Definition of Restricted Dog
At the City of Edmonton, dogs are only deemed "restricted" when convicted under the Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw for:
- Chasing, attacking or biting any person or animal causing physical injury, or
- Chasing, attacking or biting any person or animal on more than one occasion, with or without causing physical injury
Regulations applying to Restricted Dogs:
- Hold a Restricted Dog Licence (obtained annually from the Animal Care & Control Centre at $250)
- Carry liability insurance, of no less than $1 million dollars, that specifically covers damages for personal injury caused by a Restricted Dog
- When the Restricted Dog is off the property of the owner, it must be muzzled, leashed and under control, and
- When the Restricted Dog is on the property of the owner, it must be either indoors, secured in a fully enclosed pen outdoors, or muzzled and secured by a chain fixed to the property and unable to approach within two (2) metres of the apparent property line
Fines for Regulations
Restricted Dog Licence Regulation - $500 Fine
The licence fee for a dog convicted of chasing, attacking, or biting people or other animals is $250 per year. The fine for not licensing is $500.
All dog and cats in the city of Edmonton must be licensed. Although the City of Edmonton's legislation no longer restricts dogs by their breed, a valid pet licence is required from the Animal Care & Control Centre.
Insurance Regulation - $500 Fine
You must have a minimum of $1 million liability insurance that specifically covers damages for personal injury caused by the Restricted Dog.
Off Property of Owner Regulation - $500 Fine
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 (2) metres
On Property of Owner Regulation - $500 Fine
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 (2) metres to the apparent boundary of the property
Attacks Regulation* - $500 Fine
- Property damage
- Chase, attack or bite any person or animal
Attack With Injury Regulation* - $2500 Fine
- Chase, attack or bite any person or animal causing physical injury
*This section does not apply if the chase, attack, bite or damage is a direct result of the Restricted Dog being provoked.
Edmonton Humane Society Training Classes
The City of Edmonton is closely partnered with the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS). EHS offers pet owners many programs, services, training classes and one-on-one consultation to encourage responsible pet ownership, good behaviour and socialization and to help address behavioural issues.
- Consider registering for a Dog Behaviour & Modification Group class. This general training course will help you teach your dog to be a good neighbour by working on canine manners or mild behaviour concerns. Contact the Canine Enrichment Centre at 780-491-3888.
- If you have specific and more serious concerns, try a behaviour consultation with a specialized trainer. Contact the Animal Behaviour Hotline at 780-491-3521.