Toronto reminding dog owners to keep pets leashed amid 'surge' of incidents
Toronto is releasing troubling statistics about the number of dog attacks in the city amid a recent “surge” in off-leash incidents involving children, pedestrians and cyclists, and is warning pet owners to make sure they comply with rules around dog ownership.
“The City of Toronto is reminding pet owners about their responsibilities and requirements for owning a dog in Toronto and emphasizing the importance of keeping their dog leashed and under control at all times,” the city said in a release Wednesday.
Last year Toronto saw 1,316 dog attacks – a 39 per cent jump from 2021, when there were 946 dog attacks. In 2022, there was also a 19 per cent jump in altercations involving dogs and other animals. So far this year, Toronto has issued more than 44 dangerous dog orders and 168 written warnings for bylaw violations.
The latest statistics and reminder to dog owners come after a rash of violent incidents.
Back in May, a boy was mauled and seriously injured by an off-leash dog at Rawlinson Community School(opens in a new tab), in the Oakwood Village area, outside of school hours.
While dogs are not allowed on school property, residents said there was no enforcement around the issue.
More recently, a mother of two was left with serious injuries after being viciously mauled by a dog she encountered near her home in East York(opens in a new tab). The owner in that case has been charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
However residents have complained that there is not enough enforcement around leashing pets, and that the response to incidents involving off-leash dogs is inconsistent.
The city says that bylaw enforcement officers “regularly monitor parks for off-leash dogs” and respond to complaints involving dogs. Their goal is primarily to educate people about why the rules are important for their dog and the community around them and to ensure compliance with bylaws.
However they can also issue fines of $365 for allowing a dog to run off-leash in spaces outside of Toronto’s 75 designated off-leash areas(opens in a new tab).
Toronto Animal Services will respond within two hours if a dog has committed a dangerous act and is still on the loose, or within 24 hours if the dog is with its owner and under control, the city says.
When dangerous or violent incidents do occur, city officials say they need people to come forward and share evidence so that they can take enforcement action.
In the case of the woman who was mauled in East York, there was video evidence which showed a dog chasing her while she screamed.
If a dog is found to have committed dangerous act, the owner will receive education and a possible written warning for a first time or non-serious incident.
In the case of a severe or second act on record, the owner will also receive a dangerous dog order. That means that they will have to keep their dog muzzled when out of the home, post a warning sign on their premises, obtain a dangerous dog tag, microchip their animal, keep a photo of the dog on file and receive socialization or obedience training within 90 days. The dog will also be banned from off-leash dog parks.
The city said that it has launched an awareness campaign to “spark conversations about responsible pet ownership and to encourage Toronto dog owners to be respectful of both the rules and those around them.”
In Toronto, all dog owners are required to keep their dogs leashed unless in designated off-leash areas. The leash cannot be longer than two metres and it must be attached to a collar or harness and held securely.
“People are responsible for their dog’s actions and should take precautions to prevent their dog from engaging in dangerous behaviour,” the city said. “Proper training, socialization and positive reinforcement are crucial for a dog’s well-being and will help ensure safer interactions with other dogs and people.”
Dog owners are also required to purchase a pet licence and renew it annually, make sure that licence tags are worn at all times, and to dispose of their dog’s waste properly in green bins or garbage bins.
The city has a dedicated page for dog bites or attacks(opens in a new tab), including information on prevention and on how to report dangerous incidents.
Must Watch
Top Videos
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
UPDATED | Singh calls on Canada to stop critical minerals exports to U.S. amid Trump tariff threat
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says the only way to deal with 'bully' U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and his looming tariff threat is to make him feel the 'pain' of Canada's retaliatory measures.
20 min ago
Norovirus cases are rising in Canada. Here's advice from a doctor
Canadian health officials are reporting a rising number of cases of the highly contagious norovirus illness in Canada, warning that the elderly and young children are most at risk.
1 hour ago
234 self-reported cases of gastroenteritis at the University of Guelph
The number of self-reported cases of gastroenteritis at the University of Guelph has increased to 234, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health confirmed on Monday.
1 hour ago
NEW | Hanging out at Starbucks will cost you as company reverses its open-door policy
If you want to hang out or use the restroom at Starbucks, you’re going to have to buy something. Starbucks on Monday said it was reversing a policy that invited everyone into its stores.
44 min ago
Four arrested after student stabbed during altercation inside Hillcrest High School
Hillcrest High School was on lockdown for several hours on Monday morning.
3 hours ago
Alberta premier talks about 'tariff-free relationship' with the U.S.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump went well, but the leader's tariff threat has not been averted.
'You just don't roll over:' Doug Ford refuses to take energy threat off table as he pitches closer mineral relationship with U.S.
Premier Doug Ford is proposing a closer relationship with the U.S. when it comes to critical minerals while at the same time boasting that the province won’t 'roll over' should president-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threatened tariffs upon taking office next week.
2 hours ago
Francois-Philippe Champagne to announce Tuesday if he's running for leader
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne plans to reveal Tuesday whether he will run in the upcoming party leadership race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
3 hours ago
Walmart's logo got its first facelift in nearly 20 years
Walmart is giving its logo the first facelift in nearly two decades, rolling out a new identity that is a subtle nod to its past.
4 hours ago