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City of Rossland

New Pet Rules Coming to Rossland? 🐕🐔

Should you be able to keep 15 chickens in your backyard? How many dogs per property is too many?

Rossland Council is considering a major update to animal control rules affecting every pet owner. The new bylaw covers licensing, chicken coops, and downtown leash zones.

This could change how you care for your pets 🏠

Why Update the Animal Control Rules?

  • 📅 Current bylaw from 2020 needs strengthening and clarity

  • ⚖️ Better alignment with provincial legislation required

  • 🐕 Clearer definitions needed for 'aggressive' vs 'vicious' dogs

Why Update the Animal Control Rules?

  • 🏠 Animal welfare standards need improvement

  • 🐓 No current rules for backyard chickens in residential areas

  • 👮 Enforcement gaps identified by city staff

Major Changes for Dog Owners

  • 🏷️ All dogs over 4 months must be licensed annually

  • 🔗 Dogs must be leashed in downtown core areas

  • 🏠 Maximum 4 dogs per property

Major Changes for Dog Owners

  • 📍 Aggressive/vicious dogs need microchips and special licenses

  • 🚫 No choke collars, chains, or neck tethering allowed

  • 🧹 Immediate cleanup of waste required in public places

Backyard Chickens Now Allowed! 🐔

  • 🏠 Up to 15 hens permitted in residential areas

  • 🚫 Roosters still prohibited (unless agricultural zoning)

  • 🏗️ Must provide 0.5m² per hen in coop, 0.9m² in enclosure

Backyard Chickens Now Allowed! 🐔

  • 📍 Property owner must live there or have written permission

  • 🚫 No slaughtering or burying chickens on property

  • 🔒 Secure food storage required to prevent attracting wildlife

Enforcement Gets Tougher

$50-500
Fine ranges with 50% early payment discounts (1-14 days). Maximum prosecution penalty can reach $50,000 under provincial law. Animal Control Officers get expanded authority including right of entry for inspections and ability to designate dogs as aggressive or vicious.

What do you think about these proposed animal control changes? Are the new chicken rules a good idea? Are the dog limits fair? Should fines be higher or lower?

How to Have Your Say

First Reading: This Monday's Council meeting What happens next: If approved for first reading, there will be opportunities for public input before final adoption

Get involved:

  • Attend Council meetings
  • Submit written comments to City Hall
  • Contact your councillors directly

This bylaw affects every pet owner in Rossland - make sure your voice is heard! 📢

#animals#pets#bylaws#dogs#chickens#licensing#enforcement
Sep 15, 2025