Municipal Enforcement Services (MES), the department in charge of enforcing by-laws in Thunder Bay, is clarifying its role in handling domestic animals in the city.

In 2022, MES made changes to improve services related to domestic animals, such as managing dangerous dogs, picking up stray dogs, investigating dog bites, and handling injured or deceased animals on city property.

“The decision to change the operations of animal services in 2022 was based on available resources at the time,” said Keri Greaves, Commissioner of Corporate Services and City Treasurer.

“We need to be adaptable to the changing needs of the community, including how we deal with domestic animals through Municipal Enforcement Services.”

Administration is developing a plan to review the broader animal services system in the community.  As a first step, the City wants to receive feedback from key stakeholders, with consultation starting immediately. This includes direct communication with groups involved in animal rescue and animal shelters, to determine their priorities and needs when it comes to animal services in Thunder Bay.  

The City will work toward an independent third-party review of how animal services operate in the community. This will be started in the coming months.

Municipal Enforcement Officers are trained to handle by-law issues and catch stray animals. They bring lost dogs to the City Pound and try to locate their owners. The public can contact MES 24/7 at 807-577-MLEO (6536) or through a form on the City’s website to file a by-law complaint.

For more information or to make a complaint, the public can visit: www.thunderbay.ca/enforcement