Port Alberni rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs
What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?
Short answer
Port Alberni's Animal Control and Pound Bylaw regulates "vicious dogs". An owner must keep one confined indoors, in a child-proof enclosed pen, or muzzled and leashed with a skilled handler. A bylaw notice for failing to do so is $500. Report to Coastal Animal Control Services.
Key facts
| How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive | A 'vicious dog' has, by City or Poundkeeper records or the owner's knowledge, killed or injured an animal or human or aggressively chased or threatened a human without provocation; was bred for fighting; or has a known tendency to attack. 'Dangerous dog' means a dog in a provincial destruction-order process. The bylaw names no decider.Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 2, Vicious Dog; Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 2, Dangerous Dog (added by 5126-2) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingaccording to the records of the City or the Poundkeeper, has killed or injured an animal or a human a dog specifically bred for fighting or training purposes a dog with a known tendency, propensity or disposition to attack animals or humans without provocation a dog that is or may be subject to a dangerous dog or destruction-order process under provincial law includes a dog identified as a Vicious Dog under this Bylaw where applicable a dog that is or may be subject to a dangerous dog or destruction-order process under provincial law |
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| Rules for owners | The owner must always keep a vicious dog either securely confined indoors, or in an enclosed pen that keeps children under 12 out and the dog in, or muzzled, on a leash and under the immediate control of a competent person skilled in animal control.Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 23 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingsecurely confined indoors such that the dog cannot escape prevents the entry into the pen or enclosure of children under 12 years old muzzled, on a leash and under the immediate control of a competent person |
| Licence fee | None set. Port Alberni's Fees and Charges Bylaw lists no special licence fee for a dangerous or vicious dog.Read: Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated) |
| How to report | Call Coastal Animal Control Services at 250-748-3395 (toll free 1-888-754-1397) for dangerous or aggressive dogs. For matters needing police, call the RCMP at 250.723.2424.Animal Control and Wildlife, Contact; Bylaw Services Department; Animal Control and Wildlife, FAQ · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingResidents who require animal control assistance can contact Coastal Animal Control by: Phone: 250-748-3395 Toll Free: 1-888-754-1397 Email: info@coastalanimalservices.com ## Frequently Asked Questions For any matters requiring Police attention, please contact the local RCMP office at 250.723.2424. Dangerous dog response and management, and the pickup and care of stray animals. |
| Fine | Bylaw notice: $500 each for failing to confine, enclose or muzzle a vicious dog ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 if paid late).Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated), Schedule A-2, s. 23 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingFail to confine vicious dog $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 Fail to enclose vicious dog $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 Fail to muzzle vicious dog $500.00 $375.00 $500.00 |
| Bylaw | Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 5126, 2025Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2), s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingAnimal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 5126, 2025 |
How it works
The Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126 defines a "vicious dog" as one that, by City or Poundkeeper records or the owner's knowledge, has killed or injured an animal or person, or aggressively chased or threatened a person without provocation; was bred for fighting; or has a known tendency to attack. A "dangerous dog" is a dog in a provincial destruction-order process. The bylaw does not say who decides a dog is vicious or how to challenge that.
Good to know
- The owner of a vicious dog must always keep it securely confined indoors, or in an enclosed pen that keeps children under 12 out and the dog in, or muzzled, on a leash and under the immediate control of a competent person skilled in animal control.
- Failing to do so is a $500 bylaw notice for each offence ($375 if paid within 14 days; $500 if paid late), under the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128.
- No special licence fee for a dangerous or vicious dog is listed in the Fees and Charges Bylaw, Schedule H. It lists a boarding fee of $25 a day for a vicious dog housed awaiting a destruction order, plus actual veterinary costs.
- To report a dangerous or aggressive dog, call Coastal Animal Control Services at 250-748-3395 (toll-free 1-888-754-1397). For matters needing police, call the RCMP at 250-723-2424. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Qualicum Beach · Parksville · Cumberland · Comox · Courtenay · Lantzville
Sources
- Animal Control and Wildlife, City of Port Alberni (read 2026-11-05)
- Animal Control and Pound Bylaw No. 5126, 2025 (consolidated, includes 5126-2) (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
- Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 5128, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
- Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5125, 2025 (consolidated) (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
- Bylaw Services Department, City of Port Alberni (read 2026-11-05)
- Animal Control Services Quick Guide (effective March 1, 2026), City of Port Alberni (read 2026-11-05)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set. How answers are checked.