UNDERSTANDING DOG CONTROL ENFORCEMENT IN AKWESASNE

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) is reminding community members about the enforcement process used to address dogs running at large and other violations under the Emergency Interim Dog Control Regulation and the Control of Dogs By-Law.

The enforcement process is intended to encourage responsible pet ownership, protect public safety, and reduce repeated incidents affecting residents, community services, and emergency responders.

First Incident

For a first-time complaint involving a stray or unrestrained dog, a Compliance Officer will investigate the report and, where possible, contact the owner.

Depending on the circumstances, the owner may receive:

• A verbal warning explaining the applicable by-law requirements; 
• A first Notice of Animal Interference; or
• A Door Knock Notice and first notice of animal interference if the owner is unavailable.

Owners are expected to immediately secure their dog to prevent further incidents. If a dog is impounded, the standard $50 fee will apply.

Second Incident

If a second complaint involving the same dog is received within one year, or the owner fails to correct the issue, further enforcement action may be taken.

This may include:

• A written warning or by-law ticket;
• A second Notice of Animal Interference (where home services have been affected);
• Impoundment of the dog if it is found running at large; and
• A requirement for a Compliance Officer to inspect the property before certain community services are restored where service delivery has been affected. 

A second impoundment within one year carries an additional $50 penalty fee.

Third Incident

If a third complaint involving the same dog occurs within one year, or if there is a repeat dog bite incident, or continued non-compliance following two prior warnings, further enforcement action will be taken.

This may include:

• Issuance of a by-law ticket;
• Referral of the matter to the Akwesasne Court;
• Service of an Animal Interference – Remedy for Continuation of Services letter, where applicable.

Where community services have been impacted, this letter outlines the conditions required for services to safely continue or resume, and may result in the suspension of local delivery services to the property until compliance measures are in place.

Consequences may include:

• A $100 penalty fee for a third impoundment.
• Fines of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both upon summary conviction under Section 7A of the Control of Dogs By-Law; and
• Continued suspension of services until the safety concerns are resolved.

Unclaimed animals will be held for a maximum of four days before being made available for adoption or humanely euthanized.

Dog Bite Incidents

Please note that dog bite incidents do not follow the standard enforcement process outlined above. Due to the risk to public safety and potential rabies exposure, any reported dog bite is treated as a priority. Biting incidents result in an immediate 10-day quarantine and the issuance of a ticket.

Responsible pet ownership helps keep our community, neighbours, service providers, and pets safe. Community members are encouraged to keep dogs properly contained and ensure they do not roam at large.