Kennel Licensing

Be sure you have a kennel licence permit before starting your kennel!

The Municipality of West Elgin no longer issues dog tags or charge annual licencing fees.  Animal Control is covered thru the tax rate.  

Stray Dogs

To report stray dogs in the Municipality of West Elgin please call the by law officer at 519-785-0560 ext. 227 on Fridays (8:30am-4:30pm) or the Southwest Middlesex Animal Shelter at 519-902-4947.

Dangerous Dogs

A dangerous dog is a dog that has bitten or injured a human being or domestic animal; or that has been threatening or aggressive towards a human being or domestic animal.

For more information, please see the by-law here.

Dog Barking Incidents

The Municipality recognizes that at certain times, by-law contraventions can negatively impact quality of life and disturb activities. When the Municipality receives a complaint regarding excessive or persistent noise, especially with regard to the barking of a dog, there are steps that may be necessary, including a log of incidents.  For more information please see the Barking Dog Incident Process. 

Cats

West Elgin does not licence cats, nor have stray cat management services.

Coyotes

People and wildlife live side by side and coyote sightings are common place in rural Ontario, even in built up areas.  If you see a coyote, keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you.  

If you encounter an aggressive coyote please report this to OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-387-7011.

More Information and Fact Sheets:

Encounters with Coyotes

Coyote Proofing Your Property

Coyote Human Interactions - Best Practices

Protecting Your Property from Wildlife

For more information on managing and preventing conflicts with coyotes please see the Ministry of Natural Resources Webpage

Sick or Injured Wildlife (includes raccoons, skunks, etc...)

Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre can help you, if you find wildlife that is in distress. Please contact them right away so the animal can get the help it needs.
Phone: 519 264-2440
Email: admin@salthaven.org

OPP non emergency line 1-888-310-1122 or Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-387-7011

AVIAN INFLUENZA:
There is a current rise in H5N1 Avian Influenza Cases. If you discover a deceased wild bird in your backyard or park, do not handle the animal, and call the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre at 1-800-673-4781. For more information visit The Ministry of Health and Longterm Care Website here.

Lost Pets

To report a lost pet, contact Southwest Middlesex Animal Shelter at 519-902-4947. If the pet has already been called-in or picked-up by By-Law Control, they may be able to identify your animal right away. Lost pets are posted here.

Animal Welfare

Animal Cruelty and Welfare is regulated by the Province of Ontario.  For more information about Animal Welfare in Ontario.  To report Animal abuse or cruelty please call 1-833-926-4625.