In any outdoor area where people may encounter your pet without their consent, dogs must be kept on a leash in accordance with provincial Animal Health and Protection Regulations.

At this time of year, many species of wild animals are having or are about to have their young, which can result in these animals becoming extremely protective and exhibiting aggressive behavior. The public are encouraged to remain vigilant when walking pets in wilderness areas, as larger mammals such as moose and bears have the potential to cause serious harm to both people and pets if provoked or feeling threatened.

Under the provincial Animal Health and Protection Act, a dog shall be kept safely tethered or penned up at all times unless it is:

• Held on a leash by a person capable of restraining its movements;
• Being used by a person for the purpose of lawful hunting;
• Being used by a person to work in a lawful manner with sheep; or
• Kept or used for a purpose, e.g. service animal, and under conditions prescribed by regulation.

When encountering wild animals, people should:

• Remain calm and as quiet as possible;
• Give wild animals plenty of space;
• Not corner any wild animal;
• Avoid getting between any adult female wild animal and her young; and
• Back away from the area rather than try to go around, or scare, the wild animal(s).

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca