10/27/2025
đŸ Public Announcement â Project Roaming PawsđŸ
Whapmagoostui First Nation Animal Control Department
The Whapmagoostui Animal Control Department is launching Project Roaming Paws, a new community safety initiative aimed at ending the problem of roaming dogs within the community. This project will be carried out under the authority of Article 12.1 to 12.10 of the Animal Care and Control By-Law No. 2020-340, which clearly states:
Running at Large
12.1 No owner of a dog may permit the dog to run at large.
12.2 For the purposes of this law,
âą (a) a dog other than a female dog in heat will be deemed to be running at large if found in a public place and
1. (i) not securely leashed or tethered, or
2. (ii) not contained within an enclosed area, including a fence of an appropriate height for the breed of the dog, in a manner such that the dog is unable to come into contact with persons or other animals, and
âą (b) a female dog in heat will be deemed to be running at large if found in any public place and
1. (i) not attached to a leash, and
2. (ii) not actively under the control of any person.
12.3 Notwithstanding subsection 12.2(a), a dog other than a female dog in heat will not be deemed to be running at large for the sole reason that it is not securely leashed, tethered or contained within an enclosed area if the dog is being actively used by a person for the purpose of traditional hunting or trapping activities or for a traditional dog team and is under the control of that person.
Dangerous Dogs
12.4 No owner of a dog may permit the dog to bite or attack another person or domestic animal.
12.5 The WFN may declare a dog to be dangerous if that dog
âą (a) bites or attacks a person or domestic animal,
âą (b) has shown a tendency or disposition to attack or endanger the safety of persons or domestic animals,
âą (c) approaches a person in a fierce or vicious manner, when unmuzzled, unleashed or unattended, or
âą (d) is owned, kept or trained for the purpose of fighting.
12.6 Any pit-bull type dog will be deemed a dangerous dog for the purposes of this law.
12.7 Notwithstanding section 12.5, no dog may be declared dangerous if the threat, injury or damage was sustained
âą (a) by a person who
1. (i) was trespassing or committing an offence upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog,
2. (ii) was teasing, tormenting, abusing or threatening the dog or its owner, or
3. (iii) has in the past been seen or reported to have teased, tormented, abused or attacked the dog or its owner or keeper, or
âą (b) by another animal that
1. (i) was trespassing upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog,
2. (ii) was teasing, tormenting, abusing or attacking the dog or its owner,
3. (iii) has in the past been seen or reported to have teased, tormented, abused or attacked the dog or its owner, or
4. (iv) was accompanying a person engaged in activities described in subsection (a).
12.8 Where, following an investigation, the WFN determines that a dog is dangerous, the WFN will serve notice of such decision upon the owner of the dog.
12.9 In a decision made pursuant to section 12.8, the WFN may require that a dangerous dog
âą (a) be muzzled, whenever not inside the residence of the owner, to prevent it from biting any person or domestic animal,
âą (b) be kept within an enclosed area, including a fence of an appropriate height for the breed of the dog, in such a manner that the dog is unable to come into contact with persons or other animals, or
âą (c) both of the above.
12.10 Every owner of a dog that has been declared dangerous must comply with the requirements imposed under section 12.8.
Project Roaming Paws represents a decisive step toward safer streets, healthier pets, and greater respect for our shared public spaces. Too often, dogs left to roam freely cause fear, injuries, vehicle accidents, and the spread of disease. Our goal is not to punish responsible owners but to protect our residents, visitors, and animals through consistent enforcement and education.
Enforcement Measures
Beginning immediately: Any dog seen or reported roaming by residents or observed directly by the Animal Control Officer (ACO) will trigger a Written Notice of Violation delivered to the owner.
Owners will have 24 hours to bring their animals into complianceâby securing them on their property, registering them, or contacting the Animal Control Office to resolve the situation.
Failure to comply within this 24-hour window will result in the initiation of prosecution procedures. Offending owners will be summoned to appear before the Court during the next scheduled court session, where the judge will issue the appropriate fines as outlined in the by-law.
Goals of the Project
1. Promote Responsible Ownership â Encourage all residents to leash, fence, and supervise their pets at all times.
2. Protect Public Safety â Prevent bites, traffic incidents, and disturbances caused by roaming animals.
3. Improve Animal Welfare â Reduce the risk of fights, starvation, and exposure injuries for unattended dogs.
4. Support Long-Term Population Control â Strengthen ongoing efforts toward sterilization, vaccination, and proper registration.
5. Encourage Community Cooperation â Build a culture of mutual responsibility where residents report roaming animals promptly and treat enforcement staff with respect and collaboration.
Through Project Roaming Paws, we are reinforcing the message that responsible pet ownership is everyoneâs duty. Together, we can ensure Whapmagoostui remains a safe, welcoming, and compassionate community for people and animals alike.
For any questions, reports, or assistance with registration or containment solutions, please contact:
đ Whapmagoostui Animal Control Department
đ 873-967-0748 đ§ [email protected]
