Toronto issues warning to dog owners after more than 200 incidents so far this year

Pet owners are being asked to keep their dogs leashed and under control at all times following a recent surge in incidents across the city.

The City of Toronto says it has issued more than 44 dangerous dog orders and 168 written warnings for bylaw violations this year for off-leash dogs and incidents involving children, pedestrians and cyclists.

Last year, the city saw an almost 60 per cent increase in dog attacks and altercations involving dogs and other animals.

Dog owners must keep their dogs leashed at all times unless they are in a designated off-leash area. Bylaw enforcement officers regularly monitor parks for off-leash dogs and respond to complaints and issues involving dogs. The fine for allowing a dog to run off-leash, except in a designated off-leash area, is $365.

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“People are responsible for their dog’s actions and should take precautions to prevent their dog from engaging in dangerous behaviour,” the city said in a statement. “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 must purchase a pet license from the city and renew it annually. License tags must be worn at all times by the pet.

Pet owners are also responsible for picking up their dog’s waste and disposing of it properly, either in one of the organic Green Bins the city has in all off-leash areas, garbage bins or at home in their own Green Bins.

Residents are encouraged to report dangerous incidents involving dogs by calling 311 or filing a complaint at www.toronto.ca/BiteReport.