Dangerous Animals

The City of Saskatoon Dangerous Animals Bylaw No. 8176 provides controls for dangerous animals. The Saskatoon Animal Control Agency (SACA) is responsible for enforcing the Dangerous Animals Bylaw. If you have concerns, an Animal Control Officer can assist you.

What is a dangerous animal?

By law, the court may declare an animal dangerous if the animal:

• Without provocation, in a vicious or menacing manner, chased or approached a person or domestic animal in an apparent attitude of attack;
• Is knowns to attack without provocation; or
• Has bitten, inflicted injury or attacked a person or domestic animal without provocation.

Does an animal have to bite to be dangerous?

No. If an animal approaches you in a menacing or aggressive manner, you may make a complaint.

How do I make a complaint?

Don’t wait for a bite. If you have a complaint about a dangerous animal call the Saskatoon Animal Control Agency (SACA) at (306) 385-7387. The matter will be investigated and if necessary, further action will be taken.

What happens when someone makes a complaint about my animal?

Two things may happen. There may be a hearing at Provincial Court to determine if the animal is dangerous and you may be charged with an offence under the bylaw.

You will be served a notice of hearing. If the Court finds the animal to be dangerous, it will issue an order stating how you must control the animal. This order may include:

1. Muzzle and leash the animal when removed from your property
2. Have the animal microchipped
3. Keep the animal in your house or outside in a locked enclosure that meets specifications
4. Display a sign, visible from the street, warning of a dangerous animal on the premises
5. Obtain and keep in effect a minimum of $300,000 liability insurance
6. Have the animal spayed or neutered
7. The Court could also order the animal be destroyed or any other measures that it considers appropriate.

You may also be charged with an offence under the Bylaw. If convicted, you are liable for a fine up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to one year. You may also receive an order for confinement or destruction of your animal.  

What bylaw offences can an owner be charged with?

Offences include, but are not limited to:

• Owning an animal that attacks, bites, injures or kills a person or domestic animal without provocation
• Not complying with a court order
• Owning a dog for dog fighting or training a dog to make unprovoked attacks on people or domestic animals

Can an owner appeal the court's decision?

Yes.