North Middlesex is experiencing an increase in incidents related to aggressive dog behaviour and dogs otherwise at large.
The Municipality of North Middlesex would like to remind dog owners of their responsibility to keep their dog(s) from running at large under By-law 010 of 2010. The set fine for a violation of running at large (Section (4) (a)) is $100.00 for each offence.
The Province of Ontario has enacted strict liability requirements on dog owners under the Dog Owners Liability Act (DOLA). Section 2 (1) of the Act states “The owner of a dog is liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal.” The Dog Owners Liability Act also provides for offences under the Act. Section 18 (1) of the Act states “An individual who contravenes any provision of this Act or the regulations or who contravenes an order made under this Act or the regulations is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or both.”
All reported incidents will be investigated and dealt with as provided for under By-law 010 of 2010 and the Dog Owners Liability Act.