat or Dog

For Cats:

• Bring them to an emergency clinic for microchip scanning and transfer to Animal Services.

• The City of Calgary offers a cat trap program for persistent stray issues.

For Dogs:

• Report roaming dogs to 311. Licensed dogs will be returned to owners; unlicensed ones will be impounded.

Learn more about the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw: HERE

A Collective Responsibility

Ensuring community safety and animal welfare is a shared responsibility. By following pet bylaws, reporting violations, and supporting proper animal care, we can reduce preventable incidents—like the recent dog bite in Forest Lawn—and create a safer, more respectful environment for all.

If you witness concerning animal behavior, take action. Follow through with complaints, provide necessary statements, and educate fellow pet owners on responsible practices. Together, we can foster a city where pets and people thrive in harmony.