Do I need a dog licence? What are the leash rules?
In the Regional municipality of West Hants, Nova Scotia, licence required: True; leash rule: Owner shall confine dog to owner's premises; may leave premises only under effective control of a responsible person; otherwise deemed running at large; max animals: Kennel = lot/building housing four or more domesticated animals for monetary gain (requires kennel registration); fines: Up to $10,000 per offence; default imprisonment up to 60 days; Notice of Violation $250 (s.8.1) or $150 (other offences). Source: Dog By-law RD-002, verified 2026-06-05.
Dog By-law RD-002
adopted bylaw
licence required
True
s. 3.1
leash rule
Owner shall confine dog to owner's premises; may leave premises only under effective control of a responsible person; otherwise deemed running at large
s. 7.1-7.3
max animals
Kennel = lot/building housing four or more domesticated animals for monetary gain (requires kennel registration)
s. 2 "Kennel"
fine range
Up to $10,000 per offence; default imprisonment up to 60 days; Notice of Violation $250 (s.8.1) or $150 (other offences)
s. 13.1; s. 13.3
scout note
Regulates dangerous, roaming, and noisy dogs throughout the Regional Municipality of West Hants. Adopted as a unified regional by-law after amalgamation.