COMMUNITY SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP IN AKWESASNE

The Akwesasne Compliance Department is committed to ensuring the peace, safety, and well-being of all community members, elders, families, and pets.

Responsible dog ownership helps support shared spaces and healthy communities. Please review the following local requirements and by-laws:

Key Responsibilities as a Dog Owner

• Keep Dogs Secured: Under the Emergency Interim Dog Control Regulation, your dog must be kept under control at all times. Allowing a dog to roam freely in neighbourhoods or on public grounds (such as school grounds, clinics, or daycares) constitutes an offence.
• Vaccinations & Living Areas: Owners are legally required to provide proper care, including adequate food, water, shelter, and up-to-date vaccinations. Failing to provide proper living areas or failing to maintain proper vaccination records can result in an "Improper Care of Dog" charge.
• Preventing Aggression: Aggressive dogs pose a significant risk to public safety. If your dog shows aggressive tendencies, it must be securely restrained and kept away from the general public to prevent highly dangerous biting incidents.
• Preventing Unwanted Litters: We strongly encourage all residents to spay or neuter their dogs to prevent overpopulation.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to properly manage your domestic animals can lead to enforcement actions:

Financial & Legal Liability: Owners are strictly liable for any property damage or physical injuries caused by their dog when it is not under control. Victims have the right to seek compensation through the Akwesasne Mohawk Court. Additionally, repeat offences or violations of the Control of Dogs By-Law can result in a fine of $1,000, a term of imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both.

Seizure and Surrender: Under our current operating procedures, the Compliance Department can seize loose or aggressive dogs that pose a risk to the community. Captured dogs are taken to a holding facility. If an animal is not claimed by its owner within four (4) days, it will officially be deemed a surrender and transferred to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).