Clearwater rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs

What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?

Clearwater, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-08

How it works

Under the District's Animal Control Bylaw No. 148, the Animal Control Officer may designate a dog aggressive if it is over 4 months old and, without provocation, bit or attacked a person or domestic animal causing at least a minor injury; approached or pursued someone aggressively off its property; was used for dog fighting; or shows a propensity to attack. "Dangerous dog" has the meaning in section 49 of the Community Charter (a court order).

Owner rules

• Keep the dog indoors or in an enclosure that stops children getting in and the dog getting out.
• In public, the dog must be muzzled and on a leash of no more than 2.4 m held by a competent person.
• Post a warning sign.
• Tell the Animal Control Officer if the dog is sold, dies, gets loose or bites.

Good to know

• You can ask for reconsideration within 10 days of the notice, then ask Council to review within 14 days of the decision.
• Report a dog by writing or using the online form, with your name and phone number; anonymous complaints are not investigated. Call 250-674-2257 or email bylaw@docbc.ca.
• Municipal tickets (MTI Bylaw No. 221): allowing an animal to attack or bite $1,000 ($750 if paid in 30 days); aggressive dog not confined, on property without consent, or without leash or muzzle $500 ($400); no warning sign $200 ($150); sign defaced or removed $500 ($400); failing to notify $200 ($150).