Owners must license and register their dog each year by the last business day in March. The discounted price of $15* applies for early registration before March 31st. After this date, the full price of $30* applies. Tags are available for purchase throughout the year, but the full fee will apply if the license is purchased after the deadline.

Owners of new puppies must register the dog with the Township within 12 weeks of its birth. Failure to do so could result in fines and delays in obtaining the dog license.

If you have recently moved to Augusta Township, you must license and register any dogs you bring into the Township within 30 days of establishing residency. The discounted rate of $15* applies for new residents who register within this timeframe.

If you apply for a dog license online, there is an additional $3 postage fee added to the registration cost. Online applications are available but be sure to plan accordingly for mail time.

A dog is considered “at large” if it is not under the immediate control of its owner or designate and is found outside the owner’s property. This includes situations where the dog is roaming freely or trespassing on other properties.

If a dog is found running at large, the owner may face a fine of $200. The dog could also be seized or destroyed if it is deemed necessary for safety and humane reasons.

Owners must ensure their dog is securely contained within their property or under their immediate control at all times. Only law enforcement dogs, service dogs, farm work dogs, and hunting dogs (while fulfilling their duties) are exempt. However, they must remain under control at all times.

If you find a dog running at large, you can capture it and notify the Municipal Enforcement Officer (Chad Belanger, phone: (613) 925-4231 ext. 206). After hours, leave a message. The officer will either return the dog to its owner or impound it.

Dog owners are required to clean up any excrement left by their dog on both public and private property. Failure to do so may result in a fine of $200. This helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene for the community.

If your dog is found to be causing excessive noise (such as howling or barking for extended periods), or is acting in a disruptive manner, you may be subject to a fine under By-Law 3704-2024 (Noise By-Law). It is important to ensure that your pet does not disturb the peace of your neighbors.

To file a noise or nuisance complaint, contact the Municipal Enforcement Officer with details of the incident. The Township will assess the situation and issue fines as necessary.

A kennel is defined as any property that houses 5 or more dogs. If you own 5-10 dogs, you need a small kennel license; for 11-30 dogs, you need a large kennel license. Kennel licenses are required to be renewed every year by the last business day in March.

• Small Kennel: 5-10 dogs, maximum of 8 puppies.

• Large Kennel: 11-30 dogs, maximum of 20 puppies.

• Licensing Fees: Small Kennels: $75 (before March 31st), $100 (after March 31st); Large Kennels: $130 (before March 31st), $220 (after March 31st).

• Inspection: Kennels may be subject to inspection before a license is granted.

Kennels must issue each dog a “Kennel Identifier Tag” or provide a unique kennel-specific tattoo. This tag must be securely affixed to each dog, and proof of the tag or tattoo must be shown to Township staff when applying for the kennel license.

Large kennels must meet zoning requirements, including maintaining sufficient space between the kennel and any nearby dwellings (300 meters/984 feet). Additionally, a site plan control agreement may be required for new large kennel applications. This ensures compliance with Township regulations regarding parking, setbacks, landscaping, and more.

The Province of Ontario prohibits the ownership of any "pit bull" breeds. This includes the following:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Any dog that has similar physical characteristics to these breeds.

It is illegal to own, breed, transfer, abandon, or train a pit bull for fighting. If a pit bull is found in your possession, it must be surrendered to a pound or appropriate facility.

All dogs and cats (including indoor pets) must be vaccinated for rabies at 3 months of age. A booster is required one year after the initial vaccination, and subsequent boosters are needed every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine type. Owners who fail to vaccinate their pets could face fines.

The Township hosts low-cost rabies vaccination clinics each year, typically in September. These clinics are open to all residents of Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark. Check the Township’s website for upcoming dates and clinic details.

For more information on rabies prevention and symptoms, visit the Province of Ontario’s website.

Ontario law prohibits cruelty to animals. If you suspect that an animal is being abused or is in distress, it’s important to report it to the authorities. The Ontario SPCA provides a hotline to report cases of animal cruelty: 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).

Additional information on animal welfare, including signs of distress or abuse, can be found on the Province’s website. If you’re unsure about whether a situation warrants reporting, contact the OSPCA or local authorities for guidance.

The Township does not respond to nuisance or injured wildlife on private property.
Please contact a licensed pest control or wildlife rehabilitator.
For local services, search "wildlife control" at 411.ca or visit our Business Directory.

• If a beaver is building in a municipal drain, contact Public Works at 613-925-4231 x301 or ejollota@augusta.ca.

• Beavers on private property are the landowner’s responsibility. Contact a wildlife control service for removal.

There are no municipal by-laws regulating cats.
If dealing with barn, stray, or feral cats, you may contact a rescue organization such as Spencerville TNR for potential assistance.

For sick or dead birds:

• Contact the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit or
• Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781 for advice on safe removal and reporting.

• Emergency: Call 9-1-1 if a bear poses an immediate threat (e.g. enters a schoolyard or attacks livestock).
• Non-Emergency: Call Bear Wise at 1-866-514-2327 for sightings, garbage foraging, or property disturbances. This line operates 24/7 from April 1 to November 30.

Foxes are generally not dangerous and often appear in spring while raising young.
They may den under sheds, decks, or porches. If safe to do so, consider allowing the family to remain until pups are old enough to leave (typically by 9 weeks).

Signs of potential rabies include:

• Staggering, paralysis, aggression, or unnatural tameness.
  Do not approach; contact a wildlife rehabilitator if necessary.

Foxes may prey on small pets. Keep animals indoors or secured in sturdy enclosures.

Coyotes are part of the rural ecosystem and are often seen in subdivisions or fields.
They pose minimal risk if not fed or approached. Coyotes are most protective during pup-rearing season (spring/summer).
To avoid conflicts:

• Never feed coyotes.
• Secure pet food, garbage, and small animals.
• Supervise pets outdoors, especially at night.

If you encounter a coyote:

• Do not run.
• Be loud, wave arms, and back away slowly.
• Keep eye contact and maintain a strong, assertive presence.

For more guidance, visit Coyote Watch Canada.

For assistance with injured or orphaned wildlife, contact:

• Ontario Wildlife Rescue: 416-436-9892
• Or a local wildlife rehabilitator

Rabies is a fatal virus spread through the saliva of infected mammals.
If you suspect an animal has rabies or observe unusual behavior, do not approach.
For more information on prevention and reporting, visit the Province of Ontario’s website.