Surrey Dog Waste Bylaw: Bagging & Disposal Rules
In Surrey, British Columbia, dog owners must clean up after their animals in public places and parks. The city enforces bagging and disposal rules through its animal and parks bylaws and by-law enforcement processes. This guide explains the legal basis, what owners must do, how enforcement works, and practical steps to comply so you can avoid tickets and keep parks clean. For primary legal authority see the City of Surrey animal control regulations.[1]
Where the rules apply
The obligation to pick up and properly dispose of dog waste applies to streets, sidewalks, parks, trails and other public spaces managed by the City of Surrey. Specific park rules may set leash and waste requirements for particular sites; check park pages for site-specific restrictions.[2]
Penalties & Enforcement
The City of Surrey enforces dog-waste and animal-control rules through its By-law Enforcement Division and Animal Control services. Exact fine amounts and ticket schedules are set out in the controlling bylaw or enforcement policies; if a specific dollar amount is required but is not listed on the cited page, this is noted below.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to clean up, seizure of animals, and court action are possible under city bylaw enforcement provisions.[1]
- Enforcer and complaints: By-law Enforcement Division and Animal Control. Report complaints or submit evidence via the city complaint page.[3]
- Appeals and reviews: appeal procedures and time limits for tickets are governed by the ticketing and bylaw process; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Applications & Forms
The City publishes dog licence information and animal control resources; where a licence, permit or form is required the City provides an online application. If no specific application or form is published for bagging/disposal, no separate form is required beyond standard dog licence or park applications as listed on Surrey official pages.[2]
How owners must comply
Owners and custodians must remove dog feces immediately, place it in a bag or other leakproof container, and deposit it in a proper garbage receptacle where allowed. Leaving waste on the ground, in planters, or in non-designated receptacles is prohibited in many public areas and parks.[2]
- Carry suitable bags or scoops whenever you take a dog into public spaces.
- Seal and tie the bag to avoid leakage and odor before disposing.
- Use designated park or city garbage bins where available; do not use recycling or compost bins for dog waste unless explicitly allowed.
FAQ
- Do I have to bag my dog waste in Surrey?
- Yes. Owners must pick up and bag dog waste in public places and parks under city animal and parks rules.[2]
- Can I leave bagged dog waste next to a bench?
- No. Bagged waste should be placed in a proper garbage receptacle; leaving bags on benches or trails can still be an offence and a nuisance.[2]
- How do I report someone not picking up after their dog?
- Report to Surrey By-law Enforcement via the official complaint/report page with time, location and photo evidence.[3]
How-To
- Carry at least one disposable bag per walk and a spare.
- Remove waste promptly, turn the bag inside out over the waste, tie securely and check for leaks.
- Dispose in a covered garbage bin; if none is available, take the sealed bag home to dispose of it properly.
- If you observe repeated violations, document date, time and location and report to By-law Enforcement with photos.
Key Takeaways
- Pick up and bag dog waste immediately in public spaces.
- Dispose of sealed bags in appropriate garbage receptacles only.
- Report enforcement matters to Surrey By-law Enforcement with clear evidence.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Surrey Bylaws and Permits
- Surrey Parks and Recreation - park rules
- City of Surrey Animal Services
- Report a Bylaw Concern