Comox rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs

What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs in Comox?

Comox, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

How it works

The Dog Licence and Pound Bylaw No. 1322 defines two types. An aggressive dog has caused minor injuries, aggressively pursued or harassed a person or animal, or shown growling, snarling or lunging, unless provoked. A dangerous dog follows Community Charter s. 49: it has killed or seriously injured a person or domestic animal, or an animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe it is likely to. The bylaw does not say who declares a dog aggressive or dangerous, or how.

Owner rules

• In public: muzzled, on a non-retractable leash of 2 m or less, with a handler over 19. Never on school grounds, near playgrounds or in parks.
• At home: securely confined.
• Dangerous dogs also need an approved enclosure, a "Beware of Dog" sign at front and rear entrances, and $1,000,000 liability insurance. The enclosure must be buried 60 cm or sit on a concrete pad, have a secure top and a self-closing locking gate, and be approved by the Animal Control Officer.
• A dog that bites a person is held at the owner's expense for 14 days.

Good to know

• Fees: dangerous dog licence $100 a year plus a $50 annual animal control service fee (Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2058).
• Fines, bylaw notice (within 14 days / after): unleashed, unmuzzled or unconfined dog $250 / $300; sign, insurance or enclosure breaches $50 / $90. Municipal ticket: $300 unleashed, unmuzzled or unconfined; $500 insufficient enclosure; $90 sign or insurance. The two lists differ for the enclosure offence, so check your ticket.
• To report a dog, use the Town's Bylaw Complaint Form or call the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250-339-2202. For a crime or immediate danger, call 9-1-1.