Dog bite - bitten - attacked or posing a menace to a person - domestic animal - dangerous dogs

To report a dog that has bitten or attacked or posed a menace to a person or domestic animal you can submit a service request  below or call 311.

Note:

  • If the dog is an owned dog (the owner is with the animal), you must be able to provide the address of the owner or a licence plate of the owner for Animal Services to investigate).

Dog at large is a dog off the premises of the owner and not in the care and control of a person (except where the owner of the property permits the dog to be on their property).

All animal-to-human bites or scratches must also be reported to Public Health, please see the solution below for Public Health reporting.

Dangerous dogs Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 349 defines a dangerous act as any bite, attack, act of menacing behaviour (injures or threatens a human without biting them) or a combination of the above.

Chapter 349, Animals defines a dangerous dog as:

  • A dog that has severely bitten a person or domestic animal (pet)
  • A dog that has bitten or attacked a person or domestic animal (pet) and it is the second bite or attack on record
  • A dog that has injured or threatened a human
  • A dog that is the subject of a muzzle or control order

What happens if a dog bites, attacks or engages in a dangerous act?

  • If the dangerous act is the first on record with the City, the owner will be served with a written warning
  • If the dangerous act is the second or subsequent on record with the City or is determined to be severe, a dog can be deemed to be a dangerous dog
  • If the dog is under a muzzle or notice of caution order, and a bite occurs, the Animal Care and Control Officer can determine the dog to be a dangerous dog
  • Before a dog is deemed dangerous, an investigation will occur to determine if the dog was acting in self-defence.

If a dog is deemed to be a dangerous dog, the owner must adhere to the following requirements:

  • Muzzle, leash and maintain control of the dog at all times when off the premises of the owner.
  • Prohibit the dog from entering into a designated leash-free area of a City park.
  • Post a warning sign on the owner's premises.
  • The dog must be microchipped.
  • Ensure the dog receives socialization or obedience training within 90 days of issuance of the order.
  • Purchase a dangerous dog tab from the City and ensure that the dog is wearing the tag at all times
  • Note: The City keeps a photo of the dog on file.

List of dangerous dogs
The City has posted a public list of dangerous dogs that includes the first three digits of the postal code of the dog owner, ward number, the dog's name, breed and colour, and the date of the dangerous act. You can view the list on the City's Open Data website.


Related information: