The By-law Enforcement Division is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Region's By-Laws, Dangerous and Unsightly Premises under the Municipal Government Act and parking under the Motor Vehicle Act. Our By-law Enforcement Office can be reached by calling our office during regular business hours at 902-798-8391, Option 7 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
After-Hours Service
Special Constables employed with the West Hants Regional Municipality will not normally respond to after-hours calls or complaints unless the call involves an event which meets the description of an emergency or an event involving a dog as described below as a non-emergency. For an emergency call 911.
For further information on by-law services, please call during regular hours at 902-798-8391 Option 7.
Filing a Complaint
When filing a complaint it is important to include as much detail as possible along with the nature of the complaint. Including dates and times of the alleged infraction, where they took place, and the civic address (if known) of the person who has broken the by-law. You will also be required to provide your name and contact number when filing a complaint. Your contact information will never be disclosed without your permission.
If there are concerns dealing with neglect, abuse or abandonment of animals contact the Nova Scotia SPCA at 1-888-703-7722.
Concerns regarding livestock (horses, cows, pigs, etc.) should be directed to the Department of Agriculture Farm Animal Health and Welfare at 902-896-2299.
Please contact a local animal welfare group if you have concerns regarding domestic animals such as cats, rabbits, birds, etc.
Complaints can be filed by calling our office at 902-798-8391 Option 7 or by emailing our By-law Officers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or click on this link to file complaint online: Dangerous or Unsightly Complaint
Complaints received after hours are not generally responded to unless the call involves an event which meets the description of an emergency as seen here: pdf ADBE-003.05 By-law Enforcement On Call Guidelines (94 KB)
Dog Control
The Dog By-law, RD-002, is used to regulate dangerous, roaming and noisy dogs. Contact our office at 902-798-8391 Option 7 to issue a complaint. Please visit Dog Licenses for information about dog tags.
Lost Dogs
If your dog is lost, the following resources may be helpful for locating and reuniting with your pet:
Animal Control Officer- Telephone 902-798-8391
Local animal hospitals such as:
- Saint Mary Animal Hospital - 902-472-3037
- Avon Animal Hospital - 902-798-4633
- Cornwallis Veterinarians Ltd.- 902-798-5502
Facebook - Nova Scotia Lost Dog Network