Dog Licences

If you own a dog in the Township of West Lincoln, you are required to purchase a licence every year for your dog(s). You are not allowed to have more than three dogs over the age of 10 weeks on any property unless grandfathered under our Animal Control By-law. If you own more than three dogs, you may qualify for a kennel licence. 

How do I license my dog?

Dog licensing in West Lincoln is managed by DocuPet Inc. You can license your pet online, over the phone, by mail, or in person.

License My Dog Online     Download PDF Application Form

DocuPet offers a Lost and Found Pet Service and a Rewards Program. Visit DocuPet's website to learn more about their dog licensing services.

In person: To license your dog, download a copy of the PDF Application Form above. Bring your completed application and payment to one of the following locations:

  • Township Office - 318 Canborough Street, Smithville (Only accepts debit, cash and cheque)
  • The Niagara Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society- 60 Provincial Street, Welland

By mail: To license your dog, download a copy of the PDF Application Form above. Mail your completed application and payment to the following location:

  • The Niagara Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society - 60 Provincial Street, Welland

Licensing fees

Early purchase rates are available from November 1 to December 31. Regular rates apply for the rest of the year. Please note rates may change each year. 

Dog licensing fees:

  • Unspayed or unneutered dog: $25 early purchase discount rate or $30 regular rate
  • Spayed or neutered dog: $14 early purchase discount rate or $17 regular rate
  • Vicious dog: $100
Other fees:
  • Replacement of lost or destroyed dog tag - $3
  • Application for Hearing Fee - $150

When will my pet tag arrive?

Usually, you will receive your pet tag in the mail 10 to 12 business days after your order is processed.

Fines

Licences are required for all dogs living in the Township. Licences must be renewed every year before the expiration date. Failure to present a valid licence will result in a fine of $120.

Picking up dog waste

Whoever has control of the dog (usually the owner or dog walker) is responsible for picking up after the dog. Always bring disposable bags when walking your dog in the Township.

Dangerous dogs

If you are an owner of a dog that has attacked a person or an animal without reason, it may be deemed a “dangerous dog”. These steps should be taken to prevent future attacks:

  • Muzzling
  • Tethering
  • Pen confinement
  • Display of dangerous dog sign

For more information on dangerous dogs, please review our Animal Control By-law.

Backyard Chickens

Chickens on a small scale basis accessory to residential use, often referred to as "backyard chickens," are permitted, subject to the regulations below, on residential lots in the hamlet and agricultural areas of West Lincoln.

Backyard chickens are prohibited on residential lots in Smithville.

Definitions

Backyard Chickens means a hen (female chicken at least four months old) kept for companionship as a pet or for the purpose of providing food for the personal consumption of occupants of a main dwelling on the same lot, and shall not include roosters, waterfowl or other non-domesticated birds.

Chicken Run means a covered, fully fenced and secure enclosure that allows hens access to the outdoors from the coop.

Coop means a fully enclosed, locking, weatherproof structure where hens are kept and the interior of which contains nest boxes for egg laying, roosts for hens to sleep on and containers for food and water.

Regulations

Backyard chickens are regulated through the Township's Zoning By-law and Animal Care and Control By-law. Failure to comply with regulations for backyard chickens will result in a $250 fine.

  • No person shall keep backyard chickens except where permitted and in accordance with these regulations, and regulations and standards of the Animal Care and Control By-law 2023-54, as amended from time to time:
    • Maximum of six (6) hens are permitted per lot.
    • Required enclosures (coop and run) shall not exceed 3 metres in height.
    • Required enclosures (coop and run) shall be located in the rear yard.
    • Required enclosures (coop and run) shall be a minimum of 3 metres from all lot lines.
    • Combined floor area of the coop and run shall not exceed 15 square metres.
    • Roosters are prohibited.
    • The slaughter or processing of backyard chickens is prohibited on site.

Enclosure and Care Regulations

  • Coops shall provide protection from weather and be adequately ventilated.
  • Coops and runs shall be constructed and maintained to exclude rodents and predators from entry.
  • Coop floors and runs shall consist of vegetation, bare earth or a combination of both or lined with shavings, straw or other appropriate materials to absorb manure and facilitate cleaning.
  • Hen coops shall provide a minimum of 0.37 square metres for each hen.
  • Hen runs shall provide a minimum of 0.93 square metres for each hen.
  • Hens shall be confined to a hen coop or hen run at all times. No free roaming hens are permitted.
  • Hens shall be provided with appropriate food, water, space and environmental conditions conducive to good health. Feeders and water containers shall be provided and regularly cleaned and disinfected.
  • Feed shall be stored in rodent proof containers and shall be secured at all times to prevent rodents and other animals form accessing it. Leftover feed shall be promptly removed from and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
  • Deceased hens shall be disposed of at a livestock disposal facility, through the services of a veterinarian, or through a facility approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and in accordance with all applicable laws within 24 hours of death.
  • Shall comply with the Section 3.8.3 of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2017-70, as amended, and its successor thereto.

Manure Storage Regulations

  • Manure shall be stored in an enclosed container no more than 3 cubic metres of manure stored at any one time.
  • Manure must be maintained in a clean condition and shall be kept free of odours.
  • Manure that is kept for composting or fertilizing shall be stored in an enclosed structure or container such as compost bin. Manure not used for composting or fertilizing or in excess of three (3) cubic feet shall be promptly removed and disposed of in an appropriate manner.

Egg safety

Eggs provide essential nutrients that are part of a healthy eating pattern. But like all foods, they should be produced, handled, and prepared with care to minimize the risk of food poisoning.

Please visit the Government of Canada's Egg Safety page to learn about the following:

Health Canada establishes regulations and standards relating to the safety and nutritional quality of foods sold in Canada. Through inspection and enforcement activities, provincial governments and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency work to ensure that steps taken by producers and importers have been effective and that the foods available to Canadians are safe.

Licencing

Those wishing to keep backyard chickens on residential lots in the permitted areas of West Lincoln (hamlets and agricultural area, not Smithville) are not required to obtain a licence.

Enforcement and fines

Enforcement is carried out on a complaint basis through the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society. To file a complaint about backyard chickens, please contact Niagara SPCA and Humane Society at 1-888-222-0568.

Failure to comply with regulations for backyard chickens will result in a $250 fine.

Prohibited Animals

The Animal Control By-law establishes a list of animals prohibited to be kept either temporarily or permanently; exemptions apply. This list is subject to amendment.

Prohibited animals that were lawfully kept within the municipal boundaries of West Lincoln prior to July 17, 2023, are considered "grandfathered in" and must be registered with the Township of West Lincoln. Failure to register a grandfathered Prohibited animal will result in a fine of $150.

Please complete the form below to register your grandfathered Prohibited animal. If you keep more than one grandfathered Prohibited animal, you must complete one form for each of them.

Prohibited Animal Registration