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Proposed Animal Care and Control Bylaw
The Town of Gibsons is proposing a new Animal Care and Control Bylaw to replace the existing Dog Licensing and Regulation Bylaw 2002.
The new bylaw modernizes animal-related regulations, expands coverage beyond dogs, and introduces clear standards for animal welfare, control, and licensing. It reflects best practices from the BC SPCA and other local governments and supports responsible pet ownership and community safety.
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Draft Bylaw Overview
Why Update the Bylaw?
The current bylaw dates back to 2002 and focuses only on dogs. The proposed update:
- Expands to include all animals, not just dogs.
- Updates rules to align with modern animal welfare standards.
- Introduces clear, enforceable provisions for animal care, safety, and licensing.
- Adjusts fees and penalties that have not changed in over 20 years.
Key Highlights of the Draft Bylaw
- Animal Welfare:
Sets minimum standards for food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and humane treatment. Prohibits neglect, cruelty, and unsafe tethering or transport of animals. - Cats:
Introduces new requirements for outdoor cats, including spay/neuter and identification. Prohibits cats from causing nuisance on neighbouring properties. - Dogs:
Maintains licensing requirements, updates definitions for Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs, and adds restrictions for barking, tethering, and dogs in public spaces - Prohibited Animals:
Lists animals not suitable for urban areas, including wolf-hybrids and certain exotic species. - Licensing Fees:
Proposed increases to $25 (spayed/neutered) and $50 (unaltered) per dog.
What’s Changed?
| Topic | 2002 Bylaw | 2025 Bylaw | Change Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Dogs only | All animals | Broad expansion of coverage. |
| Animal Welfare |  None |
 Yes |
Introduces standards for food, water, shelter, veterinary care, prohibits neglect, cruelty, abandonment, and unsafe tethering. |
| Cats | None |
Yes |
Requires outdoor cats to be spayed/neutered, identified, and not cause nuisance. |
| Prohibited Animals | None |
Yes |
Lists animals not permitted (e.g., wolf-hybrids, exotic or wild animals). |
| Aggressive vs. Dangerous Dogs | Single “dangerous dog” definition | Tiered system | Adds “Aggressive Dog” category allowing owners remediation; expands “Dangerous Dog” restrictions (signage, muzzles, bans in certain areas). |
| Noise (Barking) | Limited | Explicitly defined | Now limits barking to ≤15 minutes. |
| Tethering | Not addressed | Restricted | Max 5 hours/24h; aligns with SPCA guidelines. |
| Animals in Vehicles | Not addressed | Regulated | Requires ventilation and safety; prohibits confinement in extreme temperatures. |
| Dog Licensing | Annual tag from Town | Same structure, but review proposed | Maintains licensing; may consider self-tag option in future; increases fees ($25 spayed/neutered, $50 unaltered). |
| Number of Pets | Up to 2 dogs per parcel | 2 dogs + 4 cats max | Adds cat limit and total animal care consideration. |
| Shelter Operations | Basic impoundment section | Expanded | Aligns with SPCA service standards. |
| Penalties | Outdated | Updated | New fine schedule (up to $500) in Bylaw Notice Amendment Bylaw 1125-20. |
| Impoundment Fees | Fixed and outdated | Under review with SPCA | Will be updated in final version. |
Structural and Administrative Improvements
- Definitions: Expanded and clarified throughout for better enforcement.
- Right of Entry and Seizure: Updated to allow removal of animals in distress for veterinary care.
- Alignment: Incorporates best practices from SPCA and other BC municipalities.
- Modern Language: Replaces dated or ambiguous wording.
