Dangerous Dog Orders

The City issues dangerous dog orders for dogs involved in dangerous acts. If someone observes a dog they believe to be a dangerous dog without its muzzle or in an off leash dog park, a complaint can be made to 311 and the matter will be investigated. View a registry of dogs with a dangerous dog order. 

Investigation of Dangerous Acts

If it’s determined that the dog committed a dangerous act, one of the following actions may be taken:

  • When the dangerous act is not found to be severe and is the first on record with the City: education will be provided to the dog owner and depending on the circumstances of the act, a written warning may be issued or no further action may be needed.
  • When the dangerous act is found to be severe or is the second or subsequent dangerous act on record with the City: education will be provided to the dog owner and a dangerous dog order will be issued.

When the dangerous act is the first on record with the City, an officer will examine all of the circumstances of the specific dangerous act when determining if the dangerous act is severe.

If the dog was acting in self-defence

During an investigation into a dangerous act, an officer will consider whether the dog was acting in self-defence at the time of the dangerous act. If the officer determines the dog was acting in self-defence, the officer may determine that the dog is not a dangerous dog.

When determining if a dog was acting in self-defence, the officer will consider whether:

  • The dog was defending itself from a bite or attack.
  • The severity of the injury was necessary for the dog defending itself from a bite or attack.
  • The victim was committing a criminal act on the premises of the owner and incurred injuries as a result of being bitten or attacked.
Dangerous dog warning sign with picture of dog next to a QR code
Dangerous dog warning sign

Requirements Under Dangerous Dog Orders

A dangerous dog order issued by the City includes the following requirements:

  • Dog must be muzzled except when on the owner’s premises.
  • A warning sign must be posted on the owner’s premises.
  • The dog is prohibited from using the City’s dogs off-leash areas.
  • The owner must obtain a dangerous dog tag.
  • The dog must be microchipped.
  • City keeps a photo of the dog on file.
  • Dog owner must ensure the dog receives socialization or obedience training within 90 days of issuance of the order.

    Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal

    The Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal provides an independent review of Dangerous Dog Orders issued by the City.

    The Tribunal hears appeals from dog owners who are served with an order to comply with a Dangerous Dog Order and has the authority to confirm the determination of a dangerous dog order or rescind the determination and exempt the owner from compliance. In making a decision, the Tribunal may consider whether a dog was acting in self-defence when the dangerous dog act occurred.

    If you wish to apply for a hearing to the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal to appeal an officer’s determination of a dangerous dog, please review and complete the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal Request for Appeal Form, following the Appeal Procedure set out in the Form.

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