Animal Control

Wildlife Concerns

Our Municipal Animal Control Officer does not provide a service to deal with, or remove nuisance or injured wildlife on private property. Calling Police about non-emergency wildlife issues can take them away from dealing with other important emergencies. 

Please visit our Wildlife Concerns web-page to learn more about the best way to deal with wildlife issues that may be affecting you or your property.

Dogs

Dog licensing

All dog owners in South Huron must license their dog(s). A licence is valid until December 31st of the year in which it is issued and must be renewed every year.

Things you need to know

• You must provide proof that your dog(s) have received their rabies vaccination. 
• All dogs in South Huron must be licensed each year and must wear their dog tag at all times.
• All dog owners must abide by "poop and scoop" regulations.

What is the cost for a licence?

One year licence: $20 if spayed or neutered, $30 if not spayed or neutered.

Is there a dog limit per household?

There is a limit of two dogs per household. The total number of cats and dogs in a household cannot exceed four (4).

Taking your dog for a walk?

South Huron's off leash dog park is located at the Crediton Conservation Area. There is a picnic table and a fenced area for the dogs to run, courtesy of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.

Where to look for a lost dog?

• South Huron Veterinary Clinic, Zurich: 519-236-4301
• Exeter Animal Hospital, Exeter: 519-235-2662
• Thames Road Vet Clinic, Exeter: 519-235-0001
• Kirkton Vet Clinic, Kirkton: 519-229-8911

What to do if you find a lost/wandering dog?

Cats

Cat owners have a responsibility to keep their cat on their property, using a leash or harness if necessary. Owners are responsible to vaccinate and neuter or spay their cat to prevent attracting stray cats to the area.

Things you need to know

• There is a limit of animals per household. The total number of cats and dogs in a household cannot exceed four (4).
• Cats are not licensed in South Huron

Feral and stray cats

Feral and Stray cats are the wild offspring of domestic cats that are primarily the result of pet owners' abandonment, failure to confine or failure to spay or neuter their animals allowing them to breed uncontrolled. Feral and stray cats that are not owned by anyone and live in the neighbourhood on their own.

Cat Voucher Pilot Program

South Huron Council has approved a Spay and Neuter Voucher Pilot Program for feral cats, barn cats and low income families caring for cats. The purpose of this program is to provide the circumstances by which Spay or Neuter Vouchers may be distributed to low income families and to persons caring for feral cats/barn cats. In order to access services provided by the South Huron voucher program, pet owners must be on some type of social assistance, under a certain income level, or participating in a TNR colony/stray cat release and manage program. Proof of income must be presented and the screening is done at the Municipal Office in order to obtain a voucher but the client books services directly with their veterinarian.

To become a client, the individual is certifying that the total household income is below the following:

• 1 income earner household: $40,131
• 2 income earner household: $49,956
• 3 income earner household: $61,413
  
  

Proof of government assistance, or a copy of CRA Notice of Assessment or Re-Assessment for each adult household resident (except students under the age of 25) must be presented at the first appointment.

An applicant is eligible to receive Spay or Neuter Vouchers for Feral Cats if:

• he or she submits a completed and signed Application;
• he or she is 18 years of age or older; and
• he or she has resided in the Municipality of South Huron for one year or more;

A Spay or Neuter Voucher for Low Income Families may be issued:

•  to only one Applicant per Family;
•  to a maximum of 3 per Applicant; and/or
•  to an Applicant who is also in receipt of Spay or Neuter Vouchers for Feral Cats.

A Spay or Neuter Voucher for Feral Cats may be issued:

•  to only one Applicant per Family
•  to a maximum of 3 per Applicant; and/or
•  to an Applicant who is also in receipt of Spay or Neuter Vouchers for Low Income Families.
  
  

For more information on this program contact the Clerk's Office.