ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS....

Our Officers have spent a lot of time fielding calls from Norfolk County residents.  Here are some answers to the questions the Officers received most often...

Q: Do I need to purchase a dog tag each year?
A: Yes, you must purchase a Norfolk County dog tag for each dog you own each year no matter where you live in Norfolk County.  2010 tags are available now at the main libraries, pet stores in Simcoe, and County offices in Norfolk. 

Q: What should I do if I find a dog?
A: You need to contact Animal Control to come and get the dog.

You may think that you can keep the dog and try to find the owner yourself, and although your intentions are good, you are actually hampering the efforts of the Animal Control to get the dog back to the rightful owner.  If  YOU lost your dog, who would you call first?  You would call Animal Control. How is anyone to know you have their dog? Even if you ask the local radio station to announce it, the owner may miss the announcement.  Maybe the dog has a micro chip? How would you know? Call Animal Control and let us do our job to get the owner and dog re-united.  If the owner isn't found within the redemption period of  72 hours and you want the pet back, then we will happily return the pet to you and you would then have legal ownership.

Q: Will Norfolk Animal Control get rid of the raccoons, coyotes, beavers and other wildlife causing problems on my property?

A:  No, Animal Control only looks after stray dogs. You will need to call a local pest control company or a company that handles wildlife problems 

who specialize in removing or controlling wildlife, and if they cannot help in your situation, they may be able to direct you to the right agency. 

Wildlife in Ontario is, generally, protected under one of three acts - the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (1998), The Endangered Species Act or the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. Weaving your way through the regulations of what’s protected, what’s not, and what you can do even if an animal is protected can be a challenge. Click on our "Links" page above and go to the appropriate  website to help answer your questions. The Wildlife Enforcement has recently re-organized itself into three Districts in the Province.  We fall into the Southern Distict. 

Q. What do I do if I see a racoon in the day light hours that is acting funny?

A.  Just leave the racoon alone. The racoon may have distemper.   Don't go near it and don't poke at it. You can call Animal Control for more information.   In the Spring the racoon is nesting and may have babies and they are out looking for food.   Do not remove the racoon away from the babies.  Don't close up or block entrances or cubby holes without first checking for babies. Call us or the Ministry of Natural Resources for a removal agent in this area.   Denise Boniface of Bryden's Den Wildlife Rescue is a Wildlife Custodian for Natural Resources. Denise specializes in orphaned racoons, skunks, squirrals, and oppossums. Certain times of year are more busy and Denise has limited space.  Bryden's Den operates solely on donations so if you would like to help Denise in her quest to help injured and orphaned wildlife, then send your donation to "Denise Boniface", RR#3, Simcoe, ON  N3Y 4K2 .  You are welcome to call Denise at 519-429-3585 for more information.   

Q: Should I call Animal Control if I see a dog, cat or wild animal being mistreated?
A: You should call the OSPCA  1-888-668-7722 or the OPP for domestic animal abuse or neglect and the Ministry of Natural Resources Abuse line

1-877-847-7667 for wild animal abuse.   Animal Control does not get involved in situations where possible cruelty or neglect  is observed. Animal Control may be called in to help if asked but that is the extent of Animal Control involvement in these type of cases.   Before calling these agencies though, please be sure that your complaint is actually considered cruelty and/or neglect under the laws of this Province. You will be asked for specific details so have your information ready. You may have your own opinions and ideas of looking after an animal and you may not agree with your neighbour's way, but this may not be considered cruelty or neglect so be sure before calling and wasting everybody's time.  If you feel an animal needs immediate medical attention then call the OPP.

Q: How long do you keep the dogs at the Pound?
A: We are required to keep all impounded animals in the Pound a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) not counting the day they arrive, days we are closed or statutory holidays. This is to give the owner a chance to redeem their pet.  If the pet is not redeemed the dog becomes our property and we make the decision of what happens to the dog.  Most all dogs are considered to be adoptable, we will advertise the dog for adoption or we will turn the dog over to one of the surrounding humane societies into their care and eventual adoption. 

There are circumstances where a dog is not considered adoptable for various reasons. The dog may be deemed vicious or an order has come from a judge or justice and the dog may be put down to comply with the Provincial laws or for the safety of the public, or the dog may have an untreatable illness or injury  and under the recommendation of a licenced veterinarian, a dog may be humanely euthanized to prevent the dog from suffering.

Q: Should I get my pet micro chipped?
A: We think it is a good idea because this is a very inexpensive way of making sure your dog gets back to you and most vet offices provide this service for  a nominal fee.  All lost dogs are scanned for a micro-chip when they come into a shelter, pound or vet office and with just a call to an 800 # we can usually track the owner if the owner has been diligent in keeping the information current for their pet.

Q: Who decides whether or not a dog is a Pit Bull?
A: In court proceedings the court ultimately decides the issue, but the dog owner and prosecutor may present proof through witnesses or documents to support their case. In situations where a dog has been seized under the Dog Owner's Liability Act (DOLA) , the owner may have to prove to the pound keeper or Animal Control Officer hat the dog is not a Pit Bull, that they are the owner of the Pit Bull, that it is a "legal or restricted" Pit Bull" (Born before November 2005) and not an "illegal Pit Bull" (born after November 2005)and that they have met all requirements under the law for the dog.  

Pound Facility Hours of Operation

• Monday - Friday   8:00 am - 7:00 pm
• Saturday               8:00 am -  1:00 pm
• Closed Sunday & Statutory Holidays
• Pet Adoption Visitation :  By Appointment 

After Normal Hours - Emergency Services Only

Animal Control Officer On Duty 24 Hrs. per Day, 7 Days per Week, 365 Days per Year including Statutory Holidays. 

CO-EXISTING WITH COYOTES