Keep control of your dogs, Newmarket resident says after attack

Owners are responsible for ensuring dogs are 'adequately controlled' by leash, town advises

Newmarkettoday.ca
Aug. 14, 2023
Joseph Quigley

A regular walk turned into a nightmare for Barb MacFarlane as she strolled with her dogs, Kutter and Darcy.

Near her Newmarket home on July 13, she said another resident was moving her dog from the backyard to the front, holding onto its collar. The large dog got loose and charged, attacking Kutter, a smaller dog.

Kutter would require $820 worth of medical treatment, suffering a substantial injury.

“I’m now nervous every time I see a large dog,” she said. “I don’t feel comfortable walking the same way I used to ... I don’t know what’s going to happen anymore.”

Newmarket has seen some serious dog attacks in recent weeks. The municipality and police investigated after three dogs attacked and injured a girl on Jackson Court July 27. Another Newmarket resident reported on Facebook about their dog being attacked on Davis Drive several days ago.

It is not the first time MacFarlane said she has experienced a dog attack. Last year, she said a dog mistakenly left loose in the middle of a move attacked her dog.

“I understand that things can happen,” she said, “but I am a firm believer that if you can’t control your dog, you need some training.”

Ben Worthington, manager of the Town of Newmkarket's regulatory services, said most dog attacks tend to occur when a dog is not leashed and running loose.

“Dog attack happens as a result of a dog being provided the opportunity,” he said. “It is ultimately the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure the dog is being adequately controlled.”

The town’s bylaw requires dogs to be licenced and on leashes when at large off an owner's propety, except in designated off-leash parks.

Dogs under a municipal muzzle or dangerous dog order when outdoors on an owner’s property must also be properly restrained, whether on a leash or in an enclosed fenced area from which they cannot escape.

Worthington said it is a common misconception that people can be laxer with the rules if their dog is friendly.

“Just because a dog may be friendly is not an excuse for it to be off-leash. The requirements are put in place for good reason,” Worthington said, adding that there are many hazards like traffic, wildlife, debris, or other dogs. “There’s a lot of factors that can happen even with friendly dogs.”

Worthington advised owners to ensure their dog is leashed and under control when walking about. Owners should replace leashes if they get tears, he said, and use no-pull harness or collar options for dogs that pull too much.

The town’s bylaw policy is to focus on education. When evaluating a dog attack, the municipality will consider factors like severity and whether it is a repeat occurrence, Worthington said.

The town can issue a muzzle or dangerous dog order to restrict a dog when out in public. Under provincial legislation, there are further steps the town can make such as spaying or neutering or, in extreme cases, euthanasia, as occurred with the dogs that attacked the girl on Jackson Court.

Fines are also part of the picture, with the animal control bylaw laying out a range starting from $300. The town’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System has several dog-related charges on it, with failing to prevent a dog from a dangerous act starting at $600 on a first offence, ramping up to $900 on a second and then $1,350. The town can also lay a charge under the provincial Dog Owners Liability Act where fines can go up to $10,000 in the most severe cases, but that would be determined by a judge.

In MacFarlane’s case, she said she contacted animal services, who visited the owner of the dog that attacked. But she said the owner left the community soon after, and she is doubtful she will get her veterinary expenses reimbursed as the owner promised.

She said Kutter is slowly getting back into trusting other dogs but is still fearful.

To other owners, MacFarlane said they need to ensure their dogs get proper exercise and maintain appropriate control.

“If someone can’t handle their dog, it’s an issue."