October 2014
City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service have commenced an enforcement blitz.
Residents are encouraged to keep their dogs on a leash except when in the City’s leash-free parks.
In Toronto, all dogs must be kept on a leash whenever they are on any property other than their owner’s – unless they are in designated “leash-free” areas. Owners are responsible for ensuring that their dogs are not unleashed.
In 2013, there were a total of 130 complaints regarding dogs running off-leash. This year, as of July 2014, there have been 440 complaints and 66 charges. A fine of $360 can be issued for allowing a dog to run at large (unleashed) except in a posted designated leash-free area.
Owners are responsible for their dog and any injuries or damage caused by any dog in their care.
In order to use the leash-free zones, dog owners must have vaccinated and licensed their dogs. Dogs that are aggressive to humans, dogs with a history of biting, and other types of animals are not permitted in the leash-free zones.
In addition to being leashed, all dogs in Toronto must be licensed. Licences cost $25 a year and are available online at http://www.toronto.ca/animalservices.
North York has three Off Leash areas where dogs can run and play near the Yonge North Corridor:
- Earl Bales Park – 4169 Bathurst St.
- G. Ross Lord Park – 4801 Dufferin St.
- Yonge and York Mills – 4070 Yonge St., north of York Mills on the west side of Yonge St.
