Central Saanich rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs

What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs in Central Saanich?

Central Saanich, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

How it works

Under the Animal Control Bylaw No. 2097, an Animal Control Officer designates the dog and delivers written notice to the owner.

• Aggressive: the dog showed aggressive behaviour or caused a minor injury, with no mitigating factor.
• Dangerous: the dog killed or seriously injured a person, or a domestic animal off the owner's property, or is likely to. A court finding of dangerousness also counts.

Designations made in other municipalities also apply here.

Steps

1. To report a dangerous dog, call CRD Animal Control at 250-478-0624. After hours, call 1-800-807-4077 only for a true and immediate public safety concern.
2. If your dog is designated, follow the owner rules below.
3. To have an aggressive designation removed, the bylaw allows this after one year with training.

Good to know

• Owner rules: never let the dog be at large or in an off-leash area. In public, use a collar or harness and a leash no longer than 1.2 m, not retractable. Dangerous dogs must also be muzzled.
• Dangerous dogs need warning signs and a secure indoor space or locked enclosure.
• You must have permanent identification within 14 days, give a photo within 7 days, and hold a special Aggressive or Dangerous Dog Licence.
• Tell the District within 48 hours if the dog dies or moves.
• The licence fee and the ticket amounts for these offences could not be confirmed. Ask the District at 250-544-4237.
• A court fine can be up to $50,000.