Sparwood rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs
What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs in Sparwood?
Short answer
Report a bite or attack in Sparwood to Animal Control. Its officer investigates complaints, and an owner may be fined if a dog bites or attacks a person or another animal.
Key facts
| How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive | The Animal Control Officer sends the owner written notice of the dangerous dog declaration, the requirements and the right to appeal to Council.Animal Control Bylaw 1289, 2021, PDF p. 5 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording4.1. When the ACO determines that a Dog is a Dangerous Dog, the ACO will issue written notice to said Dog Owner advising them of the Dangerous Dog declaration, the requirements of this Bylaw with respect to Dangerous Dogs, and their right to appeal the ACO's decision to Council. |
|---|---|
| Rules for owners | Use a locked enclosure. Outside it or the residence, muzzle the dog and use a leash at most 1 m long. Keep the dog out of public parks, sports fields and school grounds. Post warning signs at the front and back of the property.Animal Control Bylaw 1289, 2021, PDF p. 5 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording(a) Keep the Dangerous Dog within a locked Dog enclosure incapable of being accessed by Domestic Animals and any person; (b) Ensure the Dangerous Dog remains snugly muzzled when out of its enclosure or residence, and secured by a collar and leash with a maximum length of 1 meter; (c) Ensure the Dangerous Dog does not enter into public parks, sports fields, and school grounds at any time; (d) Post a warning sign, in accordance with Schedule "B" of this Bylaw, visible to the public at the front and back of the property where the Dangerous Dog resides. |
| Licence fee | The District lists $60 for a dangerous dog licence.Animals & Pets, Impound Fees & Related Fines · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingDog License Fee $30 – $60 if Dangerous Dog $15 if spayed/neutered |
| How to report | Report a bite or attack to Animal Control at 250-425-5367.Animals & Pets, Bylaw Enforcement / Animal Control / Will I be charged if my dog bites or attacks another animal or person? · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingAnimal Control Officer Allison Strasser 250.425.5367 bleo@sparwood.ca The Animal Control Officer will investigate any complaints and you may be subject to fines if: * Your dog bites or attacks; * Your dog’s behaviour poses a danger to people or family animals; or * You don’t prevent the above from happening. |
| Fine | Under the bylaw notice schedule, failure to muzzle or leash a dangerous dog is $300, reduced to $250 within 14 days. Failure to keep one in a locked enclosure is $250, reduced to $200.Bylaw Enforcement Notice Bylaw No. 1333, 2024, Bylaw Enforcement Notice Bylaw No. 1333, Schedule B, Animal Control section 4.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingAnimal Control Bylaw 1289, 2021 Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Compliance Agreement Available Section Bylaw Contravention Penalty Early (Maximum 50% payment reduction in penalty amount 4.2(a) Dangerous Dog not within locked enclosure $250.00 $200.00 No 4.2(b) Dangerous Dog not muzzled and/or leashed $300.00 $250.00 No 4.2(c) Dangerous Dog entering into restricted areas $250.00 $200.00 No 4.2(d) Fail to post Dangerous Dog signage $150.00 $75.00 No Page 1 of 29b. if payment is received by the District within 14 days of the person receiving or being presumed to have received the bylaw notice, the Early Payment. 6. PERIOD FOR PAYING A DISPUTED NOTICE |
| Bylaw | Animal Control Bylaw No. 1289, 2021, Part 4.Animal Control Bylaw 1289, 2021, PDF p. 2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording1.1. This Bylaw may be cited as "Animal Control Bylaw 1289,2021." |
How it works
Describe what the dog did and where it happened. Details such as pursuit, a bite, an injury or the presence of another animal help an officer distinguish the incident you saw from a description of the dog's temperament. Report a bite or attack to Animal Control at 250-425-5367.
Steps
- For the local definition and reporting information, consult Animals & Pets. Write down the location, time and sequence of events. Identify what you saw yourself and how an officer can reach any witnesses.
- Use the reporting information below or the animal-control contact in the linked rules. If you receive a designation, read the conditions before taking the dog into a public place.
Good to know
- Use a locked enclosure. Outside it or the residence, muzzle the dog and use a leash at most 1 m long. Keep the dog out of public parks, sports fields and school grounds. Post warning signs at the front and back of the property.
- The District lists $60 for a dangerous dog licence.
- Under the bylaw notice schedule, failure to muzzle or leash a dangerous dog is $300, reduced to $250 within 14 days. Failure to keep one in a locked enclosure is $250, reduced to $200.
- The Animal Control Officer sends the owner written notice of the dangerous dog declaration, the requirements and the right to appeal to Council.
- Read the applicable provisions in Animal Control Bylaw 1289, 2021 (PDF) and Bylaw Enforcement Notice Bylaw No. 1333, 2024 (PDF).
The same question in other places
Fernie · Elkford · Cranbrook · Kimberley · Canal Flats · Invermere
Sources
- Animals & Pets (read 2026-11-09)
- Animal Control Bylaw 1289, 2021 (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
- Bylaw Enforcement Notice Bylaw No. 1333, 2024 (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.