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The City of Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre took on the enforcement of the Animal Protection Act in 2019 and is the first municipality within Canada to do so. Animal Control Peace Officers have been appointed to enforce the Provincial Animal Protection Act (APA) in Edmonton, enabling them to respond to animals in distress or those that have been neglected and/or abandoned. We work in partnership with a number of agencies to ensure that animals receive safe harbour and that support is received by those impacted by the situation.
The Animal Protection Act enables our offices to enforce the following:
Under the Animal Protection Act, a person who owns or is in charge of an animal:
Under the Animal Protection Act, no person shall cause an animal to be in distress. An animal is in distress if it is:
Under the Animal Protection Act, an “abandoned animal” includes an animal that
Various sections of the Criminal Code of Canada deal with cruelty to animals.
445.1 (1) Everyone commits an offence who:
446 (1) Everyone commits an offence who:
The penalties for non-compliance with the Animal Protection Act may include monetary penalties up to a maximum of $20,000, prohibition of animal ownership for a period determined by the courts and any other terms and conditions a court deems appropriate.
Based on first hand observations confirming concerns of neglect, for example: a pet left outside in +30 degree celsius weather while owners are not home to monitor and pet has no access to shelter.
At minimum you will need:
If you are concerned for the welfare of an animal within your community please call the relevant authorities.
Investigate concerns within Edmonton that fall under the Animal Protection Act of Alberta, including:
Neglect:
Abandonment:
Bylaw issues:
Any complaints about animals owned by the City of Edmonton will be investigated by an independent third party.
Animal emergencies: animals in imminent danger of death or serious injury (including animals left alone in hot or cold cars that are exhibiting signs of distress)
Signs of distress can include dark coloured tongue, loss of bowel control, excessive panting/drooling, vomiting, lethargic, frantically trying to break free from the vehicle, non responsive or excessive shivering/shaking.
The Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit investigates concerns of intentional harm to animals under the Criminal Code of Canada, including:
| Alberta SPCA | Concerns outside of Edmonton or Calgary | 1-800-455-9003 |
| Calgary Humane Society | Concerns within Calgary | 403-205-4455 |
| RCMP | Concerns under the Criminal Code outside of Edmonton or Calgary | 911 or contact local detachment |
For Wildlife Concerns |
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| Alberta Fish and Wildlife | Dangerous wildlife and poaching | 310-0000 |
| WILDNorth | Injured or orphaned wildlife found in Edmonton or surrounding areas | 780-914-4118 |
The Animal Protection team investigates concerns of animal neglect wherever an animal is up for sale, hire or exhibit: Pet stores, rescues with store fronts, traveling events (rodeos and circus) inspections.
Business operations within the city of Edmonton are required to have an active business license, which is only granted to those zoned in particular areas after the application process has been completed. However, businesses are required to abide by the Animal Protection Act at this time as there is not a separate act to enforce.
If you believe that it may be causing a health concern for the animal, call 3-1-1 to place a welfare complaint with first hand information detailing your concerns.
Our officers follow an extensive review procedure and take into account the likelihood of someone to reoffend, the seriousness of the offense and the extent of the neglect caused to the animal.
This depends on the breed, age and health of the animal along with what the animal has access to while it is outside. If a pet owner is not home to monitor an animal they require access to an adequate shelter at minimum and food and water should be considered depending on the weather.
In cold temperatures - insulated, does not contain fabric bedding and has a flap on the door to keep the heat. Not a plastic dog house or dog loo that is open to the elements.
In warm temperatures - provides reprieve from the heat and allows a shaded space to go for the animal.
This is weather and breed dependent. Officers will always recommend that a responsible adult remain in the vehicle if it is necessary to bring your pet with you, if they cannot be left at home.