The Town of Whitby Animal Services Officers enforce animal-related by-laws, receive complaints, handle barking dog issues and respond to wildlife concerns.
There are two main by-laws governing animals in Whitby:
You can file a complaint if you notice a bylaw infraction relating to one of the animal control by-laws. This could include excessive and continuous barking, a dog at large in the community or a prohibited animal being kept as a pet.
All complaints must contain your name, address and phone number. We keep all personal information confidential. Alternatively, you can contact Animal Services by phone at 905.655.0283 or by emailing Animal Services to file a complaint.
You can file a complaint if the owner of the barking dog is not cooperative. We will visit the owner and educate them about the by-law. Enforcement action may be taken if a barking problem persists.
Keep a noise disturbance log |
We recommend using the Noise Disturbance Log to document the barking dog issue. In order for staff to properly investigate, you must be able to see the dog in the act of barking. You should also keep track of the following details:
Contact us for a copy of our Noise Disturbance Log. |
The Animal Services Appeal Committee considers appeals to Orders to Restrain (muzzle or leash an animal) issued by Animal Services Officers. The Committee is authorized by the Statutory Powers Procedure Act to do the following:
When an appeal is received, the Committee ensures that the appropriate individuals are notified about the hearing.
Committee members |
The committee is composed of these five citizen appointments:
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Meeting agendas and minutes |
View meeting agendas and minutes. |
Contact us for a copy of the Animal Services Appeal Committee Terms of Reference.
All complaints of animal cruelty are handled by the provincial government. Cruelty to any animal is not tolerated in Ontario. Contact animal welfare if you witness cruelty to animals.
Animal Services staff are trained to safely deal with issues related to wildlife in the Town of Whitby. Learn what you should do when you encounter sick or injured wildlife, nuisance animals, coyotes or bears.
Sick or injured wildlife |
If you encounter wildlife that is sick or injured, poses a threat to humans or domestic animals, or displays signs or symptoms of rabies, do not touch or handle the animal. Call 905.655.0283 x4 for around-the-clock emergency assistance. |
Nuisance wildlife |
While we do not provide trapping or relocation services for nuisance wildlife, our trained staff can offer solutions to help you wildlife-proof your home or business. Contact us at 905.655.0283 for support. |
Coyotes |
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry offers information about preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes. Because coyotes have adapted to urban areas, seeing them in the Town is fairly common. Along with being opportunistic animals that are drawn to places where they can find food easily, coyotes are generally shy and avoid confrontation. Here are some tips for dealing with coyote encounters:
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Bears |
If you encounter a bear in your neighbourhood and are concerned about an imminent threat to public safety, call 911. In a non-emergency situation between April 1 and November 30, call the provincial Bear Wise reporting line. From December to March, contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. |
Contact Us
Animal Services
4680 Thickson Road N, Whitby, ON L1N 5R3, Phone 905-655-0283 Toronto Line 905-686-2621 TTY Phone 905-430-1942 Fax 905-655-4146
Email Animal