#animals

New Pet Rules Coming to Rossland?

Council is set to adopt a comprehensive Animal Control Bylaw that will establish new rules for pet ownership, leashing requirements, and enforcement procedures throughout the city. ๐Ÿ•

Council will consider adopting Animal Control Bylaw No. 2862, 2025 - a comprehensive municipal bylaw that will establish new regulations for animal control within the city limits.

This bylaw will be considered under Policies and Bylaws as a Request for Council Decision, indicating it's ready for formal adoption after the development process.

Should Rossland adopt new animal control regulations?

Council Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2025 immediately following the Public Hearing at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue). The Animal Control Bylaw is listed under Policies and Bylaws for council decision.

Major Pet Rules Overhaul Coming to Rossland? ๐Ÿ•

Council is set to approve Animal Control Bylaw No. 2862 - a comprehensive rewrite of pet regulations affecting every dog owner.

๐Ÿ• New licensing & leash requirements ๐Ÿ” Chicken keeping rules introduced ๐Ÿ’ฐ Higher penalties for violations

๐Ÿ“… Second & Third Readings: October 6, 2025

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Replaces current 2020 Animal Control Bylaw with expanded framework

  • ๐Ÿ“‹ Addresses gaps in clarity, enforcement, and alignment with provincial law

  • ๐Ÿก Responds to community needs around pet ownership and animal welfare

  • โš–๏ธ Introduces consistent enforcement standards and clearer definitions

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Developed through operational feedback and research from other communities

  • ๐Ÿ”– ALL dogs over 4 months MUST be licensed (was optional for some)

  • ๐Ÿท๏ธ Permanent ID required for all dogs (microchip/tattoo)

  • ๐Ÿ”— Downtown core becomes mandatory leash area

  • ๐Ÿšจ New 'Aggressive' and 'Vicious' dog designations with special requirements

  • ๐Ÿ“ Maximum 4 dogs per property (new limit)

  • ๐Ÿ” Up to 15 hens now allowed in residential areas (chickens legalized!)

  • ๐Ÿšซ Roosters prohibited unless agricultural zoning

  • ๐Ÿ  Specific coop requirements: 0.5mยฒ per hen, proper setbacks

  • ๐ŸŽ Horses restricted to designated equestrian trails only

  • ๐Ÿ„ Livestock prohibited except where zoning permits

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Fines range from $50-$500 (up from previous amounts)

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Early payment discounts available (14-day window)

  • ๐Ÿ  Animal Control Officers can enter properties for inspections

  • ๐Ÿšจ Serious animal injuries now carry $500 maximum penalty

  • ๐Ÿ“‹ Detailed ticketing schedule covers 40+ specific violations

Do you support this comprehensive update to pet regulations balancing animal welfare, public safety, and responsible ownership? What concerns do you have about the new licensing requirements, chicken keeping rules, or enforcement approach?

When: October 6, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Where: Rossland Council Chambers - 1920 Third Avenue

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Council will consider second and third readings

How to Participate: โ€ข Attend the council meeting โ€ข Submit written comments to Council โ€ข Contact your councillors directly โ€ข Public input period available at meeting start

Oct 6, 2025

New Pet Rules Coming to Rossland? ๐Ÿ•๐Ÿ”

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 ๐Ÿ 

Why Update the Animal Control Rules?

  • ๐Ÿ“… Current bylaw from 2020 needs strengthening and clarity

  • โš–๏ธ Better alignment with provincial legislation required

  • ๐Ÿ• Clearer definitions needed for 'aggressive' vs 'vicious' dogs

Why Update the Animal Control Rules?

  • ๐Ÿ  Animal welfare standards need improvement

  • ๐Ÿ“ No current rules for backyard chickens in residential areas

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฎ Enforcement gaps identified by city staff

Major Changes for Dog Owners

  • ๐Ÿท๏ธ All dogs over 4 months must be licensed annually

  • ๐Ÿ”— Dogs must be leashed in downtown core areas

  • ๐Ÿ  Maximum 4 dogs per property

Major Changes for Dog Owners

  • ๐Ÿ“ Aggressive/vicious dogs need microchips and special licenses

  • ๐Ÿšซ No choke collars, chains, or neck tethering allowed

  • ๐Ÿงน Immediate cleanup of waste required in public places

Backyard Chickens Now Allowed! ๐Ÿ”

  • ๐Ÿ  Up to 15 hens permitted in residential areas

  • ๐Ÿšซ Roosters still prohibited (unless agricultural zoning)

  • ๐Ÿ—๏ธ Must provide 0.5mยฒ per hen in coop, 0.9mยฒ in enclosure

Backyard Chickens Now Allowed! ๐Ÿ”

  • ๐Ÿ“ Property owner must live there or have written permission

  • ๐Ÿšซ No slaughtering or burying chickens on property

  • ๐Ÿ”’ 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! ๐Ÿ“ข