Visit the links on this page to get the facts about legislation in place to prevent animal cruelty and to promote the humane treatment of animals.
Criminal Code of Canada - Cruelty to Animals
In Part XI of the Criminal Code, Wilful and Forbidden Acts in Respect of Certain Property, Section 446-1 states that it is a federal offence to "wilfully
cause or permit to be caused, being the owner, unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or by wilful neglect, cause damage or injury to animals
while they are being driven or conveyed." In Ontario, Inspectors and Agents of the Ontario SPCA can and do lay charges under the Criminal Code in cases
of severe cruelty or neglect.
Ontario SPCA Act
In Ontario, animal cruelty investigations by the Ontario SPCA are governed by provincial legislation called the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act or Ontario SPCA Act. Inspectors and agents appointed under the Act have the authority of police officers when enforcing laws pertaining to the welfare of animals. The Ontario SPCA operates on a complaint basis and may be reached at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722).
Dog Owners' Liability Act
An Act designating dog owners (or the parents/guardians of owners who are minors) responsibility for bites or attacks by their dog on a person or other domestic animal. An exclusion may be made if the bite or attack occurred on a person in the process of committing a criminal act or in the destruction of the owner's property. The Act covers all breeds of dogs but has specific regulations for pit bull owners including a mandatory requirement for all dogs to be muzzled and
leashed off the owner's property. In case of a dog bite or attack, the Ontario Court of Justice may order one of the following: destruction of the dog; measures
for more effective control; confinement; leash; muzzle and prohibition of the individual from dog ownership for a specified period of time. The Dog Owners' Liability
Act is enforced by local municipalities and police forces.
Animal Bylaws
Visit the links below to learn more about animal bylaws within the City of Barrie and surrounding areas.
License your pet!
Please purchase your dog or cat license from your municipality. Barrie and Innisfil information below.
Barrie City Hall
70 Collier Street
Barrie, ON L4M 4T5
Phone: 705-726-4242
Innisfil Town Office
2147 Innisfil Beach Road
Innisfil, ON L9S 1A1
Phone: 705-436-3710
Cats
$10 (if cat spayed/neutered)
$35 (if cat unaltered)
*Note: License fee is waived for seniors.
Dogs
$20 (if dog spayed/neutered) $15 (if dog has a tattoo or is microchipped)
$35 (if dog unaltered) $30 (if dog has a tattoo or is microchipped)
*Note: License fee is waived for seniors.