Dog attacks
In the past 2 years, some skaters have either been attacked by off-leash dogs or fallen due to menacing dog behaviour. The problem is always the same where an entitled dog owner feels that the surrounding space belongs to them.
Sometimes the dogs are off leash and sometimes with over extended leashes. The leash must not be more than 2 meters. Leashes longer than 2 meters are illegal.
If you experience this type of situation, you should also sue the dog owner for the consequences that the attack has caused you, such as but not limited to lost work days to recover from the injury, trauma, PTSD, etc.
Although this page should not constitute legal aid for a lawsuit, chances are that if you are well informed and diligent with the process, the dog owner will settle with you for a lot less money than having to hire a lawyer and go lose the case in court.
Liability
- Dog owner liability
- Dog Bite Attack: Dog Owner Law and Liability Basics
- What are the Laws About Dog Bites in Canada?
Act and regulations
Liability of owner
2 (1) The owner of a dog is liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal. R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16, s. 2 (1).
City laws
Toronto
A fine of up to $365 can be issued for allowing a dog to run off-leash except in a designated dogs off-leash area. The charge is $300, plus a $60 victim’s surcharge, and a $5 administration fee.
- Dogs Off-Leash
- TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS
- TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 608, PARKS
Hamilton
- Rules and Regulations for Hamilton, Ontario Dog parks
- PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Operations & Maintenance Division
Skating locations
- Careful. A guy walking 2 large aggressive dogs off-leash on High Park
- Dog owner facing charges in connection with attack on Hamilton woman near Chedoke Radial Trail