Council Updates Regina Animal Bylaw

City Council unanimously approved amendments to The Regina Animal Bylaw, 2009 (Bylaw No. 2009-44) on March 25, 2026. The amendments were read at Council and made official on April 22, 2026. The changes allow for stricter rules around dangerous dogs and leashing and give more power for enforcement.

The initial focus on aggressive dogs was driven by a noticeable increase in incidents involving animal aggression and bites within the city. In response, the review aimed to support the Regina Humane Society (RHS) in managing these cases more effectively and to address public safety concerns in a timely and responsible manner.

The amendments include allowing for faster action to respond to dangerous animals, stricter rules around leashing, owner accountability, higher fines and updated animal holding times — which will help RHS address risks before they escalate, as the organization is responsible for enforcing the bylaw. 

More specifics:

  • Dogs in public must now be always leashed, with no allowance for verbal leashing, unless you're in an off-leash dog park

  • Pet owners are required to provide ID and/or their animal’s license to animal protection officers when requested, making them accountable for their animals' behaviour

  • The City can ask for a dangerous dog order in court to impose conditions on an animal involved in a bite attack, including seizure, while waiting for charges to be heard by a judge

  • Penalties have been increased to better align with other Canadian municipalities, for example:

  • Allowing an animal to be at large: $150, $250, $350

  • Failure to accompany an animal in an off-leash dog park: $50, $100, $150

  • Allowing a dangerous animal or animal displaying aggressive behaviour in an off-leash dog park: $200, $300, $400

  • Failure to provide identification to a designated officer: $100, $150, $200

  • Failure to report an animal bite: $150, $250, $350

You can read the updated Regina Animal Bylaw here. 

Council also passed a directive to continue reviewing the bylaw. The second phase will look at rules around cats and continue to consider changes to the City’s licensing regime and other broader changes to the Regina Animal Bylaw to serve the community.

Consultation is expected to take place this year with Administration returning to Council by the end of 2027 with more recommendations.