Sidney rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs

What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?

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

How it works

Under the Animal Licence and Control Bylaw No. 1965, a dog is dangerous if it has killed or seriously injured a person, or a domestic animal in a public place or on public property, or if an Animal Control Officer has reasonable grounds to believe it is likely to kill or seriously injure a person. A dog is aggressive if the officer designates it after unprovoked aggression or a minor injury to a person or domestic animal. A designation applies across the CRD.

Good to know

• Dangerous dog: on a non-extendable leash and muzzled in public; kept indoors or in a locked, enclosed pen at home; a sign at every entrance; never in an off-leash area; handler at least 19.
• The pen must be at least 1.82 m long, 1.22 m wide and 1.82 m high, enclosed on all sides, top and bottom, and locked when occupied.
• Aggressive dog: on a non-extendable leash in public; securely confined at home; never in an off-leash area.
• Tell the Animal Control Officer as soon as possible if the dog is loose or has attacked or bitten, and within 48 hours of a transfer of ownership or death.
• An owner may apply in writing to have an aggressive designation removed once, after six months, training, permanent ID and no further aggression.
• Bylaw notices: $260 ($200 if paid within 14 days; $315 after 28) for a leash, muzzle or confinement breach; $130 for no sign or a handler under 19; $500 ($450 early) for a dog that harasses, harms, bites or attacks a person or animal.
• Municipal tickets for the same offences: $260 ($200 within 30 days), $130 ($100) and $650 ($500).