Report Dog Bites & Dangerous Dogs in Toronto - Bylaw

Public Safety Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Ontario

If you or someone else is bitten or threatened by a dog in Toronto, Ontario, report it promptly to City of Toronto Animal Services so the incident is recorded and investigated. This article explains how to report a bite or a dangerous dog, who enforces Toronto's animal bylaws, what penalties or orders may apply, and the practical steps to preserve evidence and seek remedies. Use the City's official reporting channels to ensure public safety and to start any necessary enforcement or civil processes. For urgent medical needs, seek care immediately before filing a report.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for dog bites and dangerous dogs in Toronto is carried out by City of Toronto animal enforcement teams and Municipal Licensing & Standards officers; reporting and complaint intake is handled through the City’s animal services pages.[1] The controlling municipal instrument for animal regulation is the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 349 - Animals.[2] Provincial civil liability for dog attacks is governed by Ontario’s Dog Owners' Liability Act.[3]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for all dog-bite offences; consult the Municipal Code page for any set fines or set-fine schedules.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences and any progressive enforcement are described in the municipal code and enforcement policies; specific escalation amounts or timelines are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: officers may issue orders, require confinement or muzzling, seize animals in serious cases, or seek court orders; the municipal code and enforcement notices set out specific powers and actions.[2]
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Toronto Animal Services and Municipal Licensing & Standards receive reports and investigate; use the City reporting page to file a complaint or call the contact numbers listed on the City site.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal and review routes, including provincial offences and court actions, depend on the order issued; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited municipal page and should be confirmed with the issuing office or legal counsel.[2]
  • Defences and discretion: officers exercise discretion based on circumstances such as provocation, trespass, or owner compliance; specific statutory defences under provincial law are outlined in the Dog Owners' Liability Act.[3]
Keep a detailed record of the incident, including photos, witness names and contact information.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes an online reporting form and complaint intake for animal incidents; there is no separate licence application solely for reporting a bite. Fees for reporting are not specified on the City reporting page; follow the online form instructions to submit details, photos and witness information.[1]

How to Report a Dog Bite or Dangerous Dog

  • Gather details: date, time, address, full description of the dog, owner name if known, photos and witness contacts.
  • Use the City of Toronto online reporting portal or phone numbers on the Animal Services page to submit the complaint.[1]
  • Preserve evidence: keep clothing, leashes, and take clear photos of injuries and the scene; record medical treatment details.
  • Cooperate with the investigation: provide witness statements and accept inspection or follow-up visits from enforcement officers.
  • If needed, pursue civil remedies under the Dog Owners' Liability Act or through Small Claims Court; the City’s enforcement action does not replace civil claims.
Reporting to the City starts administrative and public-safety enforcement; civil claims are separate proceedings.

Common Violations

  • Uncontrolled or off-leash dogs in prohibited areas
  • Failure to confine or muzzle a dog deemed dangerous
  • Not providing owner identification or witness information after an incident

FAQ

How do I report a dog bite?
Report online or by phone to City of Toronto Animal Services using the City reporting page; provide incident details, photos and witness contacts.[1]
Will the dog be seized?
Seizure is possible for dangerous or uncontrolled animals; the municipal code and enforcement policies set seizure authority, but specific outcomes depend on the investigation.[2]
Can I sue the owner for damages?
Yes; owners may be civilly liable under Ontario law such as the Dog Owners' Liability Act; consult the provincial statute for rules on liability.[3]

How-To

  1. Seek medical attention immediately for any bite or serious injury.
  2. Collect incident details, photos and witness names at the scene.
  3. File a report with City of Toronto Animal Services using the online form or contact numbers on the City page.[1]
  4. Preserve clothing and other physical evidence and follow instructions from investigators.
  5. Consider civil remedies if you have damages not covered by enforcement measures; consult legal counsel for claims under provincial law.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Report bites quickly to start an official investigation and protect public safety.
  • Keep evidence and witness information to support enforcement and any civil claim.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Toronto - Report an animal bite
  2. [2] City of Toronto - Municipal Code Chapter 349 - Animals
  3. [3] Ontario - Dog Owners' Liability Act

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