The County's Dog Control Bylaw #5-2015 outlines three distinct types of dogs: domestic dog (a tame dog relying on humans for survival); guard dog (a dog of any age used for security); and livestock service dog (a dog of any age used to protect livestock from predators).

If any dog, while off the owner’s property and whether or not on a leash, attacks a person or another animal, or chases or challenges a person, it can be deemed vicious. County Enforcement Officers may use any legal means to capture and restrain a vicious dog.

Only three domestic dogs are allowed per property. Livestock service dogs are not included in that number. More than three dogs (as in a kennel or boarding facility) requires a development permit.

Whether on your own property or not, your dog is not allowed to be a nuisance to any resident. By definition, nuisance includes waste and disposal of waste, trespass on another property, a threat to public safety or noise. Your dog is not allowed to howl, bark or yelp excessively or in any manner that unreasonably interferes with the use and/or enjoyment of any property.

If any dog, while off the owner’s property and whether or not on a leash, attacks a person or another animal, or chases or challenges a person, it can be deemed vicious. Enforcement Officers may use any legal means to capture and restrain a vicious dog.

Once apprehended by Enforcement Officers, dogs are held at the County's kennel facility of record: Black Paws Pet Resort located at 26106 - Township Road 552 in Sturgeon County.

Notices of all dogs apprehended by County Enforcement Officers are posted on the County's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels as soon as they are reported. If you’re missing a dog, check these channels so we can help get your pet home. If you see your dog on one of the County's social media channels, please contact the County Administration Office at 780.785.3411 (toll-free 1.866.880.5722) to make pick-up arrangements from the County's kennel of record: Black Paws Pet Resort located at 26106 - Township Road 552 in Sturgeon County.

Costs associated with boarding, plus costs for any penalties or violations incurred, will be charged to the dog owner in accordance with the County's Dog Control Bylaw 05-2015.

"There was a lot of outcry about how the rural policing model was brought down upon us by the Province; and the costs downloaded onto ratepayers. We do understand this as a County, and we know it's not going to go away. We're going to have to let it unfold a little bit more just to see exactly where it's going to land."
— Reeve Joe Blakeman