In January, Council enacted Eastern Charlotte Bylaw # EC-13, A bylaw regarding Animal Control in Eastern Charlotte. This bylaw replaces animal control bylaws previously enacted in the former Town of St. George (By-Law # 22-C) and former Village of Blacks Harbour (By-Law R.2).
Why have a bylaw?
The Local Governance Act (2017, c.18) requires all municipalities to have four key bylaws. One of these is a bylaw requiring vaccination against rabies for dogs.
Registration allows necessary parties to ensure dogs are vaccinated, as well as help return dogs to their home when they are lost. The Dog Control officer for Eastern Charlotte is the New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA).
A bylaw also ensures the same standard is applied throughout the municipality. Previously, the Town of St. George and the Village of Blacks had separate animal control bylaws, and the former LSD areas were subject to Provincial Regulations. This bylaw reduces owner requirements to the basic New Brunswick Regulation 2022-36.
By joining all areas into the same requirements, Eastern Charlotte is now able to contract animal control services for the entire municipality. Prior to 2025, the contracts were divided between the former municipalities and the Minister of Local Government (services provided to rural communities).
What is required of the dog owner?
The owner of a dog in Eastern Charlotte is required to take the following steps for each dog they own:
1. Register with the NBSPCA. Registration can be made for a period of: one year ($15), two years ($25), or three years ($35). Owners will receive a dog tag directly from the NBSPCA.
2. Place a collar on the dog when it is not in an enclosure (like a kennel) or residence.
3. Vaccinate the dog against rabies. The most recent vaccination date is required during registration.
Dog owners who require assistance registering their pet online may visit the Municipal Office (1 School Street, St. George) during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, except holidays). Please note, a credit card will be required for payment as the process will still be completed through the online service.
If you have additional questions about licensing or the NBSPCA’s policies, please visit the NBSPCA website or contact them by phone at (506) 458-8208.