Bylaw increases education on dog bites, attacks in Ottawa as cases rise

Prompted by a councillor’s inquiry to city staff, Ottawa’s bylaw team have taken steps to create more awareness of dog bites and attacks within the municipality.

The letter from Stittsville Councillor Glen Gower was sent to Roger Chapman, Ottawa’s director of by-law and regulatory services, and Ryan Perrault, the general manager of emergency and protection services. It noted there have been recent increases in “serious” dog bites and attacks, which have resulted in more charges for muzzle and leashing orders

“How can we better inform the public about safety issues associated with such dogs?” Gower asked. “Can staff review the feasibility of implementing similar strategies for Ottawa”

There are two ways for the city to govern dog ownership, the first is through the Animal Care and Control By-Law, the second is through the Ontario Dog Owner’s Liability Act, the letter reads.

Staff noted in the last several years there have been a rise of dog bites and attacks. Typically bylaw notes over 500 complaints of such incidents in a year, but since 2020 the numbers have steadily increased.

Number of dog bites and attacks reported

City of Ottawa bylaw noted the increase in issues with dogs is related to the increase in dog ownership during the pandemic.

“Consequently, many families who welcomed a new dog into their family lacked the necessary resources and support to train and socialize their pets, resulting in an increased incidence of problematic behaviour,” staff wrote.

This has also led to an increase in charges, court summonses and muzzle orders; from 294 in 2022 to over four hundred actions needed the following year.

Councillor Glen noted that Toronto City Council passed measures to deal with dogs that were deemed dangerous, and he wanted to know if Ottawa was taking, or could take, similar measures.

Bylaw noted several ways it could, and was, bringing more awareness to the situation including:

• Updated information on dog bites and attacks on the city’s website
• New page for muzzle order appeals on the website —  anticipated to be live by the end of the year
• Continued public education and enforcement through social media channels

“Although there are currently no financial implications, additional funding would be necessary for a larger-scale public education campaign,” staff note.

One of those ways would be a vicious dog signage and online director of vicious dogs, similar to Toronto’s program.

However, this would require public consultations and changes to the city’s bylaw before implementation of signs could begin. The bylaw will be considered for review as part of council’s plan for next term.