Applicable Ontario Laws For Dog Bites

A lot of pet owners fair to take into account that they are actively liable for the damages which are caused by their dogs. It is quite important to make sure that you are aware of the law in this regard, if you are a pet owner as you’d certainly have to abide by it.

And, that’s quite logical, now, isn’t it? The dog itself doesn’t understand the terms of responsibility and it’s quite normal for his owner to be responsible for it. In fact, there is a similar institute in the Contractual Law of Canada which governs responsibility for the conduct of third parties. Basically if you empower someone with your own responsibilities and he causes damage to someone or something – you are liable for them. However, let’s stay on point.

Regulation that governs animal liability

That’s a very interesting question which deserves a lot of attention. The piece of legislation which governs the liability of this kind is called Dog Owner’s Liability Act. It was enacted back on the 31st of December in 1990. Now, if your dog poses a danger or attacks another person or domestic animal, you’d be held responsible. The truth is that the liability is particularly strict and serious and an application made to the court of Ontario could even result in the eventual destruction of the dog.

Of course, this is in case the damages which are caused to another person or animal are dramatic and particularly devastating. Furthermore, there are additional factors which are taken into account such as contributory negligence as well as the impossibility or possibility of the dog’s character can be altered.

Things to consider

Now, compared to the USA, the statistics in Canada are a bit more positive. Every year, there are about 500,000 dog bites. The amount of the dangerous ones isn’t determined. However, in the US this number is dramatically higher – an approximation of about 4.5 million dog bites a year. However, irrespective of the statistics, dog bites can be traumatic and can lead to long term treatment especially if the victim has been mauled by the dogs.

The Pit Bull Ban

There is a ban, deriving from the legislation of Ontario which bans owning, breeding and distributing pit bulls. The act is also particularly definitive and it provides clear description as well as explanation of the breed. Keep in mind that an offence under the Dog Owner’s Liability Act, depending on the condition and the gravity can result in a fine which is absolutely substantial. Owning a pit bull might get you a $10,000 fine and it can even get you jail time.
So, as you can see, there are a few different things that you need to be aware of. Owning a dog is responsibility that you need to take very seriously and that’s just it. Failing to do so can pose a danger to you and to those around you.