Herd Management
Tools and resources for producers
Council to Adopt Animal Control Bylaw
The MD is working to develop planning documents that reflect landowner rights and the enjoyment of personal property while ensuring proper animal husbandry and adherence to regulations.
Council recently gave first reading to a newly proposed Animal Control Bylaw (ACB). This bylaw provides the overarching regulations on the keeping of all animals within the municipality, specifying conditions for properties within parcel size and area zoning. The proposed bylaw includes references to animal management, which have been moved over from the MD’s current Land Use Bylaw (LUB) document.
This shift allows for more clarity and alignment between the MD’s planning documents while adhering to existing legislation.
Supporting Documentation
MD landowners and developers may wish to review the draft Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw and Animal Control Bylaw documents, as they are referenced throughout proposed LUB/MDP/ACB amendments.
New Animal Management Resources
As part of the pending amendments, the MD is developing new resources specifically focused on animal and livestock management. These resources will provide residents with clear guidance and information related to keeping animals within the updated framework.
Updated Animal Chart
This new, simplified animal chart is an excerpt from the MD's proposed Animal Control Bylaw. It indicates the number of animal units that will be permitted according to animal type on a lot equal to or greater than one acre in size.
This chart is applicable to the keeping of animals in the Residential Serviced (RS), Residential Un-Serviced (RUS), and Urban Reserve (UR) districts only, as defined by the MD’s Land Use Bylaw.
Note that the chart displays each animal type, and the corresponding quantity of such animals that is considered one animal unit.
One Animal Unit Per Acre
Under the new Animal Control Bylaw, a total combination of one animal unit will be permitted per every acre of land.
For lots less than one acre in size, the following combination of animal types are permitted: Fowl, rabbits, and beehives (but only up to a maximum of two beehives), to a maximum of 1 animal unit in total.
Animal Type | # |
|---|---|
Horse (over 1 year old) | 1 |
Foals (up to 1 year old) | 1 |
Cow/Bison (over 1 year old) | 1 |
Calf (up to 1 year old) | 1 |
Llama | 1 |
Alpaca | 2 |
Pig (over 1 year old) | 1 |
Piglet (up to 1 year old) | 2 |
Fowl – hens, duck, geese, turkey, quail, pigeons, pheasants, guinea fowl | 12 |
Sheep | 2 |
Goat | 2 |
Rabbits (and similar rodents) | 20 |
Other fur-bearing animals | 1 |
Beehives (lots less than one acre = maximum of two beehives) | 2 |
*Animals that are not weaned are not counted toward animal units.
Updated Definitions
During the process of developing the Animal Control Bylaw, the MD has updated definitions in all planning-related documents to provide more clarity:
- Animal means any live animal, including both domestic animals and livestock, but does not include humans or wild animals
- Domestic animals refer to small animals normally kept as household pets, such as cats and dogs (they do not include livestock or wild animals)
- Livestock means bison, horses, cattle, swine, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, fowl, swine, mules, oxen, sheep, bees, goats, and fur-bearing animals raised in captivity
Any accessory buildings (structures or enclosures) used for the keeping of animals must adhere to the MD's Land Use Bylaw.
MD Developing Best Management Practices Resources
To help ensure these balancing factors are addressed, the MD is developing new best management plan templates and resources to assist livestock and animal owners.
Empowering Animal Owners
The MD will make reasonable efforts to assist animal owners, as needed, in completing these best management plans going forward. These plans may be requested at the MD’s discretion in accordance with the Animal Control Bylaw.
Feel free to download the resource documents below to assist with different aspects of your agricultural operation.
Animal Emergency Plan
This document focuses on the unique needs of domestic livestock (e.g., cattle, horses, chickens, sheep) and serves as a companion to a broader emergency preparedness plan. It enables producers to act swiftly, minimize losses, and maintain operations by outlining evacuation procedures, securing food and water supplies, and coordinating with emergency services.
By incorporating your specific information in the designated areas, you can utilize this resource to make proactive and informed decisions, thereby reducing potential dangers and risks to your animals and personnel.
Manure and Surface Water Management Plan
The MD has prepared this template to help area producers manage manure and protect surface water resources from potential contamination related to agricultural activities. It is essential for responsibly handling, storing, and applying manure to prevent environmental contamination, particularly regarding soil and water quality.
This best management plan is a living document. It should be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect operational changes, advancements in management practices, and modifications to applicable regulations.
Resources for Keeping Animals
Download this handy PDF containing links to informational websites and PDF documents categorized by animal type.
New Policy: Responsible Animal Ownership
To further support the new ACB, Council has approved a new Responsible Animal Ownership Policy, with its effective date aligned with the enactment of the new Animal Control Bylaw.
This policy reflects Council’s support for the proper keeping of animals and regulations for animal-related accessory buildings, linking both the existing and newly proposed legislation. As part of this policy, the Manure and Surface Water Management Plan, Animal Emergency Response Plan and Resources for Keeping Animals are included as schedules to the policy to ensure these documents can be updated in the future in a streamlined manner and to ensure the overall alignment of all related documents and adherence to legislation.
Mooooving Forward...
A Look at Next Steps
Important amendments to the MD’s MDP, LUB, and ACB continue to move forward, with careful consideration given to community input, legislative realities, and long-term planning goals.
MD Council and Administration are actively engaged in ensuring these cornerstone documents remain relevant and effective in guiding regional growth and development.
The MD will continue to weigh all resident feedback received regarding the MDP, LUB, and ACB throughout the process. Public engagement has been a foundation of the planning document revisions, with input opportunities extended since the project began in the fall of 2024. All existing regulations and permitting processes shall remain in place until rescinded by new legislation.
To help ensure a successful rollout of the amended planning documents, the MD plans to host a series of orientation workshops in early summer (tentatively in June 2025) to help residents, developers, and other stakeholder groups understand, adopt, and begin implementing the new legislation.
April 2025:
- Council’s First reading of the amended MDP & LUB documents and supporting documents
April & May 2025:
- Receive feedback and submissions regarding the draft Animal Control Bylaw (ACB)
- Host a public hearing of the amended MDP & LUB documents per legislative requirement
- Council's final readings of draft ACB, MDP & LUB (conditional upon no amendment requirements)
- Ramp up outreach and education re: impacts and processes
May & June 2025:
- Public release of final documents
- Schedule and host community workshops
- Enhanced education and communication activities including MD website updates and new digital processes (e.g.: QR codes and interactive flowcharts)
An Ongoing Dialogue
The MD is committed to keeping residents informed throughout the update process. Regular updates will be provided via the Land Use Planning Updates section of the MD website. Additional communication channels will also be used to assist with public awareness and education. Stay tuned!
Additional Land Use Amendment Resources
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General Information
Get up to speed on important amendments to its legacy LUB and MDP legislation.
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