Animal Cruelty
Standards of Animal Care in Delta
Delta's Animal Control Bylaw ensures that dogs and other pets are treated humanely.
The Delta Community Animal Shelter, Animal Control Officers enforce the Bylaw to ensure that pets are properly cared for. Owners should be aware that fines and penalties can be levied, ranging from $100.00 to a maximum of $2,000.00.
What are the basic standards of care outlined in the bylaw?
All pet owners must provide their pets with:
- Clean drinking water at all times
- Clean food and water dishes
- Suitable food, of sufficient quantity and quality, to allow for normal growth and the maintenance of normal body weight
- Regular exercise sufficient to maintain good health, including the opportunity to be away from a fixed area
- Necessary veterinary medical care
Are there standards of care related to animals kept outside?
Animals kept outside, for short to extended periods of time are to be provided with outside shelter that:
- Ensures protection from heat, cold, and wet
- Allows the animal to turn about freely, and to easily sit, stand, or lay down
- Provides sufficient shade from direct sun
- Is regularly cleaned
- Any excreta (feces or urine) is removed and properly disposed of daily.
What guidelines are provided in the bylaw related to tying up an animal?
An animal may not be tied to a fixed object, where a choke collar, or rope, or chain, forms part of the securing apparatus. The animal must also be able to reach water, have appropriate shelter and be able to stand up and turn around naturally. Animals are not to be tied in any place that is public (directly or implied) and left unattended. Dogs are only allowed to be tethered for 4 hours in a 24 hour period.
Does the bylaw outline animals confined to enclosed spaces such as a car?
Yes, any animal confined in an enclosed space, including a car, must be supplied with adequate ventilation and water.
With reference to animals kept for short to extended periods of time in vehicles, the Delta Community Animal Shelter would encourage all pet owners to leave their animal(s) at home on sunny days, where they will be more comfortable.
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