The Woodstock Police Service is committed to keeping our community informed and connected. This page provides access to helpful resources, safety information, and community supports available to the public.
Animal Welfare in Ontario
The Woodstock Police Service supports the protection and proper care of all animals in our community.
If you see or suspect an animal is in distress, injured, neglected, or abused, please contact the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625). This service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act) gives provincial inspectors and police officers the authority to respond to and investigate animal welfare concerns.
You should report:
- Animals that appear injured, suffering, or abused
- Animals left without proper care, food, water, or shelter
If you believe an animal is in immediate danger, call 911.
For concerns about stray animals, noise complaints, or by-law issues involving pets or wildlife within the City of Woodstock, contact Woodstock Animal Control through the City’s By-law Enforcement Division.
For more information, visit Ontario Animal Welfare.
City of Woodstock Bylaws
The City of Woodstock enforces a number of municipal bylaws that help keep our community safe, clean, and respectful for everyone. These bylaws cover areas such as animal control, parking, noise, open-air burning, property standards, and traffic enforcement.
The Woodstock Police Service works closely with the City’s By-law Enforcement Division to address issues that affect public safety and community well-being.
If you believe a by-law has been violated, you can submit a complaint directly to the City of Woodstock Bylaw Division. You’ll be asked to provide:
- Your name and contact information
- The location or address of the concern
- A clear description of the issue
For urgent public safety matters, contact the Woodstock Police Service or call 911.
To learn more or review the full list of City bylaws, visit the City of Woodstock Bylaws page at (cityofwoodstock.ca/bylaw)
By-law Enforcement
City of Woodstock
944 James Street, PO Box 1539
Woodstock, ON N4S 0A7
Tel: 519-539-2382 ext. 3160
Fax: 519-421-3250
Email: https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca//Modules/email/emailattachment.aspx
Children’s Law
The Children’s Law Reform Act and related legislation in Ontario set out the rights, responsibilities, and best interests of children when it comes to custody, access, decision-making, and parenting time.
The Woodstock Police Service recognizes that family and child-related legal matters can be sensitive and complex. While police do not mediate custody disputes, we encourage parents and guardians to seek proper legal advice and understand their rights and obligations under Ontario law.
Key resources include:
- Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General – Family Law Services
Information on family court processes, decision-making responsibility, parenting time, and enforcement of court orders.
Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/family-law-services - Children’s Law Reform Act
The full legislation outlining parental rights, decision-making responsibilities, and procedures regarding children in Ontario.
Website: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c12 - Family Law Information Centres (FLICs)
Located in many courthouses across Ontario, these centres provide free information about separation, divorce, and child-related legal matters.
Human Rights
The Woodstock Police Service is committed to ensuring that every person is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
In Canada, human rights are protected under federal and provincial legislation that guarantees equal treatment and freedom from discrimination.
If you believe you have been discriminated against based on factors such as race, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, you can contact:
- Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)
Provides information, education, and public policy guidance related to human rights in Ontario.
Website: https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en - Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO)
Handles individual complaints of discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Website: https://tribunalsontario.ca/hrto/ - Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC)
Addresses complaints under federal jurisdiction (e.g., federal departments, banks, airlines).
Website: https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/
Immigration and Border Services
For individuals and families navigating immigration, citizenship, or refugee matters, Canada offers several resources and government services.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Oversees immigration applications, citizenship, visas, and refugee claims.
Website: https://ircc.canada.ca/ - Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Responsible for border security, customs, and immigration enforcement.
Website: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/
These agencies provide information on entry requirements, permanent residency, temporary status, and enforcement procedures.
Legal Aid Ontario
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) provides legal help for individuals with low income who are facing serious legal issues in areas such as criminal law, family law, and immigration.
Services include:
- Free legal information and referrals
- Duty counsel assistance in court
- Certificates for private lawyers (for eligible applicants)
- Family law advice and representation
Residents of Woodstock and Oxford County can apply for legal aid or find nearby clinics online at www.legalaid.on.ca.
Landlord and Tenant Matters
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) helps resolve disputes between residential landlords and tenants and provides information about their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.
You can apply online to:
- File a claim or respond to an application
- Request mediation or a hearing
- Access forms and guides for rental disputes
Visit tribunalsontario.ca/ltb for detailed information and resources.
For urgent safety matters involving landlord-tenant conflicts, such as threats or violence, contact the Woodstock Police Service immediately.