{"title":"New Westminster dog leash rules and off-leash areas","question":"Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?","slug":"dog-leash-rules","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":"In New Westminster a dog off its owner's property must be on a collar and leash and under control, except in a designated off-leash area. The City lists nine off-leash areas, and off-leash use is allowed inside the fenced area only. A dog off leash can cost $250 by bylaw notice.","aliases":["dog parks new westminster","off leash dog park new west","leash law new westminster"],"cost":"Dog at large or off leash: bylaw notice $250 ($150 if paid within 14 days); municipal ticket $1,000.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"Off-Leash Dog Areas (list and maps by park)","value":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/parks-and-recreation/parks/off-leash-dog-areas"},{"type":"phone","label":"Animal Services","value":"604-519-2008"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Off-Leash Dog Areas, City of New Westminster","url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/parks-and-recreation/parks/off-leash-dog-areas"},{"title":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586 (PDF)","url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"New Westminster dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"New Westminster rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dangerous-dogs/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/burnaby","name":"Burnaby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/coquitlam","name":"Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-coquitlam","name":"Port Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-moody","name":"Port Moody","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/belcarra","name":"Belcarra","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/dog-leash-rules/"},{"place":"ca/bc/surrey","name":"Surrey","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/dog-leash-rules/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules/"},"facts":{"leash_rule":{"label":"Leash rule","value":"Except in a designated off-leash area, a dog must be on a collar and leash and under control whenever it is off the owner's property. Dogs in parks may enter only on a leash in the owner's custody.","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. 5.4","quotes":["Except when in a designated off leash area, every owner of a dog shall secure the dog by a collar and leash and keep the dog under control while not on the owner’s property."]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_3646__1959_Parks_Regulation(2).pdf","title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw 3646, 1959 (consolidated May 5, 2020) (PDF)","section":"s. 9","quotes":["Dogs shall be permitted to enter the park only while they are on leash and in the actual custody of the owner"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"leash_length":{"label":"Maximum leash length","value":"The bylaw sets no maximum leash length for ordinary dogs. Aggressive, vicious and dangerous dogs must be on a leash of 1 metre at most when off the owner's property.","short":"No limit","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. 6.2.1","quotes":["secure the dog by a collar and leash that is a maximum length of one (1) metre"]},{"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. 8.2.1","quotes":["8.2.1 secure the dog by a collar and leash that is a maximum length of one (1) metre"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"off_leash_areas":{"label":"Off-leash areas","value":"Nine City off-leash areas, including Hume Park, Moody Park, Quayside, Queensborough, Queen's Park, Simcoe Park, Victoria Hill, Westburnco and West Side. Off-leash use is allowed inside the fenced area only. See the City's Off-Leash Dog Areas page.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/parks-and-recreation/parks/off-leash-dog-areas","title":"Off-Leash Dog Areas, City of New Westminster","section":"intro","quotes":["providing nine off-leash dog areas","Off-leash use permitted within fenced area only."]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/parks-and-recreation/parks/off-leash-dog-areas","title":"Off-Leash Dog Areas, City of New Westminster","section":"Rules","quotes":["All dogs must be accompanied by and be under the control of their owner."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"dogs_not_allowed":{"label":"Places dogs are not allowed","value":"The bylaw names no banned places, but owners must obey all posted signs in public places (service animals excepted). Vicious and dangerous dogs may not enter off-leash areas.","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. 12.4","quotes":["Every owner of an animal, other than a service animal, must obey all posted signs in a public place."]},{"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. 7.2.3","quotes":["ensure that the dog is not in a designated off leash area in the City at any time"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/parks-and-recreation/parks/off-leash-dog-areas","title":"Off-Leash Dog Areas, City of New Westminster","section":"Rules","quotes":["Vicious dogs are not permitted within the fenced area."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"clean_up":{"label":"Cleaning up","value":"An owner must carry a suitable means to remove dog feces when off their own property, show it to a bylaw officer on request, and immediately remove and dispose of any feces in a waste container or by other sanitary means.","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. 5.3","quotes":["have in their possession, a suitable means of facilitating the removal of the dog feces when on any place off the owner’s property","immediately remove and dispose of, in a waste container or by other sanitary means, any feces deposited by the dog"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine_at_large":{"label":"Fine, dog at large or off leash","value":"Bylaw notice: dog at large (s. 5.1) or off leash (s. 5.4) $250 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $275 late). Municipal ticket information: $1,000 each. Dog not under control in an off-leash area (s. 5.5): $100 ($75 / $125) bylaw notice; $500 ticket.","short":"Notice $250 ($150 if paid in 14 days); ticket $1,000","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":["Animal at large 250.00 150.00 275.00","Dog off leash 250.00 150.00 275.00","Dog not under control in"]},{"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":["Dog at large 1,000.00","Dog off leash 1,000.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 7586, 2013 (also Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 3646, 1959 for dogs in parks).","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”"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_3646__1959_Parks_Regulation(2).pdf","title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw 3646, 1959 (consolidated May 5, 2020) (PDF)","section":"title","quotes":["PARKS REGULATION BYLAW NO. 3646, 1959"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnder the [Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586](<https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf>), whenever a dog is off its owner's property it must be on a collar and leash and under control, except in a designated off-leash area. \"Under control\" means the dog returns immediately when called and shows no aggressive behaviour. In parks, dogs may enter only on a leash held by the owner (see the [Parks Regulation Bylaw 3646](<https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_3646__1959_Parks_Regulation(2).pdf>)). The bylaw sets no maximum leash length for ordinary dogs. Aggressive, vicious and dangerous dogs must be on a leash of 1 metre or less off the owner's property.\n\n## Off-leash area rules\n\n1. Off-leash use is allowed within the fenced area only, and the dog must be with and under the control of its owner.\n2. Carry a leash and keep your dog in view.\n3. Vicious dogs are not allowed in the fenced area. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled, and any dog showing aggressive behaviour must be removed.\n4. A female dog in heat must be kept out of off-leash areas.\n5. Pick up after your dog and fill any holes it digs.\n6. No smoking in or within 15 metres of the fenced area.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The City lists nine off-leash areas: Hume Park, Moody Park, Quayside, Queensborough, Queen's Park, Simcoe Park, Victoria Hill, Westburnco and West Side. Moody Park and Queen's Park have a gate for small or shy dogs, who have priority.\n- Away from your property, carry a suitable means to remove dog feces, and remove it right away.\n- Obey posted signs in public places. The bylaw names no banned places, and we found no dog ban for beaches, playgrounds or sports fields.\n- Dog off leash or at large: a bylaw notice is $250 ($150 if paid within 14 days); a municipal ticket is $1,000. Dog not under control in an off-leash area: a bylaw notice is $100; a municipal ticket is $500.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/parks-and-recreation/parks/off-leash-dog-areas","title":"Off-Leash Dog Areas, 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/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_3646__1959_Parks_Regulation(2).pdf","title":"Parks Regulation Bylaw 3646, 1959 (consolidated May 5, 2020) (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"}],"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 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dog-leash-rules/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dog-leash-rules.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dog-leash-rules.json"}}