Winnipeg : Règlement no 92/2013, art. 6.2(a) — Responsible Pet Ownership By-law

repealed 77/2014

• (b) American Pit Bull Terrier;
• (c) Staffordshire Bull Terrier;
• (d) American Staffordshire Terrier; 7(2) Upon payment of a fee established by Council, the owner of a dog is entitled to obtain a written opinion by a veterinarian retained by the Manager as to whether a dog meets the criteria established in subsection (1).

Where the veterinarian concludes that a dog does not meet the criteria established in subsection (1), such a statement is conclusive proof that the dog is not prohibited under subsection (1) and no prosecution or enforcement action under subsection (1) may be undertaken with respect to the dog. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 7(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Manager is authorized to issue a special permit authorizing a dog prohibited by that subsection to be in the City of Winnipeg for a temporary period of time and may impose any conditions on the permit he or she considers sufficient to protect individuals and animals from any harm caused by the dog. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 8 repealed 54/2021 Impoundment of dog running at large 9(1) An enforcement officer is authorized to capture and impound a dog that he or she finds running at large. 9(2) A designated employee is authorized to impound a dog that has been turned over to the Animal Services Division as having been running at large if the designated employee has reasonable grounds to believe that the dog was in fact running at large. The designated employee is authorized to require the person turning over a dog to execute a statutory declaration concerning the circumstances in which he or she took possession of the dog. amended 64/2026 9(3) Unless it is redeemed earlier under section 12 ( Redemption of impounded dogs), a designated employee shall impound such a dog amended 73/2022

• (a) for a minimum period of ten days in the case of a dog that is wearing a valid licence tag; or By-law No. 92/2013 12
• (b) for a minimum period of three days, in the case of any other dog. 9(4) If a dog being impounded under subsections (1) or (2) is wearing a valid licence tag, a designated employee must notify the owner of the dog’s impoundment. The owner is entitled to redeem the dog under section 12 ( Redemption of impounded dogs) at any time during its impoundment. 9(5) If a dog has been impounded for the period of time specified in subsection (3) without having been redeemed, the Manager is authorized to dispose of the dog in any manner he or she considers appropriate. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 Impoundment and quarantine for rabies observation 10(1) Subject to this section, if
• (a) a designated employee suspects that a dog has been exposed to rabies; or
• (b) a dog bites or scratches an individual with its teeth so that the skin is broken, regardless of the circumstances of the bite or scratch, the designated employee is authorized to capture, impound and quarantine the dog at the facilities of the Animal Services Division for a period of no less than ten days from the day of the bite or scratch for observation. amended 64/2026 10(2) If a designated employee gives notice to the owner of a dog that he or she is acting under the authority of subsection (1), the owner must surrender the dog to the designated employee for impoundment and quarantine immediately. 10(3) As an alternative to impounding and quarantining the dog under subsection (1), the designated employee is authorized to permit or require the owner of the dog, at the owner’s expense, to
• (a) have the dog quarantined at a veterinary clinic within the City of Winnipeg; or
• (b) have the dog quarantined on the property of its owner. The designated employee is authorized to act under this subsection if he or she determines that the dog will be securely held and will not leave the property. The designated employee may impose conditions on a quarantine permitted or required by this section that are reasonable to ensure that the dog is appropriately confined during the quarantine period. An owner who fails to ensure that the dog is securely held on the property or fails to ensure compliance with other conditions imposed by a designated employee commits an offence. By-law No. 92/2013 13 10(4) If a dog is quarantined at the Animal Services Division or on the property of its owner, a designated employee must observe it for symptoms of rabies. If it is quarantined at a veterinary clinic, the veterinarian must observe it for symptoms of rabies. If, during the quarantine period, it is determined to have rabies, the dog must be euthanized, if it has not already died or been euthanized. The dog’s body must then be examined for proof of rabies at the expense of the owner of the dog. amended 64/2026 10(5) If a dog impounded and quarantined at the facilities of the Animal Services Division is wearing a valid licence tag, a designated employee must notify the owner of the dog’s impoundment and quarantine. amended 73/2022; 64/2026 10(6) A dog quarantined at the Animal Services Division, unless it is determined to have rabies, may be redeemed under section 12 ( Redemption of impounded dogs) after its mandatory period of impoundment and quarantine has ended. If it has not been redeemed within 48 hours after the end of its period of impoundment and quarantine under this section, the Manager is authorized to dispose of the dog in any manner he or she considers appropriate. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 Impoundment of potentially dangerous dog 11(1) A designated employee is authorized to impound a dog if
• (a) there is evidence that the dog has acted in a dangerous or aggressive manner toward humans or animals; and
• (b) the designated employee concludes that leaving the dog in the keeping of its

owner could pose a danger to humans or animals. 11(2) Rather than impounding a dog under subsection (1), the designated employee may impose conditions on the dog’s owner designed to minimize any threat posed by the dog pending a determination under section 13 ( Dangerous dog designation) or section 15 (Destruction of exceptionally dangerous

• dog) or both. 11(3) A dog impounded under subsection (1) is not eligible to be redeemed under section 12 (Redemption of impounded dogs) until and unless either
• (a) the Manager has determined that the dog should neither be designated as dangerous under section 13 ( Dangerous dog designation) nor destroyed as exceptionally dangerous under section 15 ( Destruction of exceptionally dangerous dog); or amended 5/2022; 64/2026
• (b) the Manager has designated the dog as dangerous under section 13 ( Dangerous dog designation) and its owner is able and willing to comply with the restrictions resulting from that designation. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 By-law No. 92/2013 14 11(4)

Where the Manager has determined that a dog impounded under this section should neither be designated as dangerous under section 13 ( Dangerous dog designation) nor destroyed as exceptionally dangerous under section 15 ( Destruction of exceptionally dangerous dog), it is eligible to be redeemed within 48 hours after its owner has been notified of this determination in compliance with subsection 13(4). After that point, the Manager is authorized to dispose of the dog in any manner he or she considers appropriate. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 11(5) amended 5/2022; repealed 73/2022 Sterilization of impounded dogs 11.1(1) A designated employee, the Winnipeg Humane Society, an animal rescue organization or some other agent of the City of Winnipeg is authorized to sterilize a dog that has been impounded or sheltered prior to its release to an owner where the dog added 5/2022

• (a) was not licenced and appeared to be stray when impounded or sheltered; or replaced 14/2023
• (b) has been impounded or sheltered twice in its lifetime, regardless of licence status. 11.1(2) Any surgeries performed under clause (1) are at the expense of the owner. added 5/2022 Redemption of impounded dogs 12(1) The owner of a dog that has been impounded under this By-law and that is eligible to be redeemed may redeem it if he or she can demonstrate to the satisfaction of a designated employee that he or she is the owner of the dog. 12(2) In order to redeem an impounded dog, its owner must:
• (a) pay all applicable fees;
• (b) pay the monetary penalty imposed in section 42 ( Monetary penalty for the costs of capturing animals); and,
• (c) if the dog requires a licence, obtain a licence for the dog. At risk dog designation added 73/2022 12.1(1) The Manager is authorized to determine that a dog is at risk if there is evidence of irresponsible pet ownership, including but not limited to amended 64/2026
• (a) the dog having more than two incidents of being in violation of clause 4(1)(b) (running at large) and/or clause 4(1)(h) (pursuing an individual or animal); By-law No. 92/2013 15
• (b) the dog having more than one incident of being in violation of clause 4(1)(i) (biting an individual or animal);
• (c) the dog having more than one incident of being impounded at an animal shelter;
• (d) unsanitary confinement of the dog;
• (e) lack of veterinary care for the dog for medical issues; or
• (f) the owner has a history of non-compliance with the requirements of this By-law or the owner refuses to, or there are reasonable grounds to believe that the

owner will fail to, comply with the requirements of this By-law. 12.1(2) If a dog is designated as being at risk under subsection (1), in addition to any other remedies or enforcement actions available, a designated employee is authorized to take the dog into the custody of the Animal Services Division and have the dog rehomed. amended 64/2026 12.1(3) The Manager, in compliance with section 116 of The City of Winnipeg Charter, must give notice to the owner of a decision to designate a dog as being at risk and provide the reasons why such determination has been made. amended 64/2026 Dangerous dog designation 13(1) The Manager is authorized to designate a dog as dangerous if he or she concludes that the dog amended 5/2022; 64/2026

• (a) is likely to cause harm or injury to individuals or animals; or amended 1/2024
• (b) is used primarily to guard property. 13(2) In making a dangerous dog designation on the basis of clause (1)(a), the Manager must take into account: amended 5/2022; 64/2026
• (a) any incident in which the dog has amended 1/2024
• (i) caused harm or injury to individuals or animals; or
• (ii) pursued or menaced individuals or animals;
• (b) the nature of any incidents referred to in clause (a), including the seriousness of any harm or injury caused by the dog;
• (a) all the circumstances of any incidents referred to in clause
• (a) and, in particular, whether the dog was provoked; and By-law No. 92/2013 16
• (b) the behaviour of the dog since the incident. 13(3) Before making a dangerous dog designation under subsection (1), the Manager must amended 5/2022; 64/2026
• (a) give notice to the dog’s owner that a determination as to whether the dog should be designated a dangerous dog will be made;
• (b) provide the reasons why such determination is being made; and
• (c) give the dog’s owner a reasonable opportunity to be heard. 13(4) The Manager, in compliance with section 116 of The City of Winnipeg Charter, must give notice to the owner of a decision to designate a dog as dangerous or not to designate it as dangerous. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 13(5) repealed 73/2022 13(6) The owner of a dog that is primarily used to guard property may apply to the Manager to have the dog designated as dangerous. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 Consequences of dangerous dog designation 14(1) The owner of a dog that has been designated as dangerous must thereafter
• (a) ensure that, while on the owner’s property, the dog is either kept securely confined indoors or is kept in a securely enclosed and locked pen, structure or yard which
• (i) prevents the dog from escaping and young children from entering;
• (ii) is at least ten feet wide and five feet deep;
• (iii) provides adequate protection from the elements for the dog;
• (b) not permit the dog off the owner’s property unless it is muzzled and restrained by a harness and leash of no more than six feet in length which is held by a person capable of controlling the dog; amended 73/2022
• (c) amended 5/2022; repealed 73/2022
• (d) notify a designated employee immediately if
• (i) the dog is running at large;
• (ii) the dog has harmed any individual or animal; By-law No. 92/2013 17
• (e) provide a designated employee with the name and address of the new owner within two working days of selling or giving away the dog;
• (f) have a microchip containing the owner’s name and current address as well as the fact of its dangerous dog designation implanted into the dog’s skin by a licenced veterinarian;
• (g) notify a designated employee of the dog’s death within two working days and provide evidence to prove the dog’s death;
• (h) pay any applicable licence fees for the dangerous dog;
• (i) permanently and prominently display at each entrance to the property and any building in which a dangerous dog is kept, a sign designed and provided by a designated employee which warns visitors of the presence of a dangerous dog; amended 73/2022
• (j) ensure that the dog is sterilized; amended 73/2022
• (k) submit the dog for training by a certified dog trainer; and added 73/2022
• (l) not permit the dog to attend at any dog daycares or off-leash areas of parks or other public properties. added 73/2022 14(2) repealed 90/2022 14(3) The requirement in clause (1)(j) does not apply to any dog that has been designated as dangerous prior to the coming into force of this By-law. 14(4) If the owner of a dog that has been designated as dangerous under this section fails to comply with the requirements of subsection (1), in addition to any other remedies or enforcement actions available, a designated employee is authorized under the City’s authority to act in emergencies to immediately impound the dog and the Manager is authorized to amended 5/2022; replaced 73/2022; amended 64/2026
• (a) have the dog rehomed, or
• (b) consider whether the dog is exceptionally dangerous and should be euthanized under section 15 (Euthanization of exceptionally dangerous dog). Euthanization of exceptionally dangerous dog amended 73/2022 15(1) The Manager must make a determination as to whether a dog is exceptionally dangerous and should be euthanized where either amended 5/2022; 73/2022; 64/2026 By-law No. 92/2013 18
• (a) the dog
• (i) has repeatedly bitten, clawed or otherwise attacked individuals or animals;
• (ii) has engaged in an exceptionally brutal attack on an individual or an animal;
• (iii) after having been designated as “dangerous” under section 1 3 (Dangerous dog designation), has caused injury or harm to, or has pursued or menaced, individuals or animals; or
• (iv) has demonstrated other behaviour that causes the Manager to consider that the dog may be exceptionally dangerous; or amended 5/2022; 64/2026
• (b) the owner of a dog that has been designated as dangerous fails to comply with the restrictions in section 14 ( Consequences of a dangerous dog designation). 15(2) The Manager is authorized to determine that a dog is exceptionally dangerous and should be euthanized if amended 5/2022; 73/2022; 64/2026
• (a) he or she concludes that the dog’s behaviour is such that it poses a serious risk to the safety of individuals or animals that cannot be adequately addressed by restrictions imposed with respect to the dog, including those imposed with respect to a dangerous dog under section 14 ( Consequences of a dangerous dog designation); or
• (b) the owner refuses to, or there are reasonable grounds to believe that he or she will fail to, comply with restrictions that the Manager concludes are necessary to protect the safety of individuals or animals. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 15(3) Before making a determination under subsection (1), the Manager must: amended 5/2022; 64/2026
• (a) give notice to the dog’s owner that a determination under subsection (1) will be made;
• (b) provide the reasons why a determination under subsection (1) is being made; and
• (c) give the dog’s owner a reasonable opportunity to be heard. 15(4) In making a determination under subsection (1), the Manager may consider any facts or evidence that are relevant to this determination. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 By-law No. 92/2013 19 15(5)

Where the Manager makes a determination under subsection (1), he or she must give notice of this determination to the owner pursuant to section 116 of The City of Winnipeg Charter. amended 5/2022; 64/2026 15(6) repealed 73/2022 15(7) If a dog that has been determined to be exceptionally dangerous under this section is not impounded at the time the determination is made, its owner must euthanize the dog or surrender it to an enforcement officer for impoundment within 24 hours of being given notice of the determination under subsection (5). If the dog is neither euthanized nor surrendered within 24 hours’ notice, the Manager shall act immediately to impound the dog. amended 5/2022; 73/2022; 64/2026 15(8) If a dog has been determined to be exceptionally dangerous, unless its owner euthanizes it under subsection (7), the Manager shall have the dog euthanized as soon as is practicable. amended 5/2022; 73/2022; 64/2026 15(9) amended 5/2022; repealed 73/2022 Police dogs exempted 16 Sections 10 ( Impoundment and quarantine for rabies observation), 11 ( Impoundment of potentially dangerous dog), 13 ( Dangerous dog designation) and 15 ( Destruction of exceptionally dangerous

• dog) do not apply to a Winnipeg Police Service dog or a dog owned by

a law enforcement agency. PART 1.1 – DOG DAYCARES General requirements for dog daycares