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Town of St. Marys making changes to Animal By-law

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The Town of St. Marys is introducing a new Animal Control By-law to protect the well-being of its residents and their furry friends. The by-law was approved by Town Council on May 23, 2023, and will take effect on August 1, 2023.

Under the new by-law, residents will be allowed to keep up to three dogs and three cats in their home. They will not be allowed to keep livestock, farm animals, or any animals used for agricultural purposes.

Those who currently house these animals have until May 22, 2025, to comply with the new by-law; however, this compliance period could be shortened or cancelled if the Town receives complaints about the animals.

The Town is also reminding residents about local animal control services.

Animal Control

The Stratford Perth Humane Society provides animal control services for St. Marys. Residents are encouraged to contact the Humane Society at 519-273-6600 to report:

  • Violations of the Town’s Animal Control By-law
  • A dog running at large
  • A dog bite or aggressive dog
  • A sick or injured dog, cat or small wild animal
  • A lost or found pet
  • A stray dog, cat or small domestic animal

The Stratford Perth Humane Society also offers emergency after hours services for sick or injured dogs, cats and small wildlife, and vicious dogs. To access emergency after hours services, call 519-273-6600 and follow the prompts.

Additional information about animal control services in St. Marys is available at www.townofstmarys.com/animalcontrol.

Pet Licenses

Pet owners in St. Marys are required to register their dogs and cats each year. Licenses can be purchased online (www.townofstmarys.com/petlicences) or in person at Town Hall or the Municipal Operations Centre.

Carcass Removal

For assistance with animal carcass removal, contact the Town at 519-284-2340, ext. 221.

Animal Cruelty

To report cases of animal cruelty, abandonment or neglect, call the Province of Ontario's 24/7 Hotline at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625). In an emergency, contact Stratford Police at 9-1-1.

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Contact

Jenna McCartney | Clerk
519-284-2340, ext. 212 | jmccartney@town.stmarys.on.ca