Latest news with #offleashdogs
CBC
25-07-2025
- CBC
Toronto man calls for better enforcement of off-leash dogs after crash sends him to hospital
Social Sharing What started as a normal summer stroll in Toronto's Christie Pits Park quickly went south for Chris Livett after a large off-leash dog crashed head first into his ankle. Levitt said the crash in early July resulted in a complex ankle fracture requiring surgery to install metal screws and plates. He's now calling on the city to increase enforcement of off-leash dogs in undesignated public spaces. "Dogs off leash are dangerous, as I've unfortunately had to learn myself. And I hope that people take that more seriously," said Livett, who works as a freelance transportation planner. With a cast on his leg and a broken collarbone after a tumble on his new crutches, Livett said he won't be able to work for at least six weeks. He hopes that by sharing his story he'll be able to find the owner for compensation, in addition to advocating for more enforcement of off-leash dogs. "This is going to have a big financial impact on me," he said. "It might just seem fun and innocent to go running around the park without your pets on leash, but these things have a real impact on people." In 2024, there were 2,675 complaints to the city and 47 charges by bylaw enforcement teams for dog off-leash offences in Toronto parks, according to a city council report. Under the city's municipal code, dogs are not allowed to run loose except within a designated off-leash area. 'It really jeopardizes the safety of everyone' Moments before the crash, Livett said an unidentified man on a skateboard and three unleashed dogs – including the one that crashed into him – came barrelling down a hill, weaving through pedestrians. "That definitely wasn't the right place or time for that," he said. "I'm someone who tends to not be judgmental about these things, it seems like they're having a lot of fun. But it was a crowded park, TOPS [Toronto Outdoor Picture Show] was on." He said he didn't get a good look at the owner or the other dogs, but described the one that crashed into him as a cream-coloured Pit Bull or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The owner of the dog didn't stick around after the crash or share any contact information, Livett said. He said he didn't file a report with the police because of the lack of information he has on the owner. Owners need to understand where it's appropriate to let dogs run free, said Isaac Meyer Odell, head of production for the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show, which does screenings in Christie Pits Park. "It really jeopardizes the safety of everyone around and also parks are multi-user spaces and we need to respect that," he said. Every week there are likely thousands of dogs that are off-leash in Toronto parks, said Tracy Loconte, founder of Paws for Parks, a community organization that was founded in response to off-leash bylaw violations in High Park. She said the city needs to address the issue by increasing bylaw enforcement and granting bylaw officers special constable status so dog owners understand the severity of the offence and tickets. "It's sometimes difficult for bylaw officers to be able to fulfill the mandate of giving out tickets when people sometimes will just walk away," she said. Loconte recommends people report any off-leash dogs in an undesignated area to the city's 311 line. "Put that report in. That data is looked at by the city and they will allocate resources accordingly," she said. WATCH | City council debated in 2024 about a potential dangerous dogs registry: Toronto considers dangerous dog registry 1 year ago Toronto city council is debating new measures as it grapples with a growing number of dog attacks. One of the proposals is a public registry of dogs that have mauled humans or other animals. The city monitors the volume of complaints and deploys enforcement officers as needed, said Shane Gerard, a spokesperson for the City of Toronto. "As with any bylaw, the City first attempts to educate people about the rules and why they are important for public safety," he said in an emailed statement. "In some cases the issue may be resolved through education. In other cases, further enforcement action may be required." Gerard said owners can be fined $500, plus administrative surcharges, for an off-leash dog outside a designated area.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Are leash bylaws enforced enough? Woman frustrated with rule-breaking Vancouver dog owners
An off-leash dog is seen in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, which has both leash-mandatory and leash-optional trails. (Shutterstock) From Amy Lazer's perspective, the government's approach to leash bylaws is all bark and no bite. The Vancouver resident has grown frustrated at the number of local dog owners flouting the rules, particularly in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, which has both leash-mandatory and leash-optional trails. 'It doesn't feel like there's anybody enforcing anything,' Lazer said. 'Except parking.' As someone with post-traumatic stress disorder, Lazer said all she wants is to enjoy leash-mandatory trails without being approached or jumped on by other people's pets. 'I'm not afraid of dogs,' added Lazer, who is a trauma therapist herself. 'I am, however, opposed to lack of boundaries.' During a recent walk on the Iron Knee Trail, Lazer said she was knocked to the ground by a group of unleashed dogs, including one that was wearing a muzzle – and that the response from their guardians left her stunned. 'They all looked at me and they were like, 'Oh, we hope your day gets better,'' said Lazer. 'I'm like, do you have zero accountability?' After that, she decided to tally the number of off-leash dogs she saw on leash-mandatory trails in the park. She said she counted 67 in a single week. 'There's a sense of entitlement among these dog owners, where they just feel like it doesn't matter,' Lazer said. 'And I am so over it.' Officials grapple with dog conflicts Metro Vancouver, which manages Pacific Spirit Regional Park, acknowledged the number of rule-breaking dog owners has been a problem, creating concerns around both public safety and the protection of sensitive ecosystems in the park. The regional government is already in the process of updating its Dog Management Program after collecting public feedback through an online survey earlier this year, but it remains unclear whether increased enforcement will factor into the new approach. In a statement, park operations supervisor Richard Wallis said several changes are being considered, including updated signage, updated trail designations, and focused enforcement in 'problem areas.' Metro Vancouver is using both data and survey results to ensure the policy going forward is 'evidence-driven,' Wallis added. 'Staff are now analyzing the responses, along with feedback from organizations that operate in the park,' he said. 'Updates are expected to be implemented in fall 2025.' Metro Vancouver confirmed rangers issued 74 tickets for off-leash dogs in Pacific Spirit Regional Park in 2024 – seven more than the number of incidents Lazer said she counted in a week. Wider problem across the city Lazer said her issue with scofflaw dog owners extends beyond one popular walking destination. It's difficult to enjoy outdoor activities – from hanging out at the beach to playing tennis – without running into off-leash dogs, she said. 'Why there's dogs on tennis courts, I don't know,' Lazer said. 'I play tennis and I don't need a dog on the court.' In a statement, the City of Vancouver told CTV News there has been a 'growing number' of incidents involving off-leash dogs, including four last year and two so far this year that were fatal for someone's pet. 'Leashing is not just a legal requirement, it is a low-cost and low-barrier tool that is effective in protecting people, pets, wildlife and shared public spaces,' the city said. The Animal Services Department has already increased enforcement in problem areas during 'peak off-leash activity times,' the city added, and new signage has been placed at several parks to remind dog owners about the rules and associated fines. Rangers issued 36 tickets for off-leash violations during the first six months of 2025, compared to 44 tickets issued for all of 2024. Lazer said she hopes speaking out will lead to even more stringent enforcement – and more self-reflection among dog owners. 'Why does my mental health and my safety come (second) to your dog's feelings?' she said.
CBC
28-06-2025
- General
- CBC
Increase in dog bite incidents prompts Wolfville park to limit off-leash hours
Social Sharing After an unspecified number of incidents involving off-leash dogs at Reservoir Park, the Town of Wolfville, N.S., is running a pilot project until January that will limit the hours dogs can be off-leash. The changes mean dogs must stay on leash between 10 a.m. AT and 7 p.m. each day. Previously, there weren't any restrictions. Wolfville Mayor Jodi MacKay said when she received a call from an emergency room doctor telling her she was seeing more cases of dog bites coming from the park, MacKay said she knew something had to be done. MacKay said the town gathered feedback from community members for a couple of months. "We heard a lot of just negative interactions [with off-leash dogs]," she said. MacKay said she does not know how many incidents there have been and how severe they were. People who don't comply with the new rules can be fined between $100 and $1,000. MacKay, who owns a five-year-old schnauzer named Mac, said people who want to share feedback about the pilot project can do so by scanning QR codes located throughout Reservoir Park. David Steele is a member of a naturalist group and often walks at the park. "I've had excited dogs come racing at me and jump on me," said Steele. "I'm a fairly sturdy fellow, but not everybody who walks here is, so I can understand why that could be quite threatening and even dangerous for some of the people who use the park." Off-leash debate divides Wolfville dog owners 11 hours ago Duration 1:42 A park in Wolfville is changing the rules around taking dogs off-leash. It comes after reports of an increase in dog bites. As Giuliana Grillo reports, dog owners are on different sides of the fence on the issue. Steele said it isn't just dogs that can be found at the park. He said most of his interactions with pets there have been positive, but the few that aren't can be especially dangerous for children and elderly people. Doug Watling of Kentville, N.S., is not pleased with the change. He frequently drives to Reservoir Park to let his dog, 13-year-old Hannah, off-leash. "One of the things that made the park charming is the fact that dogs were off-leash and got to engage and interact with people," he said. "We'll be coming here far less often, trust me."
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Portland parks to enforce stricter policy, fees for dog owners with off-leash pets
PORTLAND, Ore. () — The City of Portland has implemented stricter regulations and new fees for residents with off-leash dogs. that a new policy allows officials to immediately hit dog owners with a fine if they fail to put a leash on their pet in areas where leashes are required. The previous policy, established in 2013, directed park rangers to first issue citations for this offense — but officials said the initial warning has made the regulations 'difficult to enforce.' Oregon chef, bakery take home trophies from esteemed James Beard Awards 'Dog off-leash issues are a top concern for many community members all across the city,' PP&R said. 'These policy changes will help keep our parks safe and clean for all park visitors, and make sure they are welcoming for everyone.' Leashed dogs are permitted in most of Portland's public spaces, with the exception of sites including Tanner Springs Park, Mt. Tabor Park amphitheater and sports facilities with artificial and manicured turfs. Officials are more focused on cracking down on dog owners who allow pets to wander freely without a leash in undesignated areas, when there are more than 30 throughout the city. This includes portions of Irving Park, Alberta Park and Cathedral Park. But park rangers won't fine offenders straight away. Gov. Kotek signs POWER Act to shield Oregonians from Big Tech utility bills Staff is now 'piloting the new policy at parks with significant dog off-leash issues,' by informing residents of the changes before penalizing them, PP&R said. The bureau added that rangers could still choose to issue a citation as a first-time warning. Workers can also provide free leashes or poop bag holders to help with the new policy. The potential fine for off-leash dogs and failing to pick up poop ranges from $50 to $150, according to city code. Officials additionally ask pet owners not to bring their dogs to parks if they are 'in heat' or not fully vaccinated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- News.com.au
Six-year-old girl forced to undergo surgery after being mauled by off-leash dog
Parents feared the worst when an off-leash dog lunged at their six-year-old daughter during a Sunday outing in the Adelaide Hills. Margot McNicol was at Nairne's newly opened off-leash dog park with her family and their puppy when an American Staffy attacked, grabbing her by the head. The little girl was rushed to hospital and has since undergone surgery for her injuries. Margot's mother Christina heard her screaming and ran over. 'I saw the dog had her head in its mouth and was pulling her hair like a tug of war,' she told 7News. She said it took four adults to get the dog off her daughter. Margot was taken to hospital with multiple puncture wounds, scratches and bruises, but her parents are grateful it wasn't worse. Her father Braedan said that if the dog had taken her neck or face instead of the top of her head. 'It would have been a completely different story,' he said. The council is now investigating the incident. The owner will be fined $300 and a decision is expected to be made about whether the dog is euthanised.
