For Residents

Restricted Dogs

Special regulations apply to some dogs, in addition to all other pet regulations, to protect public safety. The dogs that must follow these additional regulations are called “restricted dogs.”

It is not illegal to own a restricted dog in Edmonton, as long as all regulations are followed.

Definition of Restricted Dog

Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw defines a "restricted dog" as any dog that:

Has chased, attacked or bitten any person or animal causing physical injury and resulting in a conviction under this bylaw.
Has chased, attacked or bitten any person or animal on more than one occasion, with or without causing physical injury, and resulting in separate convictions under this bylaw.
Has been the subject of an order under the
Alberta Dangerous Dogs Act.
Is certified by an Alberta licensed veterinarian to be primarily of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed, as defined by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Is certified by an Alberta licensed veterinarian to be primarily of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed, as defined by the Canadian Kennel Club.

Note: The restricted dog definition does NOT include any dog that is registered, or eligible for registration, with the Canadian Kennel Club as a purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier.

Regulations and Fines

If you own or are caring for a restricted dog, there are special regulations that apply. Failure to comply with the regulations result in the following fines:

Regulation	Description	Fine
Licence	The licence fee for a restricted dog is $250 per year and the dog must have a valid licence.	$500
Insurance	You must have a minimum of $1 million liability insurance that specifically covers damages for personal injury caused by the restricted dog.	$500
Off Property of Owner	If you take the restricted dog off your property, you must ensure it is: Under control Muzzled Held on a leash no longer than two metres	$500
On Property of Owner	When the restricted dog is on your own property, you must have it kept one of the following ways at all times: Indoors Outdoors, secured in a fully enclosed pen Outdoors, muzzled and secured by a chain fixed to the property that prevents the restricted dog from coming closer than two metres to the apparent boundary of the property	$500
Attacks*	Property damage Chase, attack or bite any person or animal Chase, attack or bite any person or animal causing physical injury	$500 $500 $2500