Dogs & animal control — Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
Do I need a dog licence? What are the leash rules?
In the Town of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, dogs & animal control rules are set by Dog Control Bylaw No. 678 and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-09-29. Fines: Run at large $50/$100; harbouring more than two dogs $50/$100/$150; summary conviction up to $2,000 (individual) / $10,000 (corporation). A licence is required. Licence fee: $25.00 un-neutered male or female; $10.00 spayed female; $10.00 neutered male.
Dog Control Bylaw No. 678
adopted bylaw
licence required
yes
s. 3.1
licence fee
$25.00 un-neutered male or female; $10.00 spayed female; $10.00 neutered male
s. 3.5
leash rule
No owner shall permit dog to run at large; no dog allowed outside fenced area of residence unless leashed and under full physical control (leash not longer than six feet)
s. 5.1; s. 5.11; s. 2(n)
max animals
No more than two dogs per property or household (pups under 3 months excepted) unless written Council permission or kennel licence
s. 6.1
fine range
Run at large $50/$100; harbouring more than two dogs $50/$100/$150; summary conviction up to $2,000 (individual) / $10,000 (corporation)
s. 18.0 (OFFENCES AND RELATED FINES); s. 17.1
scout note
Provides for the control, licensing and prevention of cruelty to dogs in the Town of Fort Smith, under the Cities, Towns and Villages Act and the Dog Act. OCR-confirmed Dog Control Bylaw #678. PDF located at /media/833 (was previously unlocated).
Domestic Animal Control By-law No. 420
adopted bylaw
leash rule
No owner shall permit an animal (horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats) to run at large in any part of the Town at any time; must keep on lawfully fenced premises
s. 3(4); s. 5(5)
fine range
fine not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment up to six months (disease-control offences)
s. 4(5)
scout note
Provides for the control of animals within the Town boundaries, under the Cities, Towns and Villages Act. OCR-confirmed By-law #420 ('Domestic Animal Control By-law'). URL corrected to the actual PDF (/media/836).