Animal Services

The Municipality of Central Huron ensures that our community is a safe and healthy environment for both our residents and animals. The Animal Control Officer is responsible for animal control services in the Municipality of Central Huron and ensuring compliance with the Municipality's Animal Control Bylaw.

Please note that the Municipality does not provide Animal Control Services beyond Dogs. 

Wildlife Danger/Threat 
  • If your animal or wildlife concern poses an immediate danger, or if the animal is aggressive and may injure someone, call the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at 9-1-1.

 

  • If you have been bitten, or had direct contact with an animal that you suspect is diseased, seek medical attention and the hospital will report it to the Huron-Perth Public Health Unit
Who Do I Call if I Have an Animal Control Concern?

 

  • If your animal or wildlife concern poses an immediate danger, or if the animal is aggressive and may injure someone, call the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at 9-1-1

 

  • If there is a dog running at large (i.e. off-leash), please call the Municipal Office by phone 519-482-3997 and the concern will be forwarded to the Dog Catcher between the hours of 7AM – 9PM, five (5) days per week. Please note, if you find a dog at large after our regular hours of service from 9PM - 7AM, leave a message and our Dog Catcher will normally respond within one (1) day. In the meantime, the Municipality does not recommend that you attempt to assist or maintain the animal.

 

  • If you have a concern about an Animal Control Offence (e.g. barking dogs), please call the Municipal Office by phone at 519-482-3997 and the concern will be forwarded to the By-Law Enforcement Officer for investigation. It should be noted that Central Huron does not have the resources to address animal control offences immediately. However, all concerns and complaints are normally responded to within one (1) week of reception. 

 

  • If preferable, you can complete the complaint form in its entirety. It should be noted that Central Huron does not have the resources to address animal control offences immediately. However, all concerns and complaints are normally responded to within one (1) week of reception. 

 
 Livestock Claims

The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program provides financial assistance to farmers whose livestock and poultry have been damaged by wildlife.

To report a livestock that has been damaged by wildlife, please email reception@centralhuron.com with your name, address and information about the damage. Our Livestock Valuator will come to your property to assess the damage. A report will then be submitted to be reviewed by OMAFRA. See the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for full Program Guidelines.

When Making a claim:

  • Do not move the livestock before an investigation takes place
  • Take tree to six pictures of the injured or killed livestock
  • Include pictures of the site to show the location of the incident, which will help the livestock valuer with their assessment in case weather is a factor
 Wildlife

The Municipality of Central Huron does not provide a service to deal with nuisance wildlife on private property. 

For wildlife concerns, please reference the information below regarding your specific inquiry. Please note that nuisance wildlife issues on private property are the responsibility of the landowner. Landowners can call private sector pest control / animal control companies to remove wildlife from their properties at their own expense. 

Reporting a Dead Animal
  • To report a dead animal on a municipal road or property, please contact the Municipal Office at 519-482-3997 or by emailing reception@centralhuron.com.
Rabies
Private Property
  • Nuisance wildlife issues on private property are the responsibility of the landowner. Owners can call pest control or wildlife control companies to remove wildlife at their own expense.
 Making an Animal Control Complaint
  • If you have a concern about an Animal Control Offence (e.g. barking dogs), please call the Municipal Office by phone at 519-482-3997 and the concern will be forwarded to the By-Law Enforcement Officer for investigation.

 

  • If preferable, you can complete the complaint form in its entirety.

 

  • It should be noted that Central Huron does not have the resources to address animal control offences immediately. However, all concerns and complaints are normally responded to within one (1) week of reception. 
Dog Licenses

As of January 2023, the Municipality of Central Huron has moved to a lifetime dog tag program. Invoices will be sent to owners annually for a renewal license fee. All Dogs in the Municipality must be licensed as per our Animal Control By-law. 

The tag must be worn on your dog at all times. A dog tag is the best form of identification for your dog as it will help with returning lost dogs to their owners. If your dog is picked up without a dog licence, you may be subject to additional fees. All dog owners must keep their dogs on a leash and abide by "poop and scoop" regulations.

 

Registering your dog

One tag is issued annually for each dog, for the lifetime of the dog. You must have a dog licence on or before March 31st of every year, or you may be subject to a penalty.

You can register your dog online using our Registration Form and receive your dog tag in the mail, or you can visit the Municipal Office to register your dog and pick up your dog tag.

Fees
  • Male or Female Dog - $25.00
  • Staffordshire Terrier/Pit Bull - $205.00 (annually)
  • Vicious Dog - $205.00 (annually)
  • Dog Tag Replacement - $10.00
  • Late Penalty on Dog Tag if not paid by March 31st - $20.00
  • Kennel License (must be approved by Municipality) - $150.00

Cancelling a Dog Tag

If you have moved or no longer require a dog tag, please contact the Municipal Office at 519-482-3997 or by email at reception@centralhuron.com.

Kennel Licensing

A Kennel Licence is required for owners who have more than three (3) dogs on their property. The Municipality of Central Huron regulates dog kennel licenses. If you are interested in getting a Kennel Licence, please contact the Municipal Office by phone 519-482-3997.