The Town of The Blue Mountains is reminding all residents that the deadline for dog licences is March 15, 2024.
All dog owners, whether residing in the community full-time or seasonally, are required to license their pets by this date.
To purchase a dog licence, residents are asked to complete the dog licence application form and return the completed form to the bylaw enforcement department by email or in person at town hall.
Residents who complete the online application can pick up their tags at town hall.
Dog tags are used in the event that a licensed dog is found at large.
Licensing fees also support initiatives such as feeding and sheltering stray dogs, providing emergency medical care for sick or injured stray dogs and immunization control and enforcement.
In addition to the licensing reminder, the municipality would like to remind residents about the leash regulations in place when using town parks and trails.
With the exception of the designated dog parks at Moreau Park and Heritage Park, all dogs must be leashed when not on their owner’s property.
Violations of this bylaw may result in a $300 fine plus associated costs.
Furthermore, failing to pick up dog excrement in public areas carries a $75 fine, plus costs.
“There has been an increase in incidents regarding unleashed dogs in the town,” said Debbie Young, interim manager of bylaw and licensing.
“We want all residents and their pets to be able to enjoy our parks and trails safely.
In response, there will be an increased presence of by-law enforcement patrolling our recreational areas.”
For more information regarding dog licensing or related by-laws, visit the town’s website here.