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.
There has been a recent surge in incidents involving dogs that are off leash including incidents involving children, pedestrians and cyclists. In 2022, there was a 39 per cent increase in the number of dog attacks and a 19 per cent increase in the number of altercations involving dogs and other animals. This year, the City has issued more than 44 dangerous dog orders and 168 written warnings for bylaw violations.
“In Toronto, all dog owners are required to keep their dog leashed unless in designated off-leash areas,” the City said in a statement. “The leash cannot be longer than two metres and it must be attached to a collar or harness and held securely. Keeping a dog leashed helps to ensure the dog’s safety and protects the people and community around them.”
“A leash will also help prevent dogs from getting lost, running into traffic, trampling sensitive vegetation, chasing wildlife or eating toxic substances,” the statement added.
Dog owners in Toronto are also required to purchase a City of Toronto pet licence and renew it annually. Licence tags must be worn at all times. They must also pick up their dog’s waste and dispose of it properly. The City has Green Bins for organic waste in all dog off-leash areas. In parks that do not have a Green Bin, residents should dispose of dog waste in garbage bins or take it home and place it in their Green Bin.
