Compensation for Livestock Losses Due to Wolf/Coyote/Dog Predation
OMAFRA Fact Sheet 01-08-5M

MAKING A CLAIM
Under the Ontario Livestock, Poultry & Honey Bee Protection Act (LPHBPA,) livestock and poultry producers are entitled to make claims to their local municipality for livestock losses attributable to attacks by wolves, coyotes or dogs.

When the owner of livestock or poultry believes that they have suffered a loss of livestock due to predation by a coyote, wolf or stray dog, the owner should immediately notify the valuer for their local municipality. If the producer doesn’t know the valuer, he or she can contact the Municipal Clerk. (OSMA would be pleased to assist you in locating your local Clerk.) The Clerk, in turn will notify the municipal valuer of the producer’s claim.

The valuer will then immediately make a full investigation and submit a written report within 10 days to the Municipal Clerk. A copy of the report is also provided to the producer. The valuer’s report will give details regarding the extent of the damage to the livestock or poultry and the amount of the compensation claim awarded. The valuer must also state in the report whether or not the livestock or poultry was killed or injured by coyotes, wolves or dogs.

Producers are also responsible for filing an affidavit with the Municipal Clerk within 10 days of notifying the clerk or the valuer of the attack on their animals. The affidavit must contain a statement that to the best of the producers’ knowledge the animals in question were killed by a coyote, wolf or stray dog.

Where it is determined that the claim is valid, the municipality is not liable to pay more than is required by the regulations under the LPHBPA. Conversely, the municipality may not set the maximum amounts of compensation lower than those established in the regulations.

MAXIMUM COMPENSATION
Maximum amounts of compensation for sheep: $200.

APPEALS
If a producer does not agree with the municipal valuer’s report, he or she may appeal to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture & Food (OMAFRA.) The producer must appeal in writing within 30 days of receiving the valuer’s report. A cheque or money order for $25 payable to the “Minister of Finance” must accompany the appeal. The $25 will be refunded to the producer if the appeal is upheld. Further information on appeals can be obtained from Mr. Robin Chandra at OMAFRA (519) 826 3508 or toll-free at 1-888-466-2372 x 63508

The appeal should be submitted to:
Program Administrator, Livestock Poultry and Honey Bee Protection Act
c/o Robin Chandra, Financial Officer
OMAFRA
2NE One Stone Road West
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2

For further information regarding compensation under the LPHBPA, contact your local municipality.
To view the Act online: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90l24_e.htm