Ottawa sees increase in reports of dog bites and attacks
Ottawa Bylaw Services is looking at improving public education campaigns to inform the public about safety issues associated with vicious dogs, but staff say creating an online registry of dangerous dogs would require a full review of the Animal Care and Control Bylaw.
The city received 845 reports of dog bite/attacks in 2023, up from 715 in 2022, 654 in 2021 and 562 in 2020. Statistics for Ottawa’s Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee shows Bylaw Services issued 268 charges and 115 dog muzzle orders in 2023, up from 201 charges and 70 muzzle orders in 2022.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Coun. Glen Gower asked city staff if the City of Ottawa could implement strategies to address serious dog bites and attacks like the City of Toronto. In March, Toronto City Council passed new measures to deal with dogs deemed dangerous, including an online registry of dogs with a dangerous order that outlines the first three digits of the postal code, the dog’s name, breed and colour.
“Bylaw and Regulatory Services has in recent years noted an increase in reports of dog-related issues generally, likely due to an increase in dog ownership during the pandemic, along with pandemic-related closure of parks and dog training facilities,” staff say in response to Gower’s inquiry.
“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 say amendments to the Animal Care and Control Bylaw would be required to follow Toronto’s steps to develop an online directory of dangerous dogs and post signs warning people of dangerous dogs in the neighbourhood.
A review of the bylaw would include public consultations.
In response to Gower’s inquiry, staff say the city has reviewed ways to improve existing public education efforts, including:
- Updated information on dog bites and attacks on the city’s website. The information provides information on pet registration, spaying/neutering, and new information about vicious dogs and what to do in a case of a dog bite or attack
- Bylaw Services is developing a new website outlining the requirements for a Muzzle Order appeal.
- Staff will conduct public education campaigns about vicious dogs and responsible dog ownership on social media channels.
“Bylaw and Regulatory Services will continue conducting patrols of parks and will take enforcement action as necessary,” staff say. “Officers will also continue responding to complaints about dog bites and violations of muzzle orders.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING PM Justin Trudeau to adjust cabinet roles today, as Pablo Rodriguez quits
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be making adjustments to his cabinet today, CTV News has confirmed. The small shuffle is the result of longtime cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez quitting.
DEVELOPING Hezbollah leader says pager attack crossed a 'red line' and vows to retaliate against Israel
Israel and Hezbollah exchanged strikes along the Israel-Lebanon border on Thursday as Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed retaliation for attacks earlier this week on his group’s communication devices.
Quebec woman charged with first-degree murder in death of five-year-old boy
A 29-year-old Quebec woman is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of a five-year-old boy southwest of Montreal.
CTV News in Italy Stolen Winston Churchill 'Roaring Lion' portrait returned after ceremony in Italy
A special ceremony at the Canadian Embassy in Rome marked the successful recovery of an iconic portrait of Winston Churchill after a two-year search by Ottawa police.
Robbers crash through ceiling in brazen US$150K cash heist
Two suspects broke into a cheque-cashing business in Atlanta through the ceiling and forced an employee to open the safe, where they stole US$150K.
'Put them on the exhaust pipes': Alberta mayor appears to advocate for the killing of feral cats
The mayor of an Alberta city appeared to suggest on Tuesday that residents should use inhumane tactics to deal with feral cats.
Huge python grabs Thai woman in her kitchen, squeezes her two hours before she can be freed
A 64-year-old woman was preparing to do her evening dishes at her home outside Bangkok when she felt a sharp pain in her thigh and looked down to see a huge python taking hold of her.
Ontario police arrest 2 suspects, search for 3 others in door-to-door-sales fraud
Two people have been arrested, and three others are still at large in connection with a door-to-door sales fraud that police said victimized more than 200 people across Ontario.
NASA replicates Mars 'spiders' in lab in groundbreaking experiment
NASA scientists have successfully replicated spider-like shapes found on the surface of Mars in a laboratory setting for the first time.