Public Service Announcement
Animal Safety & Dog/Cat Regulations
Information for the Public
Release Date: December 9, 2019
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is reaching out to the community to help raise awareness on Pet Safety and the Town’s Animal Control Regulations.
The Town’s Municipal Enforcement and Animal Control departments have been investigating multiple complaints and violations of the Town’s Dog/Cat Regulations. Owners who violate the regulations are subject to fines and seizure/ impoundment of the animal.
The Town’s is concerned for the safety of its residents, as well as the roaming/lose animal and other animals. We are encouraging members of the public to use a “report it before you post it” approach for any violations to the:
Town’s Municipal Enforcement Department Complaints Line at 896-3322.
The following are some of the Town’s Dog/Cat Regulations which owners are expected to uphold:
1. Every owner of a dog within the Town shall keep the dog safely tethered or penned.
2. No person shall keep any dog within the limits of the Town unless such dog has been licensed with a tag from the Town — the cost of Tag $20.
3. A dog may be seized or Impounded by a Peace Officer if it is:
• At Large; or
• Found damaging or destroying private property
4. The following seizing and Impounding fees shall be paid by the owners of dogs:
• Seizing and Impounding, Licensed, 1st instance – $40
• Seizing and Impounding, Unlicensed, 1st instance – $75
Such other costs as are required to properly compensate the Town for the cost of seizing, Impounding and maintaining the dog.
5. The costs to address after regular hours requests for assistance with dog problems are to be recovered from the owner.
6. Where an owner of a dog is not found within five days after the dog is impounded, the Town may, in its discretion, euthanize the dog in accordance with the Animal Protection Regulations, NLR 35/12, as amended.
The Town is asking owners to be responsible for their pets and to respect the Town’s Regulations on the matter. For more information on the Town’s Dog/Cat Regulations click below:
The safety and well being of pets is of utmost importance to the Town as well. With Seasonal current temperatures, Dog and Cat Owners are reminded of Animal Safety Tips from the
HVGB SPCA:
1. Never let your Dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and easily become lost.
2. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he/she comes in of the rain, snow, or ice. Check his/her sensitive paw pads, which may bleed from snow or ice encrusted in them. Also, salt, antifreeze, or other chemicals could hurt your dog if he/she ingests them while licking their paws.
3. If you own a short-haired breed, consider getting a warm coat or sweater for your dog. Look for one with a high collar or turtle neck that covers your dog from the base of the tail on top and to the belly underneath. While this may seem to be a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.
4. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. Your companion animal could freeze to death.
5. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him/her outdoors only long enough to relieve themselves.
6. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to house train during the winter. If necessary, paper train your puppy inside if they appear to be sensitive to the weather.
7. If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase their supply of food, particularly protein, to keep their fur thick and healthy.
8. Antifreeze, even in very tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Because of its sweet taste, dogs are attracted to it. Be sure to, thoroughly, clean up any spills from your vehicle. Call your Veterinarian at 896-2627 or the Animal Poison Center at 1-888-426-4435 (free) if you suspect your animal has ingested poison.
9. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat in a longer style, which provides more warmth. Remember that such a style will require more frequent brushing due to dry winter air and static electricity. When you bathe your dog, make sure they are completely dry before taking them out for a walk.
10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep far away from all drafts and off the floor, such as in a dog or cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow in it.
