Escalating recent efforts to protect the public from dangerous dogs, the City of Toronto announced additional proactive measures today focusing on the greatest safety threats
DAVENPORT – Escalating recent efforts to protect the public from dangerous dogs, the City of Toronto announced additional proactive measures today focusing on the greatest safety threats, following a recent decision by the Economic & Community Development Committee to update dangerous dog regulations and programs.
Over the next month, all owners of dogs with a dangerous dog order (373 total across Toronto) will receive a visit from City staff. During this visit, City staff will inform owners of a new requirement to post a standardized sign which warns of a dangerous dog on the premises, in addition to educating owners about the conditions of their dangerous dog order.
These visits complement updates adopted by the Economic and Community Development Committee, including the new standardized sign, a new online registry, access to discounted dog training for those with dangerous dogs who cannot afford training, and resources on what to do if you or your pet is bitten by another dog.
Councillor Alejandra Bravo, Chair of Economic & Community Development Committee, shared “We need dog owners to do their part by keeping dogs on leash and complying with all parts of a dangerous dog order. These new proactive measures for compliance with by-laws, increased by-law enforcement capacity, and accountability measures will enable the City to do its part to protect the public.”
During the 2024 Budget process, Councillor Alejandra Bravo secured an additional $800,000 for increased by-law enforcement capacity that will assist with dangerous dog and animal control issues. After a dangerous dog incident in May 2023 at Rawlinson Community School in Ward 9 (Davenport), Bravo worked with local school trustee Alexis Dawson to mount a public awareness campaign and have been looking at ways to resolve dangerous dog issues on school board properties.
Bravo added “This work is not over. Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of actions that seek to reduce dangerous dog incidents, and these actions will continue to escalate as needed. Addressing dangerous dog behaviour is part of making our communities safer for all.”
Further updates on enforcement and compliance measures will be considered by the Economic & Community Development Committee on October 23, 2024. Priorities for Councillor Alejandra Bravo include addressing the issue of dangerous dogs on school board-owned properties and advocating for changes to the Dog Owners’ Liability Act.
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