The Municipality Act of 1872 empowered municipal councils to provide and regulate pounds and to prevent animals from running at large. Despite its authority to fine owners who allowed their animals to be at large, City Council frequently received complaints of swine and goats damaging gardens or injuring residents. The proliferation of dogs as household pets was controlled through the imposition of a dog tax in 1875. Collection of the dog tax was often difficult, and Council occasionally ordered the civic police to collect it. In 1891, a City Pound was finally established. The Pound keeper reported to the Streets Committee. In 1915, the Pound Keeper was Jack Aitken. As of 2006, the City Pound was located on Nanaimo Lakes Road.