Town reminds dog owners to follow local animal welfare rules

Brent Jones
October 11, 2025 at 5:54 AM

The Town of Fort Erie is reminding residents to understand and comply with the community’s animal welfare bylaw after a local resident was fined for failing to meet the conditions of a dangerous dog order.

In a public notice issued October 10, the Town said a Fort Erie resident was convicted at the Welland Provincial Offences Courthouse on September 25 under Animal Welfare By-law No. 73-2021. The court imposed more than $3,000 in fines after animal control officers found the resident had not complied with safety conditions tied to a previous dangerous dog designation.

“These conditions may include specific fencing, signage, muzzling, and leash requirements, among others,” the Town said in its release. “This case is an essential reminder that Dangerous Dog Orders have legal obligations, not optional guidelines.”

According to By-law No. 73-2021, which governs animal care and control within Fort Erie, “no owner shall permit a dangerous dog to be off the owner’s property without a muzzle and leash” and such animals must be “securely confined within a building or in an enclosed area in accordance with the Town’s requirements.”

The bylaw also requires owners of dogs under a dangerous dog order to post warning signs and ensure adequate insurance coverage.

The Town’s release said the bylaw is designed to protect both the public and other animals, emphasizing that “the courts treat non-compliance with these orders seriously.”

Fort Erie’s animal control officers investigate incidents involving aggressive or dangerous animals and may issue dangerous dog orders when an animal poses a risk to safety. The Town said it encourages all dog owners to familiarize themselves with the bylaw to avoid penalties and ensure responsible ownership.