Toronto has defined and officially cited 91 of the city’s canines as “dangerous dogs”. Toronto Animal Services officers responded to 882 incidents of dog bites, attacks and menacing behaviour reports between March and August. Investigations have resulted in 91 dangerous dog orders. A dog that has severely bitten or attacked a person or pet will be considered dangerous, as will dogs that have given non-severe bites twice or have been subject to a muzzle order. Owners of all such animals are required to muzzle their pets, put up warning signs and attend training classes or face fines. City officers began handing out the orders after Council unanimously passed amendments to the Toronto Municipal Code, creating the new distinction. The changes came into effect on March 1.
