Consultation outcome

Project page updated April 2025

Background

Council is required by legislation to review the bylaws and policy, and it’s a great opportunity to check in with the community to make sure they are working well and consider any feedback on the proposed changes.  The Animal Nuisance Bylaw was last reviewed in 2013, while the Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy was last reviewed in 2015.

During September and October 2024, we asked for public feedback on proposed changes to our Animal Nuisance Bylaw, Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw, which outline the rules and guidelines for the keeping of dogs and other animals, bees and poultry in Hamilton. The key proposed changes included:

  • setting minimum housing standards for dogs
  • adjusting the Off Lead and Prohibited Areas Register to increase dog park provision in Hamilton
  • removing the annual renewal requirement for multiple dog permits and requiring variations for amendments instead (i.e. adding a new dog to the permit)
  • making it clearer that residents must house their animals on private property only.

What we heard from the community

During community consultation from 18 September – 18 October 2024, 308 submissions were received from the community and organisations. Generally, responses from the community were overwhelmingly in favour of the proposed changes to the Animal Control Bylaw, Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy.

Read the Submissions Insights Report

Key insights:

Decision made

Based on the feedback received during consultation, the proposed changes were included in the final draft of the policy and bylaws. Council approved the adoption of the revised Hamilton City Animal Nuisance Bylaw, Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy at its 20 March 2025 meeting.

The revised Animal Nuisance Bylaw will apply from 31 March 2025, while the revised Dog Control Bylaw and Policy will come into effect on 1 July 2025.

20 March 2025 Council meeting:

We asked

Overview

Council is seeking feedback on the review of the Animal Nuisance Bylaw, Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw. Before any final decisions are made, we’d like to have your input.
Read the Statement of Proposal open in new window

Please also review the document library to read the proposed changes to each policy and bylaw.

About the bylaws and policy

The Animal Nuisance Bylaw, Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy outline rules and guidelines for the keeping of animals, bees and poultry in Hamilton.

Council is required by legislation to review the bylaws and policy, and it’s a great opportunity to check in with the community to make sure they are working well and consider any feedback on the proposed changes.  The Animal Nuisance Bylaw was last reviewed in 2013, while the Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy was last reviewed in 2015.

What we are consulting on

Council is consulting on the intention to continue the Animal Nuisance Bylaw, Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw with proposed changes, and in compliance with the LGA 2002. Below are the options for each bylaw and policy that we want your feedback on.

More details about the proposed changes can be viewed in the full Statement of Proposal and the document library available above.

You can choose to give feedback on Animal Nuisance, Dog Control or both!

Document library

Have your say
Next steps

Staff will collect and analyse all feedback at the close of the submission period.

The analysis of this feedback will be presented to the 4 December 2024 meeting of the Hearings and Engagement Committee. At this meeting, submitters who want to speak to their written submission will be able to do so.

Council will then consider all the views and make a decision on the Policy and Bylaws.