Animal Services
The Township of Wainfleet is committed to ensuring that our community is pet friendly and safe and works closely with the Niagara SPCA to address any concerns about animals in our township.
The Niagara SPCA, along with Wainfleet's By-law Enforcement Officer, will respond to concerns regarding animal-related public safety and nuisance issues and will work together with residents to ensure safe and responsible pet ownership.
Dog Licenses
All dogs in the Township of Wainfleet must be licensed. Visit our Dog Licenses page for more information.
Animal Control and Humane Services
To report a sick, injured, or deceased animal, please contact Animal Control at the Niagara SPCA at 905-735-1552. This includes wild animals that are distress, injured or deceased, or if a wild or domestic animal is roaming on public property.
Report animal cruelty or neglect
Cruelty to any animal is not tolerated in Ontario.
If you believe an animal is in distress or being neglected, please call the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625). This includes animals that are injured, in pain, sick, suffering or abused, or lack proper care, water, food or shelter.
What happens when I call? |
Please note that the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre is unable to provide updates on calls or investigations. You may be contacted by authorities only if more information is required. |
Penalties for committing acts of animal cruelty |
Ontario has very strong penalties against animal cruelty. For example, it is an offence to:
As of January 1, 2020, the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act has replaced the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act.
There are some exceptions to the above-listed offences related to causing distress and complying with standards of care, including hunting wildlife. A full list of exemptions can be found in the PAWS Act and its regulations. Ontario also has additional standards of care for animals in unique circumstances like dogs that live outdoors. Committing an offence under the PAWS Act can result in sentences that may include up to two years in jail, fines of up to $130,000 against an individual on a first offence, or up to $500,000 against a corporation on a first offence, and a lifetime ban on animal ownership, as well as other penalties. |
Predation on Livestock
Owners whose livestock, poultry and/or honey bees have been damaged or killed by wildlife may be eligible for the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) website for more information.