Animal Control

The Township of McGarry enforces By-Laws around animal control.

Our Animal Control By-Law governs the licensing and regulations of animals in McGarry Township.

Please be aware that when you own a pet it is YOUR responsibility to not allow the pet to disturb your neighbors or other people in the community. No person shall allow their pet to run at large within the Town Boundaries. A dog or cat is considered at large when not on the owner's property and is not on a leash.

License Regulations

The Township of McGarry regulates and provides licensing of dogs. All dogs in McGarry Township must be registered and a numbered metal tag will be provided at a fee.

pets must wear the tag on its collar at all times
limit of 3 dogs or 3 cats per dwelling within areas zoned residential
refer to our Animal Control By-Law for additional details and exceptions

Tags expire on December 31 and must be renewed annually. Tagging your pet increases the chance of it being returned to its owner should it stray.

The fine for failing to affix a tag is $50.00.

How to Apply

Dog Tag Fees:

$20.00 Neutered (Proof Required)

$25.00 Not Neutered

Replacement Tags - $10.00

complete your form online or visit the township office
payment may be made in person, mailed, or by phone
your tag is available for pickup upon payment or can be mailed to you (a postage fee will be added to your payment).

Municipal Office Hours:

Monday - Friday

8:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed noon to 1:00 pm)

On-line Form

Lost and Found Pets

A stray animal has shown up at your house:

Call the Township between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Include a picture or description of the pet. Report a tag number if available.

If the animal you find is in critical condition from a vehicle accident and is immobile from the injury or has visual bleeding wounds, contact the Ontario Provincial Police.

Your pet has gone missing:

Call the Township between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Include a picture or description of your pet and a tag number if available.

Lost and found pets are reported to the By-Law Officer and are posted to the Township's Facebook account.

It's The Law!

The Dog Owner Alert page emphasizes Leash / Scoop compliance.

Violation of leash or scoop laws will result in a fine of $50.00.

Dog Owner Alert

Sign that shows man with dog saying please clean up and leash your dog

^Complaints

Many issues may be solved by having a simple chat with the pet owner. File a complaint if a discussion with the owner doesn’t resolve the situation or if you are uncomfortable speaking to this person.

Pet owners are subject to fines if the By-Law Officer has spoken to the owner and the problem persists.

Complaint Form

Animal Control By-Law

The Township of McGarry does have a dog pound which has been closed. We are also pursuing the practicality of having a dedicated Animal Control By-Law Officer. Additional information will be posted as we learn more.

Reporting wildlife and animal abuse

We do not remove wildlife from private property. Property owners should contact a licensed pest control service to assist with the removal of wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks and foxes. If you or your pet has come in contact with a wild animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical attention and contact the Kirkland Lake District Health Unit at 705-567-9355.

Bear Sightings

Call 911 if you feel a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety and:

Enters a school yard when school is in session
Enters or tries to enter a residence
Wanders into a public gathering
Kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site
Stalks people and lingers at the site

In non-emergencies, call the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (between April 1 and November 30). Visit the Bear Wise website for tips on preventing bear encounters and how to take community action.

Animal Abuse

To report an animal welfare concern, contact:

Ontario Provincial Police at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625)
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Your local Ontario SPCA Animal Centre, affiliated humane society or police

Officers operate on a complaints basis. Help the investigating officer by providing as many details as possible, including the type of cruelty witnessed, the date of the incident, where it took place, and who was involved. All information remains confidential.