Norfolk & Haldimand Wildlife Removal | Humane & Effective Animal Control

Haldimand relies on Niagara SPCA for animal control (1-888-222-0568), while Norfolk’s bylaw department and local humane societies assist with wildlife-related issues. Neither county removes wildlife from private homes.

Yes, both counties have rules to discourage feeding wildlife. In Haldimand County, in 2018 the Council amended the Parks By-law to explicitly ban feeding birds like geese or ducks in public parks​. So if you’re at a Haldimand park (say Caledonia’s Kinsmen Park or Dunnville’s Wingfield Park), you cannot feed the waterfowl – no tossing bread to the ducks.

Beyond parks, Haldimand’s Animal Control By-law doesn’t have a general “don’t feed wildlife” clause (it does prohibit feeding feral cats on County property​, but the spirit is that you shouldn’t do anything that attracts pests. They even include in the Lot Maintenance Bylaw that you must not let garbage attract animals. In Norfolk County, their Animal Care & Control By-law likewise doesn’t outright say “don’t feed wildlife,” but it does prohibit keeping wild animals​ and has provisions to prevent nuisances. Norfolk’s community message has been similar: do not feed wild critters.

If someone in, say, Port Dover is throwing food out for raccoons, by-law officers could use property standards regulations to stop it (calling it a nuisance attracting vermin).

Essentially, feeding wildlife is considered a bad practice and can be penalized indirectly. Also, note that both counties are agricultural in parts, so feeding wildlife could also conflict with farm operations (nobody wants someone drawing raccoons into their cornfield). The safest bet is: don’t feed wild animals, period. It’s for your safety (and the animals’). If you have a neighbor feeding, you can report it to by-law. They may not get a ticket as swiftly as in a city, but officials will educate and warn them. In short, while you won’t find a sign at the town limits saying “Don’t feed wildlife,” the counties expect residents to avoid doing so, and they have the authority to enforce if a feeding habit becomes a community problem.

No, Haldimand and Norfolk counties do not remove wildlife from private properties. Homeowners must contact a wildlife removal specialist for raccoons, bats, or rodents inside their homes.

Call Niagara SPCA (Haldimand) or Norfolk Animal Services for assistance. Do not approach or attempt to handle a sick or aggressive wild animal.

Wildlife must be released within 1 km of the capture site. Relocating raccoons or other animals farther away is illegal. A wildlife professional can ensure compliance with provincial laws.

Yes, raccoon rabies cases were reported in Haldimand, prompting bait vaccination programs. Residents should avoid handling wildlife and report suspicious behavior.

These areas provide abundant food and shelter due to their proximity to farmland and the Grand River. Residents should secure garbage, cap chimneys, and seal entry points to deter them.

Farmers use humane deterrents like fencing and netting to protect crops from raccoons and birds. Conservation authorities help balance wildlife preservation with agricultural needs.