A pet is a wonderful addition to the family.  A dog can bring joy, comfort and companionship.  He gives much and asks little in return.  Below are some important guidelines and information about dog ownership in our community.   The Town of Hanna does not currently have a Cat Bylaw in place.  Citizens are not permitted to keep domestic farm animals on their property unless they reside on a residential acreage.
Responsible Pet Owners
As a responsible pet owner you know that your dog requires care and attention in order to lead a happy and healthy life.  Also as a responsible pet owner, you want to ensure that your dog is safe from harm; that he doesn't run loose in the neighborhood or create problems for your neighbors. You are urged to have your dog spayed or neutered.   In doing so, you can help reduce unwanted over-population, and you can take advantage of lower license fees for spayed and neutered dogs. The Town of Hanna has a dog bylaw (Bylaw #808), which outlines certain rules for pets and their owners.  These rules were developed in order to ensure safety and comfort for the whole community-including your dog.
Some Rules to Follow
A copy of the complete dog bylaw is available by clicking on the link above.  Here is a brief summary of some important points:
	Dogs over the age of three months must be licensed. Every dog must wear a collar, and the dog license tag must be attached to the collar when the dog is off the owner's property. Owners must not allow their dogs to run at large (off leash). Owners must clean up after their dogs; that is, if a dog defecates on any public or private property (other that the owner's property), the owner is responsible for immediately cleaning up after the dog. Owners must not allow their dogs to bark of howl excessively such that is disturbs other people at any time, night or day. Owners must ensure their dogs do not damage public or private property. Dogs are not allowed on any school grounds, playground, or parkland area, except when the dog is participating in a recognized training or obedience school, or assisting a handicapped person.
Breaking the Rules
If you fail to obey the rules outlined in the dog bylaw, you could be subject to fines ranging up to $1000.00. If you have any questions about pet ownership in Hanna, please click here to contact the By-Law Enforcement, Licensing Department.

The Animal Control Bylaw #808 states in part that dog owners shall not allow their dog(s) to: " Bark or howl in a manner so as to disturb any person day or night " It is generally accepted that in order for barking to be in violation of the bylaw it must disturb the neighborhood and be frequent and persistent. The Town is aware that dogs naturally and rightfully bark to warn someone when they approach their owner's property. This does not necessarily constitute habitual barking.

What to do if a Barking Problem Persists:

If you and your neighbours are plagued with a barking dog problem the first step should be to tactfully approach the dog owner and make them aware of your concern. Many dog owners do not realize that their pet may be causing you an unreasonable discomfort when they are way or when they put the dog out for prolonged periods. Many people in our community work shift work so even disturbances during the day can be quite annoying. If satisfaction is not achieved by your friendly visit or you choose not to talk directly with your neighbour then it is recommended that you contact the Animal Control Officer and leave a detailed message containing the following information:   - Name, address and phone number - Address of the barking dog(s) - Supply a recent barking history - A description of the dog(s) - Name of the owner if known The Animal Control Officer may contact the dog owner either in person, by phone or by written letter to make them aware that a complaint has been made. Complaints are kept confidential. The Officer may ask the complainant to fill out a complaint form for the record. The Officer will take the opportunity to make sure the dog is the correct animal in question and if it is currently licensed. He will also take this opportunity to educate and inform the owner of the situation and offer possible solutions to help rectify the problem. If this still does not result in compliance then the Officer will direct the complainant to fill in a Dog Barking Log and perhaps find others in the neighbourhood willing to do the same. A stern written warning is usually given to the owner at this time and they are advised that barking logs are being kept. If compliance is not forthcoming the Animal Control Officer will issue a fine. You and your neighbours as complainants may be called upon as witnesses and the barking logs may be entered as evidence in a court of law if the dog owner wishes to dispute the ticket.

Barking Log

A barking log is initiated only after the Animal Control Officer has issued a proper warning and the problem is ongoing with little or no effort being made on behalf of the dog owner to curtail the barking. The Barking Log is considered admissible evidence and must kept accurately and completed with total honesty and without any embellishment by the complainant filling it out. Please follow the directions carefully. The Animal Control Officer must give permission and directions to the complainant(s) before logs can be filled out. Logs filled out prior to this permission will not be accepted. Be sure to document all activity thoroughly. Skimpy documentation will not convince anybody of a chronic barking problem, especially a judge.