Dangerous Dogs

On October 26, 2004 the McGuinty government introduced Bill 132 to amend the Dog Owners' Liability Act (DOLA), with related amendments to the Animals for Research Act (ARA). Bill 132 was passed by the Legislative Assembly as the Public Safety Related to Dogs Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005 on March 1, 2005. It received Royal Assent on March 9, 2005. The legislation bans pit bulls in Ontario, places restrictions on existing pit bulls, and toughens the penalties for the owners of any dog that poses a danger to the public. Ontario's pit bull ban took effect on August 29, 2005.

What is a "pit bull"?
For the purposes of Bill 132, the law defines a "pit bull" as a pit bull terrier, a Staffordshire bull terrier, an American Staffordshire Terrier, an American Pit Bull Terrier, or a dog that has an appearance and physical Characteristics that are substantially similar to those dogs.

What is a "restricted dog"?
If you own a dog that falls into the category described above and you owned that dog prior to August 29 or if your dog is born in Ontario before November 27, you own a "restricted dog". Restricted dogs are permitted in Ontario provided they are muzzled, leashed and sterilized.

What is a "prohibited dog"?
If you own a dog that falls into the category described above and it was born in Ontario after November 26 or brought into Ontario after August 28, your dog is a "prohibited dog" and may be subject to confiscation, destruction, or both.

How do I know if I own a restricted dog?
Unless you own a purebred registered dog with a recognized pedigree, you cannot know for sure what breed of dog you have. If you have doubts about whether or not you own a restricted dog or whether your dog could be identified as such, it is suggested that you adhere to the Regulations Regarding Pit Bull Controls in Ontario.

If your dog is not a restricted or prohibited dog but it is identifies as such, the onus is on you to prove that the dog is not a restricted or prohibited dog.

What do I have to do if I believe I own a restricted dog?
You must muzzle and leash your restricted dog whenever it is not on your property, unless it is on a property occupied by someone who allows your dog to be unmuzzled or unleashed. Your dog must not be able to escape from the property. Your dog must be sterilized by October 28th, 2005.

Ontario dog owners should note that restricted dogs that are outside the province longer than any three (3) month period will become prohibited dogs and may be subject to confiscation and destruction.

How does the new law affect all dog owners?
Court proceedings may be initiated against the owner of any dog: if a dog has bitten or attacked; if the dog has behaved in a manner that poses a menace to the safety of persons or domestic animals; if an owner did not exercise reasonable precautions to prevent a dogs from biting, attacking or posing a menace to the safety of persons or domestic animals; or if an existing order has been breached.

The court may order: destruction of the dog (mandatory for offending dogs identified as "pit bulls"); sterilization of the dog (mandatory for all offending dogs); control measures including muzzling, leashing confinements, warning signs; and/or prohibition of dog ownership.