Highlands rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs

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

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

How it works

Under the Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465), a "vicious" animal is one that has attacked or bitten, attempted to attack or bite, or chased any person, animal or wildlife. Excluded are an attack on a dog or cat, and an attack by a dog on animals or wildlife molesting livestock. The bylaw does not say who decides or set a declaration process.

Steps

1. To report a bite or attack, phone CRD Animal Care Services at 250-478-0624 or complete the CRD's online complaint form.
2. After hours, call 1-800-884-0919.
3. Give your name, address and phone number. The CRD does not take anonymous reports.

Good to know

• The owner of a vicious dog must keep it muzzled and on a leash. A vicious animal is deemed not to be under direct and continuous control, so it is "at large" whenever it is off the owner's property.
• Not muzzled and on a leash: bylaw notice $150 ($120 within 14 days; $180 after 28 days); municipal ticket $150.
• The bylaw's Schedule A lists a dangerous dog licence at $100. The CRD page lists $95 early, $100 regular and $120 late.
• The CRD describes other rules for dangerous dogs in its area bylaws, but they are not in the Highlands bylaw text, so ask the CRD what applies.