Dangerous dogs will require muzzles, warning signs under beefed up bylaw
Bylaw amendments passed unanimously at Toronto city council on Wednesday
A beefed up bylaw means dangerous dogs will soon require muzzles and warning signs — and won't be allowed in Toronto's off-leash dog parks.
Starting in March, if a dog severely attacks or bites a person or another pet, it will be labelled a dangerous dog, according to bylaw amendments passed unanimously at Toronto city council on Wednesday.
The bylaw makes it illegal for a pet to be tethered for longer than one hour, bans the use of choke collars and choke chains, and increases fines for owners who don't comply.
"This is about both public safety — and the safety of pets," Coun. Mike Layton told CBC Toronto.
'It's about the deed, not the breed'
A tougher bylaw is something Anna-Maria Mountfort has been fighting for since 2012, when a German Shepherd-Collie mix attacked her then 6-year-old daughter.
"It's great that it's not breed-specific ... it's about the deed, not the breed," she said.
The bylaw amendments now define a dangerous dog as one that has severely bitten a person or pet, has bitten or attacked a person or pet and it is the second or subsequent bite or attack on record, or a dog that's under a muzzle order.
There was no previous definition for a dangerous dog in the bylaw.
Concern owners could become repeat offenders
Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti expressed concern that the bylaw amendments could potentially put small dogs like Chihuahuas in the same category as other breeds.
He also worries owners could become repeat offenders.
"The way to do that is not to license them ever again in owning a dog," he said.
With files from Chris Glover