Dogs are part of the family. They are loyal and protective companions, but even a calm, well-trained dog may bite or lunge if they feel frightened, overwhelmed, or cornered. In Ontario, dog owners have a legal duty to protect both their dogs and the public, so it’s important to understand your responsibilities under Ontario Law.
Who Is Legally Considered a “Dog Owner” Under Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act?
Under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act, section 1 defines a dog owner as any person in physical possession of the dog at the time of the attack.
A dog owner under this act is:
- Someone who legally owns a registered dog.
- Someone who is taking care of a dog.
- The parent of a minor who is taking care of a dog.
How Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act Affects Dog Owners
The Ontario Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA) is designed to hold dog owners strictly liable for any damages or injuries caused by their dog. As a dog owner, you are legally held responsible if your dog bites or attacks someone or another animal companion in public or private. Whether your dog has never shown signs of aggression or has no history of biting, the law still holds you accountable.
This Act is designed to protect victims, meaning you can be held liable without anyone having to prove you were at fault or negligent. However, a court can reduce an owner’s liability if the victim’s actions helped cause the incident. For example, if someone was clearly provoking the dog, this could come into effect, but that doesn’t remove responsibility entirely.
Possible Legal Consequences of a Dog Bite
If your dog bites someone, the victim may file a personal injury claim to recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Other damages
Throughout Ontario, these claims are handled through civil court proceedings or settled through insurance negotiations.
Beyond legal and financial consequences, your dog may face restrictions, such as leashing or muzzling in public, depending on how severe and risky the situation is perceived to be. You may also be prohibited from having another dog for a period of time.
Best Practices to Prevent Dog Bite Incidents
Taking a proactive approach can help prevent bite incidents and protect your dog, neighbours, and yourself. This isn’t just for the public, but for your dog’s safety and well-being as well.
5 steps to reduce dog bite incidents:
- Gradually introduce your dog to different environments and people. Early socialization is very important for dogs.
- Go to professional training and leverage strategies to reduce anxiety and fear-driven behaviour in your dog.
- Make sure your property is fenced and that you post signs notifying people of your dog’s presence.
- Pay attention to body language so you can intervene before your dog feels threatened.
- Schedule regular vet check-ups, especially if your dog is showing signs of pain, as pain can change a dog’s behaviour and lead to defensive reactions.
These practices all help to demonstrate due diligence should legal issues arise.
What Dog Owners Must Do After a Dog Bite Incident
Despite best efforts, accidents can happen. Here’s what to do if your dog bites someone:
- Ensure everyone’s safety and secure your dog.
- Seek immediate medical care for the injured person.
- Exchange contact information and report the incident to local authorities.
- Inform your insurance provider and consult a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and for some guidance.
Dog bite incidents can be deeply traumatic not just for victims, but for pet owners as well. Guilt, fear, and grief are common emotions after an attack. In some cases, pets may be temporarily removed from the home or face court-ordered behavioural assessments.
Animal-assisted therapy, mindfulness, and counselling can help both pets and owners heal emotionally. During this time, don’t be afraid to seek support from networks, the community, and legal advice.
AUTHOR PROFILE
For over 30 years, Frank Van Dyke has helped injured victims across Southern Ontario obtain fair compensation for accident claims, catastrophic injuries, insurance and disability disputes, WSIB claims, and human rights violations. He builds compassionate, one-on-one client relationships and works on a contingency-fee basis, only getting paid when cases settle.
