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For the first time in 20 years, the City of Edmonton has a new set of rules to go along with its updated animal bylaw.
The amended bylaw has measures to try to address concerns about more dog attacks and shelter space, while modernizing rules for various companion animals and updating licensing.
Tracy Bauder, manager of the city’s Animal Care and Control Centre, said the public raised safety concerns about dog attacks and bites, in particular.
“We experienced an increase in those types of incidents leading up to and through the renewal process,” Bauder told CBC News.
Dog attack complaints have increased almost 15 per cent since 2020, according to data from the city in August 2025.
Updated fines for dog attacks can range from $250 up to $3,000, depending on the type of incident.
Other changes impact a variety of cats: new regulations prohibit owned cats from roaming on private properties and create clear definitions for cats that are unowned and feral.
“The animal licensing and control bylaw had used the language that, if the property owner didn’t want the cat to be on their private property, then it wasn’t permitted there. But we have removed that because it was confusing for a lot of people,” Bauder said.
“The regulation, now, is that cats are permitted to roam, but they cannot roam onto private property.”
She added that property owners are responsible for filing complaints with the city.
More pets have also been added into the fold for regulation. For example, people now can only have four rabbits at most — and those kept outside must have an “appropriate enclosure that protects their health and welfare,” Bauder said.
Hens and bees previously fell outside the bylaw, managed through other city programs, she said. Now, those program requirements are included in the bylaw.
Liza Sunley, CEO at Edmonton Humane Society, said the bylaw changes are welcome and long overdue.
“We’re operating at capacity all year long, and we’re entering a really busy season for us,” Sunley said.
“Looking ahead to future years, where we’re working with the city, hopefully we can partner with them on some of these prevention efforts.”