Toronto Man Demands Stricter Enforcement of Off-Leash Dog Rules Following Hospitalized Crash

Off-Leash Dogs Pose Safety concerns in Toronto Parks; Victims Call for Stricter enforcement

A recent incident in Christie Pits Park, where a cyclist sustained a fractured ankle requiring surgery after colliding with an off-leash dog, has ignited renewed calls for stricter enforcement of leash laws in Toronto’s public spaces. chris Livett, the injured cyclist, described the encounter as a sudden and unavoidable accident, lamenting that the dog’s owner fled the scene without providing contact details, preventing any formal report to the police.

the incident highlights a broader issue of off-leash dogs in areas where they are not permitted. Isaac Meyer Odell, head of production for the toronto Outdoor Picture Show, which hosts screenings in Christie Pits Park, emphasized the importance of responsible dog ownership and respecting the multi-user nature of parks. “it really jeopardizes the safety of everyone around and also parks are multi-user spaces and we need to respect that,” he stated.

Tracy Loconte,founder of Paws for Parks,an organization formed in response to off-leash violations in High Park,estimates that thousands of dogs are off-leash in Toronto parks weekly. She advocates for increased bylaw enforcement and suggests granting bylaw officers special constable status to underscore the seriousness of these offences and the potential penalties. Loconte noted the challenge officers face when owners are uncooperative or absent.

Loconte encourages residents to report any sightings of off-leash dogs in undesignated areas via the city’s 311 line. “Put that report in,” she urged. “That data is looked at by the city and they will allocate resources accordingly.”

A spokesperson for the city of Toronto, Shane Gerard, confirmed that the city monitors complaint volumes and deploys enforcement officers as needed. He explained that the city’s approach prioritizes educating the public about leash laws and their importance for safety, with enforcement actions taken when education is insufficient. Currently, owners can face fines of $500, plus surcharges, for having their dogs off-leash outside designated areas.

The ongoing debate around public safety in parks was further underscored in early 2024 when city council considered proposals for a perilous dogs registry, aiming to address a rise in dog-related incidents.

What specific actions is Mark Evans requesting the City of Toronto take to address the issue of off-leash dogs?

The Incident and Growing Concerns

A Toronto resident is calling for increased enforcement of off-leash dog laws after a recent cycling accident left him hospitalized. The incident, wich occurred near High Park on July 22nd, 2025, involved a cyclist colliding with a large dog running freely in a designated on-leash area. The cyclist sustained important injuries, requiring immediate medical attention. This event has reignited the debate surrounding dog park etiquette, responsible pet ownership, and the effectiveness of current bylaws in Toronto.

Understanding Toronto’s Off-Leash Regulations

The City of Toronto (https://www.toronto.ca/) currently designates specific areas where dogs are permitted to be off-leash. These include designated off-leash dog parks and certain trails during specified hours. However, many residents argue that enforcement is lax, leading to frequent violations and potential safety hazards.

Hear’s a breakdown of key regulations:

Leash Laws: In all areas not specifically designated as off-leash, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 2 meters (6.5 feet).

Designated Off-Leash Areas: These areas are clearly marked and allow dogs to roam freely under the owner’s control.

fines for Violations: Owners found in violation of the leash laws can face fines ranging from $240 to $500. Repeat offenders may face higher penalties.

Dog Owner Responsibilities: Owners are legally responsible for their dog’s actions, including any injuries or damages caused.

The Cyclist’s Plea and Community Response

The hospitalized cyclist, identified as Mark Evans, has launched an online petition urging the City of Toronto to increase the frequency of bylaw officer patrols in parks and trails. He also advocates for stricter penalties for repeat offenders and a public awareness campaign emphasizing dog bite prevention and pedestrian safety.

“This wasn’t just a scary experience; it could have been fatal,” Evans stated in a press release. “More needs to be done to protect vulnerable road users and ensure that all park visitors can enjoy these spaces safely.”

The petition has garnered significant support from cycling advocacy groups and concerned citizens, with many sharing similar experiences of near misses and unsafe encounters with off-leash dogs. Local Facebook groups dedicated to Toronto parks are filled with discussions about the issue, highlighting a growing frustration with the current situation.

Why Current Enforcement is Falling Short

Several factors contribute to the challenges in enforcing Toronto’s dog bylaws:

Limited resources: The City of Toronto’s bylaw enforcement department is frequently enough stretched thin, with limited staff to cover the vast network of parks and trails.

Reactive Approach: enforcement is often reactive, responding to complaints rather than proactively patrolling high-risk areas.

Lack of Public Awareness: Many dog owners may be unaware of the specific regulations or the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Difficulty in Proving Negligence: Establishing negligence in cases involving off-leash dogs can be challenging, requiring evidence of aggressive behavior or a direct link between the dog’s actions and the injury.

Potential Solutions and recommendations

To address the issue, several solutions have been proposed:

1. Increased Bylaw Officer Presence: Allocate additional resources to the bylaw enforcement department to increase patrols in parks and trails, especially during peak hours.
2. Targeted Enforcement: Focus enforcement efforts on areas with a history of violations and known hotspots for off-leash activity.
3. Public Awareness Campaign: Launch a thorough public awareness campaign to educate dog owners about their responsibilities and the importance of complying with leash laws. This could include signage in parks, social media campaigns, and educational workshops.
4. Enhanced Penalties: Consider increasing the fines for repeat offenders and implementing a tiered penalty system based on the severity of the violation.
5. Improved Signage: Ensure that all designated off-leash areas are clearly marked with prominent signage outlining the rules and regulations.
6. Community Reporting System: Implement a user-amiable online system for residents to report off-leash violations and provide evidence (photos, videos) to support their claims.
7. Dog Park Ambassador Program: Establish a volunteer program where responsible dog owners can act as ambassadors, promoting responsible pet ownership and educating others about the rules.

The Role of Responsible Dog Ownership

Ultimately, addressing this issue requires a collective effort from both the city of Toronto and dog owners. Responsible dog ownership is paramount, and owners must prioritize the safety of others while enjoying public spaces. This includes:

Always keeping your dog on a leash in designated on-leash areas.

Maintaining control of your dog at all times, even in off-leash areas.

Being aware of your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards.

Respecting the rights of other park users,including cyclists,pedestrians,and families with children.

Properly socializing your dog to ensure they are pleasant and well-behaved around others.

Resources for Dog Owners in Toronto

city of Toronto Animal Services: [https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/](https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-