Hamilton By-law 12-031, s. 5.3(a) — Responsible Animal Ownership By-law

No person shall keep or permit to be kept on any one premises owned or occupied by them more than any combination of four animals. 5.4(1) Despite section 5.3, a person:

• who is lawfully keeping more than the maximum number of animals may continue to keep the animals until the animals have died or are otherwise disposed of if the person otherwise complies with this By-law;
• (b) may keep an animal :
• (i) following the birth of the animal until the age of 12 weeks;
• (ii) on premises licensed as a kennel or a pet shop under the City’s Licensing By-law No. 07-170; Revised: June 2022
• (iii) if the premises where they keep the animal has been approved by the Poundkeeper in advance as an animal foster home. (2)(a) Approval of an animal foster home under subparagraph 5.4(1)(b)(iii) may be given by the Poundkeeper after submission of a properly completed certification, accompanied by the applicable fee.
• (b) The person submitting the certification under paragraph 5.4(2)(a) shall certify that: - he or she will at all times operate and be responsible for the animal foster home - he or she will comply with this By-law and all other applicable statutes, regulations and by-laws when operating the animal foster home - the animal foster home will operate on a not-for-profit basis - the animal foster home will provide temporary care for the animals - the animals will be adopted out to appropriately screened owners - the Poundkeeper will be informed immediately of any change in the operation of the animal foster home - such additional information as may be required by the Poundkeeper PART 6.0 – Keeping Pigeons