City Statement on Animal Control and Community Safety

Public Service Announcement

City Statement on Animal Control and Community Safety

May 22, 2025 – Iqaluit, Nunavut

 

The City of Iqaluit is reaffirming its commitment to public safety and responsible pet ownership in response to growing concerns about loose animals in the community.

Domestic animals, especially dogs, hold deep cultural and personal significance in the North. However, when dogs are allowed to roam freely, they can pose serious risks to themselves, residents, and visitors. Across Nunavut and other northern communities, dog-related incidents have increased in recent years. These have resulted in serious injuries and, in some tragic cases, fatalities. Such events have deeply impacted communities and underscore the urgent need for effective animal control and prevention strategies.

To address these risks and enhance public safety, the City of Iqaluit has introduced By-law No. 1018, which amends the existing Domestic Animal Control By-law No. 924. The by-law has passed two readings, with a third and final reading scheduled for June 10, 2025.

Key proposed changes include:

• Reducing the holding period for stray animals from 72 hours to 24 hours, with an extension to 72 hours on weekends and holidays.
• Expanding enforcement authority to seize, impound, transfer, or euthanize animals under specific, exceptional circumstances.
• Increasing penalties for unlicensed animals or repeat offences.
• Reinforcing the requirement for pet licensing. This is free and available at the Municipal Enforcement Office (Building 1549).’

To provide transparency and context, here are animal-related statistics for the year to date (January 1 to present, 2025):

• Total animals captured: 47
• Total returned to owners: 21
• Total currently impounded: 4
• Total adopted locally: 3
• Total adopted to southern shelters: 3
• Total euthanized (including sick or injured): 15
• Total animal cruelty complaints: 3
• Total dog bites/attacks reported: 2
• Total animals hit by motor vehicles: 1 (deceased)
• Total deceased animal calls: 8
• Total Domestic Animal Control Bylaw fines issued: 13
• Total dog tags issued in 2025: 54

These numbers reflect both the scale of the challenge and the progress being made. More than one-third of captured animals were successfully returned to their owners, demonstrating the importance of pet identification and public cooperation. The City has also facilitated local and out-of-territory adoptions to give more animals a second chance. With 54 dog tags issued already this year, responsible ownership is clearly growing, and these efforts are key to improving community safety.

The City emphasizes that euthanasia is a measure of last resort. It is used only after all reasonable efforts to return or rehome the animal have been exhausted, and only when health or safety is seriously at risk. The City remains committed to humane, culturally informed animal care practices and continues to seek partnerships with animal welfare organizations.

Residents can contribute by:

• Keeping pets leashed and under control in public.
• Regularly inspecting yards, gates, and tethering systems to prevent escapes.
• Avoiding leaving dogs tied up and unattended for extended periods.
• Reporting loose or aggressive animals to 867-979-5650 during business hours.

Thank you for supporting our shared goal of a safe, respectful, and responsible community for all.

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For additional information, please contact:

Geoff Byrne

Communications and Customer Service Manager

City of Iqaluit

867-979-5619 | G.Byrne@iqaluit.ca