Animal Control

The Municipality of East Hants has a Dog By-law to regulate dogs running at large and excessive barking that disturbs the quiet of the neighbourhood.  The By-law also has provisions to deal with dogs that are deemed fierce and dangerous.  A copy of the Dog By-law can be found on the Municipality’s website or by contacting the Administration Department at 1-866-758-2299 ext. 201.

Filing a Complaint

To ensure your complaint is acted upon in a timely manner, you can contact the By-law Enforcement Officer in one of two ways.  First, he can be reached by telephone at 1-866-758-2299 ext. 207.  You may also file a written complaint by e-mail to thamm@easthants.ca or regular mail addressed to Tim Hamm, By-law Enforcement Officer at: Municipality of East Hants, PO Box 190, Shubenacadie, NS B0N 2H0

When filing a complaint, whether verbally or in writing, please include as much detail as possible, including the nature of the complaint; civic address of the dog owner (if known); the date(s) and time(s) the alleged infraction(s) took place; and the name and contact information of the complainant.

The Municipality does not provide after hours dog control services.  The By-law Enforcement Officer is available to respond to complaints Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  If you experience an emergency with a dog that is fierce or dangerous and a threat to public safety outside of these hours, please contact your nearest detachment of the RCMP.

Dog License

The Municipality requires that your dog is licensed every year. Having a tag on your dog's collar will enable the By-law Enforcement Officer to quickly return your pet to you if he or she gets loose or lost. A license is good for one year, from January to December, and costs $12.00. You can purchase a license from the Municipal Office, 2361 Highway 2 in Milford, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. You may also complete the Registration form and mail it to P.O. Box 190, Shubenacadie, NS, B0N 2H0 with your payment. Your tag will be sent to you in the mail.

If a dog is found without a tag and we are unable to locate the owner, the dog is kept in the Municipality's kennel for three days. If, after three days, the owner is not found, the dog is given to the local SPCA for adoption.

Livestock By-Law

The Municipality also has an Animal By-law which prohibits livestock from leaving the property. If you have any questions regarding this By-law, please contact Tim Hamm, By-law Enforcement Officer at 1-866-758-2299 or thamm@easthants.ca.