City, police team up for off-leash dog enforcement blitz

The City of Toronto and Toronto police will be cracking down on dog owners who don’t keep their dogs on a leash when they’re not in off-leash areas.

Enforcement officers will conduct the blitz and campaign in the city’s parks, including Trinity Bellwoods Park, Birkdale Ravine, Thomson Memorial Park, Wexford Park, and Hunters Glen Park.

According of the city bylaw, dogs “must be kept on a leash whenever they are on any property other than their owner’s — unless they are in designated “leash-free” areas, a city statement said.

Some of the off-leash dog parks in Toronto include Stanley Park, Earl Bales Park, Beaches Park, Sir Casimir Gzowski Park, and designated areas in High Park, to name a few.

Dog owners are also required to make sure their dogs do not “run at large” or “unleashed.”

To date in 2014, the city has received 440 complaints about dogs not being on a leash, and 66 charges were filed against dog owners.

Dogs permitted in leash-free zones have to be vaccinated and licensed, and dogs with a tendency to bite or exhibit aggressive behaviours are not allowed in the off-leash areas.

City officials said, “owners are responsible for any injuries or damage caused by any dog in their care.”

Click here for more information on how to get your dog licensed.

Click here to find an off-leash dog park in your area.

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