Animal Control

In Sarnia-Lambton, animal control is governed by municipal by-laws and administered by municipalities. For non-cruelty related animal issues such as dogs running at large and animal noise complaints, please contact your local municipal office. For more information about Sarnia animal control, dog licensing requirements and relevant rules click here.

Municipal Animal Control Contacts

City of Sarnia: 519-332-0330 (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm)
Sarnia Police: 519-344-8861 (after 4:30pm and weekends)
St. Clair Twp: 519-867-2021
Plympton Twp: 519-845-3939
Point Edward: 519-337-3021
OPP: 519-336-8691 (after 5:00pm and weekends)
Dawn-Euphemia Twp: 519-692-5148
Lambton Shores: 519-786-2335
Aamjiwnaang First Nation: 519-339-8824

Other Animal Control Areas & Pounds

Parkhill: 519-294-0232
Petrolia: 519-882-2350
Wallaceburg: 519-627-6722
Glencoe Pound: 519-287-2974
Lobo Animal Centre: 519-666-1632

Animal Cruelty

On January 1, 2020 the new Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act came into effect. On that date, primary responsibility for conducting animal cruelty and animal welfare investigations was transferred from humane societies like ours to Government Inspectors.

If you suspect Animal Cruelty or Neglect please call the Government of Ontario’s new toll-free number available 24/7 to report animal welfare concerns: 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625)

Protection & Bylaws

Animal Cruelty generally falls into one of two categories: neglect or intentional cruelty. Neglect is the failure to provide adequate water, food, shelter, or necessary care. Examples of neglect include starvation; dehydration; inadequate shelter; parasite infestations; failure to seek veterinary care when an animal needs medical attention; allowing a collar to grow into an animal’s skin; confined without adequate light, ventilation, space or in unsanitary conditions; and failure to trim hoofs or nails resulting in excessive growth (i.e., hoofs curling upwards). In some cases, neglect is a result of the owner’s ignorance, and can be rectified by law enforcement authorities, like the Provincial Animal Welfare Inspectors educating the owner and issuing orders to improve the animals living conditions.

What Is Distress?

The PAWS Act (Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act) gives a definition: ‘Distress’ means the state of being in need of proper care, water, food or shelter or being injured, sick or in pain or suffering or being abused or subject to undue or unnecessary hardship, privation or neglect.

What Is A Cruelty Inspector Or Agent?

Animal cruelty investigations are carried out by Provincial Animal Welfare Inspectors, who are governed by provincial legislation called the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act). Inspectors appointed under the Act have the authority of police officers when enforcing laws pertaining to the welfare of, or the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Inspectors may enter private property to relieve animals from their distress. As well, they are authorized to serve the animals’ owner/custodian with PAWS Act orders which outline remedial action to relieve the distress.

Inspectors and Agents also have the authority to remove animals from the owner/custodian in some cases, and lay charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the PAWS Act.

How Can I Help?

On January 1, 2020, the new Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act came into effect. On that date, primary responsibility for conducting animal cruelty and animal welfare investigations was transferred from humane societies like ours to Government Inspectors.

The public plays a crucial role in reporting cases of suspected cruelty. Report animal abuse and neglect by calling the Government of Ontario’s new toll-free number available 24/7 to report animal welfare concerns: 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625)

Ignoring the problem or not getting involved is not the solution.

Call Animal Control Services

  • to report bylaw violations (except barking dogs – see below)
  • to report stray animals
  • to purchase a dog license
  • to report a dog bite
  • to report a dead domestic animal
  • to report dead wildlife on public property (dead wildlife on public property is collected at no charge by your municipality)

Barking Dogs

Barking dogs are considered a noise violation and are handled by municipal by-law enforcement. Call the appropriate number and state that you wish to make a noise complaint. City of Sarnia By-Law Enforcement 519-332-0330 Ext. 3131.

Animal Rescue

The Sarnia & District Humane Society does not permit its’ employees to attempt to rescue any animal confined in a tree, or a hydro pole carrying power, that would endanger the life or limb of said employees.

Urban Wildlife

If you are in need of information or assistance pertaining to wildlife, please contact

Heaven’s Wildlife Rescue
Rehabilitation & Education Centre

519-466-6636
heavenswildliferescue.org

Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources

www.ontario.ca/page/wildlife-and-nature

Bluewater Centre for
Raptor Rehabilitation

www.raptorrehabilitation.com
or
www.ontariowildliferescue.ca