Item - 2016.LS13.4

The Licensing and Standards Committee:

1.  Requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report back to Licensing and Standards Committee with a draft by-law amending Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 349, Animals, that includes, but not limited to:

a. New definitions of dangerous dog, attack and menace;

b. Public safety requirements for owners of a dangerous dog to muzzle, microchip, and ensure their dog wears a special dog tag identifying it as a dangerous dog; posting of a warning sign on their property; prohibition in off-leash park areas; and the need for training to the satisfaction of the City;

c. One, two or three hour time limits on tethering;

d. Prohibition on the use of pronged or choke collars for tethering;

e. Authority to enter private property;

f. Increasing and continuing fines for those who do not comply;

g. Licensing fees; and

h. Banning the use of choke collars, chain or pronged collars.

2. Requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to include in her forthcoming report the following:

a. Options to require dog handling, mandatory professional obedience training and micro-chipping to be undertaken by the dog owner, at the cost of the owner, when the City takes appropriate action for non-compliance with the by-law;

b. The feasibility of fundraising efforts to fund enforcement of the by-law; and

c. Options to mandatory micro-chipping for all dogs and cats.

3.  Requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to develop a communications strategy for responsible dog owners based on proposed by-law amendments, including possible partnerships with Toronto Public Health, the Parks Department, the City's garbage and recycling collection calendar, and media partners, and report back to the Licensing and Standards Committee.

As directed by City Council, this report outlines a multi-phased approach to proposing amendments to Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 349, Animals and includes recommendations for additional public consultation and feedback. This planned approach is intended to consider the public's feedback to support changes that will promote responsible dog ownership, better prevent dog bites and mitigate risks associated with dangerous dogs.

The proposed amendments reflect legislation from other jurisdictions and comments from residents through a survey and public meetings.

An estimated 230,000 dogs live in Toronto, the majority of which co-exist with other people and pets with minimal impacts. Despite this, there continue to be issues with some dogs that put public safety at risk. This report outlines proposed amendments to increase responsibility and accountability of dog owners. The proposed changes are intended to strengthen the City's ability to identify and limit dogs that are deemed dangerous. In total, these amendments will increase public safety and decrease the risk of dog bites.

The proposed amendments include:

-  New definitions

-  Provisions for owners of a dangerous dog, including muzzling, microchipping, special dog tags, signage, prohibition in off-leash parks and training

-  Increased public education

-  More humane treatment of dogs, including a three hour maximum that a dog can be tethered outside and prohibition on the use of choke and prong collars on dogs that are tethered

-  Increased and continuing fines for those who do not comply

The public can provide feedback to Municipal Licensing and Standards in September and October 2016. Staff will report back to Licensing and Standards Committee before the end of 2016 with a draft by-law.

Legal Services was consulted in the preparation of this report.