Learn about the Animal Protection and Control Act

The Animal Protection and Control Act creates a comprehensive, modern framework to ensure owners are responsible for providing care for and control of their animals.

The new legislation provides a common standard and requirements for care and control of animals that applies across the Yukon.

View the Act and regulations.

Yukon’s new Animal Protection and Control Act and regulations require owners to provide care and control of animals that they own.

• To report concerns about the care or control of farm animals contact the Agriculture Branch.
• To report concerns about the welfare of other animals contact the Animal Protection and Control Officer, Animal Health Unit.

If you're worried about dogs or cats that are loose on public property without their owner, consider:

• if there is an immediate risk to public safety contact the local RCMP office.
• if the animal is in an area run by a community government reach out to that local government's office. This includes places like the City of Whitehorse, First Nations and community governments. They are the first response.
• if you are in a place without a local government or your community does not have bylaws related to animal welfare or control, contact the Animal Protection and Control Officer, Animal Health Unit.

If you’re worried about farm animals that are wandering freely or not with their owner, consider:

• if there is an immediate risk to safety, like farm animals on a highway, contact the local RCMP office.
• if the animal is in an area run by a community government, contact the local government office. Communities and First Nations may have bylaws related to farm animals roaming free. 

• if you are in a place without a local government or your community does not have bylaws related to animal control, contact the Agriculture Branch.

What happens when I report a concern?

When you report a concern about animal welfare or animals out of control, you can expect that:

• the officer will collect information about what you observed, what kind(s) of animal(s) were involved, whose animals they are, and what caused you concern;
• the officer will get your contact information for follow-up if clarification about the concern is needed;
• the officer will start a file on the complaint and contact the person accused to get more information; and
• the investigation is confidential and details will only become public if charges are laid. Officers do not report findings to the people who make complaints.

Complaints can be made in confidence, meaning your name and contact information will be kept confidential.

The goal of an investigation is to find out if someone has broken the law, and help them correct their actions. If there is a serious violation, fines or legal charges may be used.

Penalties

The enforcement policy for the Animal Protection and Control Act is based on important values to Yukoners. Teaching, working together, and sharing information should be used to help people follow the law.

Punishment is not the main goal of the enforcement policy. Officers can give warnings, notices and orders to show someone what they did wrong and how to fix it.

The new legislation allows for fines, taking animals away or legal action. These options are for when the problem is serious or keeps happening.

Tickets

Tickets are authorized under the Summary Convictions Regulation. Most tickets for minor offences have a fine of $100. Tickets for more serious offences are $500. Major offences are investigated and the accused will appear in court.

Fines

If someone is found guilty the judge can order them to pay a fine. 

For a minor offence there is:

• a maximum fine of $75,000; and
• a maximum prison term of 6 months.

For a major offence there is:

• a maximum fine of $150,000; and a
• a maximum prison term of 2 years.

Major offences include dog fighting and torture, and these penalties reflect the severity of a conviction for such an offence.

Alternative penalties

Alternative penalties that a judge can give include community service, payment for damages and being banned from owning animals.

Can I appeal an order issued or action taken by an officer?

You can appeal an order issued or action taken by an officer. The regulations explain the steps in this process.

You can appeal:

• an order;
• changes to an order;
• having an animal taken away; and
• expenses or fees required by an order.

The Director will review the appeal and make a decision based on the Act and regulations.

There are permitting requirements under the Animal Protection and Control Act. You will need a permit for:

• animal-related operations such as pet stores, animal rescue organizations and boarding facilities. Businesses have until April 5, 2025 to get a permit that may be subject to conditions.
• owning an animal of a restricted species. The permit must be obtained before April 5, 2025, is subject to conditions, is not transferable and will be in place for the life of the animal.

How do I apply for an animal-related operations permit?

If you want a permit to run a business like a boarding facility or animal rescue for livestock contact the Agriculture Branch. 

If you want a permit to run a boarding facility, pet store or animal rescue for animals other than livestock contact the Animal Protection and Control Officer, Animal Health Unit.

Staff will help you understand the permit process and how to arrange for an inspection.

How do I apply for a restricted species permit?

Check the Schedule of Allowed Species. If you don’t see your animal listed contact the Animal Health Unit to confirm if your animal needs a permit.

If your animal needs a permit an officer will reach out to help you with the application. If needed, they will set up an inspection for your animal and where it lives.

The permit conditions depend on what kind of animal you have. This includes where it came from, how it needs to be looked after, and how it should be kept.

• There is a $150 permit application fee.
• Permitted animals get an individual ID.
• Permits are not transferrable. If you rehome the animal the new owner must apply for a new permit.  

The permit is for the life of the animal.

What happens if I owned a restricted species prior to the Act being in force?

• You have until April 5, 2025 to get a permit for your animal and continue ownership.
• These animals have higher requirements for care or control.
• Contact the Animal Health Unit to confirm if the animal you have needs a permit.
• Individuals who own animals that are categorized as prohibited are encouraged to contact the Animal Health Unit to discuss their situation.

What can I expect from an inspection?

Inspections depend on the type of permit needed. They confirm that the appropriate care and control of animals will be given.

An Animal Protection and Control Officer will do the inspection and may be accompanied by a veterinarian. The officer will schedule a visit to the business or home where the animal is to be kept. They will document and complete a review of the following:

• how the animals will be kept;
  • enclosures provide adequate space, ventilation, temperature control and sanitation.
• how the animals will be provided with food and water;
• how the animals will be provided with exercise and enrichment; and
• how the animals will be kept securely in one place.

If anything does not meet the standards of the permit it will be recorded and you will agree on a time frame to fix these problems. A temporary permit may be provided with the condition that the problems are fixed. This can be in an order given by the officer. There will be a follow up inspection to confirm all standards are met. If the problems are significant, a permit may be denied until they are fixed.

When a permit is issued it may include conditions. If someone fails to meet the conditions of the permit, they have committed an offence.

Can I appeal the denial of a permit?

Yes, you can appeal decisions about permits. The regulations explain the steps of this process.  

You can appeal to a Minister about:

• a refusal,
• an amendment;
• a cancellation; or
• the conditions of a permit.

You must submit a notice of appeal within 10 days of receiving the decision or action that you are appealing.

The Minister will conduct the appeal and make a decision according to the Act and regulations.

For concerns related to livestock:

Contact: Agriculture Branch

For concerns related to domestic animals that are not livestock:

Animal Protection Officer
Animal Health Unit, Department of Environment
Phone: 867-667-3597
Email: Jay.Lester@yukon.ca