{"id":2983,"date":"2017-07-28T14:11:57","date_gmt":"2017-07-28T14:11:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/contelawyers.ca\/?p=2983"},"modified":"2017-07-28T14:11:57","modified_gmt":"2017-07-28T14:11:57","slug":"dog-owner-liability-in-ontario-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/contelawyers.ca\/dog-owner-liability-in-ontario-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Owner Liability 101: Everything To Know About Adopting a Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

An Essential Guide to Dog Owner Liability in Ontario<\/h2>\n

How much do you know about dog owner liability<\/strong><\/a>?<\/p>\n

We love our pets. For many of us, our pets are just like our children- only furrier. Bringing home a new fur baby to their forever home is an exciting feeling, as it\u2019s time to prepare for a future of love, happiness, and amazing memories.<\/p>\n

But, like many things in life, there are a lot of responsibilities you have as a dog owner<\/strong>. As a member of society, we owe a duty to our fellow Ontario residents to ensure that we\u2019ve done our part to keep everyone safe.<\/p>\n

Do you know what to do if your dog bites someone<\/strong>? What about if you\u2019re the one bitten by a dog<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re considering getting a dog, make sure you understand dog owner liability in Ontario before you bring Fido home.<\/p>\n

\"Dog
Family with their dog.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Dog Owners\u2019 Liability Act<\/h3>\n

The Dog Owners\u2019 Liability Act<\/a> of Ontario outlines your responsibilities when it comes to your dog.<\/p>\n

Essentially, under the law, dog owners are liable<\/strong> for any injury or damage to people or property that their dog causes. This also applies if the dog bites another domestic animal.<\/p>\n

If you share custody of a dog, for example with a spouse or common law partner, you will both be held liable for the dog\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n

Even if the victim provoked the dog in some degree, you will still be held negligent<\/strong> and will pay a reduced fine.<\/p>\n

The Act also outlines specific regulations for certain breeds of dogs that are known to be more aggressive.<\/p>\n

For example, there are many regulations for pit bull owners. In Ontario, it\u2019s illegal to own a pit bull unless you owned it before the law was amended. If you do have a \u201cgrandfathered\u201d pit bull, you are required to keep it muzzled outside of your property and sterilize it to prevent breeding.<\/p>\n

\"Puppy
Puppy on the beach.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Don\u2019t Assume it Won\u2019t Happen to You<\/h3>\n

Just because your dog is a gentle, timid canine doesn\u2019t mean they won\u2019t suddenly bite someone if they feel threatened.<\/p>\n

The reality is that dog bites happen more often<\/strong> than you\u2019d think. Every year, there are approximately 4.7 million dog bites or attacks<\/a>, and about 20% of those incidents require medical attention.<\/p>\n

Dog bites can also be fatal.<\/p>\n

As a dog owner, the most important thing you can do is take proactive measures<\/strong> to prevent these incidents from happening.<\/p>\n

In Toronto, under the regional bylaw, you\u2019re required to care for your dog and provide the appropriate care and control. This includes providing it with exercise, food and water, protection from the elements, and so on.<\/p>\n

Caring for your dog properly is a proactive measure in preventing them from becoming aggressive<\/strong>. You\u2019re also required to make sure you are training the dog properly and taking action to control them in public.<\/p>\n

One bite could cost you thousands of dollars, and possibly jail time depending on the situation.<\/p>\n

My Dog Bit Someone. What Do I Do?<\/h3>\n

First, it\u2019s important to understand that not all dog bites are the same.<\/strong> There are 6 different levels of dog bites<\/a>, ranging from 1 (minor bite with minimal to no skin puncturing) to 6 (fatal bite resulting in death).<\/p>\n

You will be held liable if your dog bites someone or someone\u2019s pet.<\/p>\n

If your dog bit someone, the first thing you should do is restrain your dog and attend to the victim<\/strong>. Call an ambulance if you need to, and provide first aid if you can.<\/p>\n

Be cooperative and provide the victim with your contact information. If you have your dog\u2019s vaccination or medical record on hand, provide that as well.<\/p>\n

Understand that the victim has rights<\/strong>. They can contact animal control, the police, and a lawyer if they feel they are suffering serious injuries.<\/p>\n

\"Dog
Angry dog.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What to do if You\u2019ve Been Bitten by a Dog<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re the one who has been attacked, mauled, or bitten by a dog, it\u2019s important that you take the right steps to not only heal your injury, but also to hold the dog owner liable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The first thing you need to do is seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dog bites, and bites from any animal in general, can become infected.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also have to contact the dog owner and get their contact information<\/strong>. They are responsible for paying the damages, so you\u2019ll need to inform them.<\/p>\n

Make sure you have plenty of documentation that you can use as evidence<\/strong>. This includes taking photographs and keeping all of your medical documents or receipts from treatment.<\/p>\n

Photographs are important because you\u2019ll need to be able to prove that the incident did happen, that your injuries happened as a direct result of the incident, and that the dog belongs to that owner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dog Bite Claims and the Courts<\/h3>\n

When you make dog bite claim<\/strong>, for an injury caused by a dog attack, the court will look at certain factors in order to determine your eligibility for a settlement.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the factors that will be considered:<\/p>\n