{"title":"New Westminster rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","question":"What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?","slug":"dangerous-dogs","place":{"path":"ca/bc/new-westminster","name":"New Westminster","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of New Westminster","url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca"},"short_answer":"New Westminster's Animal Care and Control Bylaw sorts risky dogs into aggressive, vicious and dangerous tiers, each with stricter leash, muzzle and confinement rules. Dangerous dogs also need an enclosure at least 1.8 m high and $1,000,000 liability insurance. Report a dog to 604-519-2008.","aliases":["vicious dog new westminster","dog bite rules new west","muzzle dog new westminster","dangerous dog designation"],"cost":"Dangerous dog licence: $221 a year not spayed or neutered ($277 after March 1; $112 first licence); $167 spayed or neutered ($221 after March 1; $83 first licence). Impoundment of a dangerous or vicious dog: $379, first offence.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Animal Services","value":"604-519-2008","note":"Press 0 for urgent matters."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw page","url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/animal-care-and-control"},{"title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586 (PDF)","url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"New Westminster dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"New Westminster dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dog-licence/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/burnaby","name":"Burnaby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/coquitlam","name":"Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-coquitlam","name":"Port Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-moody","name":"Port Moody","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/belcarra","name":"Belcarra","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/dangerous-dogs/"},{"place":"ca/bc/surrey","name":"Surrey","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/dangerous-dogs/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs/"},"facts":{"how_declared":{"label":"How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive","value":"Aggressive: unprovoked aggressive behaviour or minor injury. Vicious: serious injury, repeated minor injuries, or officer believes likely. Dangerous (Community Charter s. 49): has killed or seriously injured a person or domestic animal, or an officer believes it likely to kill or seriously injure a person. A bylaw officer gives written notice.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf","title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018) (PDF)","section":"s. 3.1","quotes":["“Aggressive Dog” means a dog that:","has, without provocation, caused a serious injury to another domestic","“Dangerous Dog” means a dangerous dog as defined in the Community Charter;"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf","title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018) (PDF)","section":"s. 6.1, 7.1, 8.1","quotes":["the bylaw officer may issue written notice to the owner of that dog advising the owner of the requirements of this bylaw with respect to aggressive dogs."]},{"url":"https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/03026_03","title":"Community Charter","section":"s. 49(1)","quotes":["has killed or seriously injured a domestic animal, while in a public place or while on private property, other than property owned or occupied by the person responsible for the dog","an animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to kill or seriously injure a person"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"owner_rules":{"label":"Rules for owners","value":"Aggressive: leash 1 m or less off property, never at large, muzzled in off-leash areas. Vicious: also muzzled off property, warning sign, penned or indoors. Dangerous: also enclosure at least 1.8 m high, photo at shelter, $1,000,000 liability insurance. All need permanent ID within 30 days.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf","title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018) (PDF)","section":"s. 6.2","quotes":["secure the dog by a collar and leash that is a maximum length of one (1) metre","keep the dog muzzled when in a designated off leash area","ensure the dog has permanent identification"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf","title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018) (PDF)","section":"s. 7.2","quotes":["post a clearly visible sign at all points of entry onto any premises","keep the dog effectively muzzled to prevent it from biting another animal or human when not on the owner’s property"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf","title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018) (PDF)","section":"s. 8.2","quotes":["keep the dog securely confined indoors or confined outdoors in an enclosure","proof of liability insurance in the amount of not less than one million ($1,000,000) dollars"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf","title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018) (PDF)","section":"s. 3.1","quotes":["“Enclosure” means a structure at least 1.8 meters in height having a concrete or asphalt floor and wire or steel mesh sides and roof"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Licence fee","value":"Dangerous dog licence: $221 a year unsterilized ($277 after March 1; $112 first licence); $167 sterilized ($221 after March 1; $83 first licence).","short":"$167 sterilized; $221 unsterilized","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf","title":"Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 1.0 (PDF)","section":"Part 1.0","quotes":["Paid After Initial Before March 1st License","Dangerous Dog - $221.00 $277.00 $112.00","Dangerous Dog - $167.00 $221.00 $83.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"report":{"label":"How to report","value":"Phone Animal Services at 604-519-2008 (press 0 for urgent matters) and give a detailed account to an Animal Services Officer. Anyone who finds an aggressive, vicious or dangerous dog must give the City a description or photograph and any identification information.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/frequently-asked-questions","title":"Frequently Asked Questions, Animal Services","section":"Aggressive Dogs","quotes":["please phone us at 604-519-2008 to provide a detailed account to an Animal Services Officer"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/animal-services","title":"Animal Services, City of New Westminster","section":"Contact","quotes":["604-519-2008 (press 0 for urgent matters)"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf","title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018) (PDF)","section":"s. 11.10","quotes":["A person who finds and takes control or possession of a stray animal or an aggressive, vicious or dangerous dog in the City shall immediately provide the City with"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: aggressive-dog breaches $300; vicious $400 (muzzle $500; warning sign $250; death or transfer notices $300); dangerous $500. Within 14 days, $100 less; late, $25 more. Municipal ticket information: $1,000 for most; $500 for warning signs and aggressive-dog notices.","short":"Notice $500 dangerous; $400 vicious; $300 aggressive","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7318__2009_Bylaw_Notice_Enforcement__2026_07_29_consolidation_.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 7318, 2009 (consolidated July 29, 2026) (PDF)","section":"Sch. A Part 1","quotes":["Aggressive dog at large 300.00 200.00 325.00","Vicious dog at large 400.00 300.00 425.00","Vicious dog not muzzled 500.00 400.00 525.00","Dangerous dog at large 500.00 400.00 525.00","Vicious dog warning sign 250.00 150.00 275.00","Fail to notify death or 300.00 200.00 325.00"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_8077__2019_Municipal_Ticket_Information__2026_07_29_consolidation_(1).pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 8077, 2019 (consolidated July 29, 2026) (PDF)","section":"Sch. B Part 1","quotes":["Dangerous dog at large 1,000.00","Dangerous dog warning sign not posted 500.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 7586, 2013","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf","title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018) (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited as “Animal Care and Control Bylaw NO. 7586, 2013”"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nA bylaw officer gives the owner written notice that a dog is aggressive, vicious or dangerous, under the [Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586](<https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf>).\n\n- **Aggressive:** unprovoked aggressive behaviour, or a minor injury.\n- **Vicious:** a serious injury, repeated minor injuries, or an officer believes it likely.\n- **Dangerous:** as defined in section 49 of the provincial Community Charter. It has killed or seriously injured a person or domestic animal, or an officer believes it likely to.\n\nA vicious-dog owner may make written submissions to the supervisor within 14 days of the notice. The supervisor may uphold the designation, rescind it, or substitute aggressive.\n\n## Rules by tier\n\n1. **Aggressive:** leash of 1 metre or less off your property; never at large; muzzled in off-leash areas; permanent identification within 30 days. After one year with no further complaints and a completed training course, you may ask for relief from the leash and muzzle rules.\n2. **Vicious:** the same, plus muzzled whenever off your property, a warning sign, and kept penned or indoors.\n3. **Dangerous:** the vicious rules, plus an enclosure at least 1.8 m high, a photo of the dog at the shelter, and $1,000,000 liability insurance.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Tell the City in writing within 10 days if the dog dies or is disposed of, and tell any new owner of the designation.\n- To report a dog, phone Animal Services at 604-519-2008 (press 0 for urgent matters). Anyone who finds an aggressive, vicious or dangerous dog must give the City a description or photograph and any identification information.\n- Bylaw notice amounts: aggressive-dog breaches $300; vicious $400 (muzzle $500, warning sign $250); dangerous $500. Pay within 14 days and it is $100 less; pay late and it is $25 more.\n- Municipal ticket amounts: $1,000 for most of these offences, and $500 for warning signs and aggressive-dog notices.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/animal-care-and-control","title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw page, City of New Westminster","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf","title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/frequently-asked-questions","title":"Frequently Asked Questions, Animal Services","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/animal-services","title":"Animal Services, City of New Westminster","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf","title":"Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 1.0 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7318__2009_Bylaw_Notice_Enforcement__2026_07_29_consolidation_.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 7318, 2009 (consolidated July 29, 2026) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_8077__2019_Municipal_Ticket_Information__2026_07_29_consolidation_(1).pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 8077, 2019 (consolidated July 29, 2026) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/03026_03","title":"Community Charter","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dangerous-dogs/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dangerous-dogs.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dangerous-dogs.json"}}