How do I report an animal-control issue in Burnaby?

Use the City of Burnaby bylaw complaint/report page or contact By-law Enforcement directly to lodge a report; provide details and any supporting evidence.

Can I appeal an animal-control ticket?

Yes; follow the appeal instructions on the ticket or the bylaw. Time limits apply and may be stated on the ticket or bylaw.

What happens if my animal is seized?

Seizure procedures, release conditions, impound fees and reclaim steps are determined by the Citys enforcement policies and the controlling bylaw.

Burnaby Animal Control Bylaw Appeals & Complaints

Public Safety British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026

· By Daniel Roy

This guide explains how to file animal control complaints and appeals in Burnaby, British Columbia, including who enforces city bylaws, what to expect from enforcement, and practical steps to report, appeal, or resolve disputes under local animal-control rules.

Penalties & Enforcement

Animal-related rules in Burnaby are enforced by the Citys By-law Enforcement Division under the municipal bylaws; the consolidated bylaw text and enforcement provisions are published on the City website Burnaby consolidated bylaws^[1]. Specific fine amounts and schedules for animal-control offences are not specified on the cited page; refer to the bylaw text or contact By-law Enforcement for exact figures By-law Enforcement contact^[3].

Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the consolidated bylaw for any set fines and ticket schedules.^[1]
Escalation: the bylaw text or ticket wording will show first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment; where absent, escalation is determined case by case by enforcement officers.^[1]
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, seizure or impoundment of animals, destruction or release conditions, and court prosecution are possible measures under municipal authority, as described by By-law Enforcement procedures.^[1]
Enforcer: City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement Division handles inspections, notices and tickets; complaints may be submitted online or by phone via the City contact page.^[3]
Inspection & complaint pathways: to report animal bylaw breaches or request an inspection, use the Citys report form or contact By-law Enforcement directly.^[2]

Appeals usually have strict time limits measured in days from the date of ticket or order.

Applications & Forms

Common forms include complaint/report forms and licence applications for dogs; the City maintains online reporting and licence services. If you need to file a formal complaint or appeal a ticket, check the Citys report and appeals information pages for the current form, submission method, and any fees Report a bylaw complaint^[2]. If a specific form or fee is not published for appeals on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.

Dog licences: check for licence application or renewal forms and fees on the City website.
Complaint form: use the Citys bylaw complaint/report form to start an enforcement action.^[2]
Appeal submission: appeals or requests for review may require written submissions; check the ticket or order for stated appeal steps.

Common Violations

Dangerous or aggressive animals not controlled by the owner.
Failure to license dogs where a licence is required.
Excessive noise or nuisance behaviour attributed to animals.
Failing to comply with an order to remove or restrain an animal.

Keep copies of all correspondence, tickets, photos and vet records as evidence if you intend to appeal.

Appeals & Review Process

Procedure for appealing a ticket or order is governed by the notice or bylaw under which the action was taken; look for appeal instructions on your ticket, the bylaw text, or the Citys appeals page Burnaby consolidated bylaws^[1]. Typical elements include time limits to request a review, a written statement of grounds for appeal, and a hearing or administrative review. If the bylaw does not state an appeal window, the necessary time limit is not specified on the cited page and you should contact By-law Enforcement immediately to confirm deadlines.^[3]

Action Steps

Report: submit a bylaw complaint via the Citys report form or phone the By-law Enforcement Division.^[2]
Gather evidence: photos, witness names, medical or veterinary records, licence receipts.
Appeal: follow the appeal steps on your ticket or bylaw; submit any required forms before the stated deadline.
Pay or contest: either pay the fine within the allowed period or file the appeal/notice to contest the ticket.

FAQ

How do I report an animal-control issue in Burnaby?: Use the City of Burnaby bylaw complaint/report page or contact By-law Enforcement directly to lodge a report; provide details and any supporting evidence.
Can I appeal an animal-control ticket?: Yes; follow the appeal instructions on the ticket or the bylaw. Time limits apply and may be stated on the ticket or bylaw.
What happens if my animal is seized?: Seizure procedures, release conditions, impound fees and reclaim steps are determined by the Citys enforcement policies and the controlling bylaw.

How-To

Document the incident: take photos, record dates/times and collect witness details.
Report to City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement using the official report form or phone contact.
If you receive a ticket, read it carefully and follow the stated steps to pay or appeal within the time limit.
Submit any appeal materials in writing and attend any scheduled review or hearing.

Key Takeaways

Contact By-law Enforcement early to clarify deadlines and procedures.
Keep detailed evidence and records to support complaints or appeals.
Fines and sanctions are set by bylaw; if amounts are not listed on the City page they are not specified on the cited page.