As an acreage owner, you can have animals on your property, but be aware of the bylaws that limit the number of animals you can have. The Animal Unit Bylaw is for residential or agricultural parcels between 0.81 ha (2 acres) and 16.1 ha (39.9 acres).
| Chickens |
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If you have ever thought about keeping a small flock of chickens, here are some resources you may find useful:
High Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in several poultry flocks in Alberta. In consultation with the Office of the Chief Provincial Vet, the Poultry industry as declared an industry wide Red Alert for all poultry farms in Alberta. All commercial poultry farms will be restricting access to nonessential visitors. Vehicle traffic will be restricted and strict cleaning protocols will be in place. Avian Influenza is a provincially reportable disease in domestic birds under the Animal Health Act. All suspected or confirmed cases must be reported to the Office of the Chief Provincial Vet within 24 hours. For more information, please see the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. |
| Horses |
| If given the opportunity, horses will graze for 12 hours a day while never voluntarily fasting for more than 3-4 hours. If you have horses on your acreage, learn how you can best manage their grazing habits on your property. Check out Alberta Agriculture's publication on Manure and Pasture Management for Horse Owners. |
| Pigs |
| Do you have pigs on your acreage? Even if you only have a few animals it’s a requirement for any person who is in the control and care of swine to register with Alberta Pork. This is an important animal health and food safety system that enables precise and rapid emergency response to protect livestock, producers, and consumers. Registration is free. For more information, please contact Alberta Pork. |
| Premises identification |
| If you have livestock or poultry on your property, you are required to have a Premises Identification (PID). A PID links livestock and poultry to land locations or premises. It is required when selling livestock and poultry at auction markets, buying over-the-counter medications, and to apply for many Agriculture and Forestry Grants. |
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