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CAT Regulations

City of Victoria

There are several sections of the City's Animal Responsibility Bylaw that regulate the keeping of cats. We will respond reactively and investigate complaints, however we do not proactively enforce matters involving cats. Below is a summary of the regulations:

  • A person may not keep more than six (6) cats or dogs or any combination of cats and dogs greater than 6.
  • Cats must not be abandoned.
  • Cats must be provided with adequate food, water, shelter, exercise, and necessary vet care.
  • Cats must not trespass on private property without permission of the owner/occupier of the private lands.
  • Cats must not be in a public place unless they are under direct control of a competent person.
  • Cats are prohibited from all Leash Optional Areas.
  • Cats must not chase, harass, molest, attack, injure, or kill a person or animal.

Cats can be impounded if they trespass onto private property or if they are in a public place without supervision. The owner of a cat may also be issued Municipal Tickets for these violations.  Victoria $150 / Esquimalt $75 / Oak Bay impoundment only.

We also catch and impound feral cats by using humane live-capture traps. We work with local rescue groups whenever possible to get feral cats are spayed/neutered and then released into a confined barn environment where they are provided with food, water, shelter and veterinary care.

When feral kittens are impounded they are usually young enough to respond to socialization techniques.  99% of all of the feral kittens that have come into the Pound have been successfully adopted into loving family homes.

 

Oak Bay and Esquimalt

In addition to all of the above regulations:

  • a person may not keep more than five (5) cats in either Oak Bay or Esquimalt.