On October 4, 2022, Strathcona County Council approved a new Responsible Livestock Ownership Bylaw to replace the previous Animal Control and Apiculture Bylaws.

The bylaw is effective immediately, and tools and resources to support the bylaw will be rolled out over the coming months. 

Strathcona County has large country residential and small holdings areas in which to raise livestock. If you want to keep livestock or poultry on your property, the Responsible Livestock Ownership Bylaw applies to you.

The Responsible Livestock Ownership Bylaw focuses on minimizing disease risk, and supporting animal welfare, land stewardship and opportunities for agriculture. 

It also supports agricultural and rural lifestyle opportunities, while balancing rural living and neighbour relations.   

The livestock allowances outlined in the Responsible Livestock Ownership Bylaw remain unchanged from those in the previous Animal Control Bylaw.

Allowances may be reviewed again in the future, with the potential for additional engagement to better understand the interests and needs of our rural community. 

The number of allowable livestock on a rural property depends on land zoning and property size. Under the bylaw, properties zoned as one of the following, qualify for livestock units based on property size:  

Livestock allowances do not apply to most parcels zoned to include Agriculture, General as a permitted use. 

People who would like to raise livestock are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities in these designated areas. 

Within the bylaw, all allowable livestock types have an assigned number of Livestock Units (LUs). Generally, larger livestock are assigned more units.

Residents can have up to 10 LUs per 0.5 acres on properties zoned RCL, RCM, RS or RA (less than 20 acres).

View the full list of permitted livestock and the number of assigned LUs. (102.9 KB)

Those with more animals on their property than the bylaw allows can apply for an  with proof they are able to manage factors such as manure, pasture and overall well-being of animals.

Under the bylaw, livestock are not permitted in urban areas. This includes backyard bees and chickens.

The Responsible Livestock Ownership Bylaw includes a provision for a temporary livestock permit, for events. This application is for short-term instances such as parades, petting zoos and educational opportunities.

If you would like a temporary Livestock Event permit, please contact us through County Connect.

Under the bylaw, residents can have up to 10 Livestock Units per 0.5 acres on properties zoned RCL, RCM, RS or RA (less than 20 acres). Livestock allowances do not apply to most parcels zoned to include Agriculture, General as a permitted use. If you don’t know your land zoning and size, you can use the Strathcona County Property Assessment Tool. Type in your civic address and your property details will be provided.

Additional tools and resources to educate and assist residents, including for determining livestock allowances, will also be rolled out over the coming months.

First of all, we are here to help. During public engagement, we heard that not all residents may be aware there are livestock allowances.

If you have more animals on your property than allowed, you can apply for an over-limit permit. The updated permit includes a process to help you consider factors such as managing manure, pastures and animal health. County staff can provide resources and assist you with your application.

The Responsible Livestock Ownership Bylaw is about more than controlling animals. It’s about minimizing disease risk, and supporting animal welfare, the environment and neighbouring properties.

Whichever side of the fence you are on, we are here to help. 

With the new Responsible Livestock Ownership Bylaw, Strathcona County is now able to better investigate concerns and achieve compliance through education. 

If you have concerns, you can start by submitting a County Connect.  

If you would like to request a reconsideration of a permit that has been denied, or canceled, or conditions placed on a permit granted, you may file an appeal. The General Appeals and Review Committee hears and decides appeals filed with it pursuant to Strathcona County Bylaws.

A review of the Animal Control Bylaw began in 2016 as part of the Urban Agriculture Strategy development. The process has included extensive research, expert consultation and public input.

October 4, 2022 – Council approved the new Responsible Livestock Ownership Bylaw, effective immediately. 

June 21, 2022 – The County presented a recommendation to Council to move forward with proposed modernizations and enhancements to the bylaw, without changing the livestock allowances outlined in the current Animal Control Bylaw.

April/May 2022 – Rural resident survey to review proposed allowances, gather data on over-limit permits, and understand resident preferences for resources and supports.

July 20, 2021 – Draft Responsible Livestock Ownership bylaw presented to Council for approval. Council directed administration to complete additional work, including gathering resident feedback on the proposed bylaw.  

January 26, 2021 – Results of rural resident engagement presented to Council.  

July/August/October  2020 – Rural resident engagement via survey and focus groups. Rural residents, including acreage owners and large and small agriculture producers provided input specific to livestock types and amounts, specifically on smaller rural properties.   

December 10, 2019 – The County presented recommendations to Council for a responsible livestock ownership bylaw to replace the Animal Control Bylaw. 

April 2019 – Strathcona County checked back with residents through a SCOOP opinion poll on a proposed change to include an exemption permit process for livestock in urban areas.

November 13, 2018 – Draft recommendations for amendments to the Animal Control Bylaw were presented to Council at a Priorities Committee Meeting.

May 2017 - Strathcona County completed a review of local impacts of an urban chicken pilot program and determined it is not suitable for the needs of our specialized community.

November 29, 2016 - Strathcona County presented the final Urban Agriculture Strategy to Council for debate and approval.

Transportation and Agriculture Services Phone: 780-417-7100 Submit a County Connect about livestock

Last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022 Page ID: 44807

780-464-8111 info@strathcona.ca Careers

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