Getting attacked by a dog in Toronto – What Should You Do?

Dogs are known to be man’s best friend. They can be loyal, loving and kind. However, dogs can also be dangerous by reacting aggressively if they feel provoked, threatened and frightened.  Being attacked by a dog can be a very traumatic experience and cause serious damage to the body. 

If you are attacked by a dog, your first priority is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dog bites can have detrimental consequences, especially if it’s a puncture wound. A medical professional can examine the wound and assess whether there is any risk of infectious disease, such as rabies or tetanus, and provide relevant treatment. 

The City of Toronto assesses Dog bites on a severity scale from 0 to 5. This scale is commonly known as the “Dunbar Bite Scale”.[1]  A score of 3 or above is considered a severe attack. 

 Level 0: Obnoxious or aggressive behaviour, but no skin contact with the dog 

Level 1: Skin contact with teeth and/or superficial wounds. 

Level 2: One to four punctures from a single bite, but no deep punctures. 

Level 3: One to four punctures from a single bite with at least one deep puncture. 

Level 4: Multiple bites with at least one level 3 wound or severe injury (i.e. fracture). 

Level 5: Victim is deceased as a result of the attack. 

What would the City of Toronto do with  dog-bite incidents? 

The Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals states that dog owners need to take “reasonable precautions” to prevent their dogs from engaging in dangerous behaviourt.[2] 

The Dog Owner’s Liability Act holds that a dog attack in Ontario is a regulatory offence with a fine of upto $10,000, and imprisonment for upto 6 months.[3] If you are attacked by a dog, you can file a complaint with the City of Toronto’s Animal Services by either calling 311 or filing through this online portal. 

Upon receiving your complaint, Toronto Animal Services will investigate the incident by conducting interviews (with the victim, dog owner and any potential witnesses), collecting evidence, and assisting you in preparing a statement of the incident. Once the investigation concludes, Toronto Animal Services will determine one of the following: 

1. If the dangerous act is categorized as “not severe” OR the dog does not have any previous records of a dangerous act,Toronto Animal Services will provide education to the dog owner and issue a written warning if necessary. 

2. If the dangerous act is categorized as  “severe”, OR  the dog has multiple records on file,Toronto Animal Services will provide education to the dog owner and issue a dangerous dog order. [4]

A dangerous act refers to bites, attacks, or menacing behaviour

What is a Dangerous Dog Order? 

A dangerous dog order is issued to dogs who are found to have engaged in a dangerous act.[5] This order has the following restrictions to protect the health and safety of Torontonians: 

1. The dog must be muzzled at all times (except when it’s on the owner’s premises).

2. The dog is not allowed to visit any off-leash dog parks. 

3. The dog must be microchipped. 

4. The owner must have a dangerous dog warning sign on their premises.

5. The owner must obtain a dangerous dog tag. 

6. The owner must ensure the dog receives socialization or obedience training within 90 days of the issuance of the dangerous dog order. 

7. The City of Toronto will keep a photo of the dog on file. [6]

In addition, the City of Toronto posts information on all active dog orders through the dangerous dog order map. This map contains: 

(1) Owner’s forward sorting area (full postal code).

(2) Owner’s ward number. 

(3) Dog name, dog breed and dog colour.

(4) Date of the dangerous act. [7]

 Authored by Megan Lai

Bibliography: 

[1] [4]  City of Toronto. “Dog bites or attacks”, (19 June 2025), online: City of Toronto <toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/dogs-in-the-city/dog-bites-or-attacks/>. 

[2] Toronto, Ont., Municipal Code, ch. 349, Animals, § 349‑15(A) (as amended 2025).

[3] Dog Owners’ Liability Act, RSO 1990, c D.16, s 2(1).

[5] City of Toronto. “Dangerous Dog Orders”, online: City of Toronto <toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/dogs-in-the-city/dangerous-dog-orders/>. 

[6]Toronto, Ont., Municipal Code, ch. 349, Animals, § 349‑15.1(A) (as amended 2025).

[7] City of Toronto. “Dangerous Dog Orders Map”, online: City of Toronto <toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/dogs-in-the-city/dangerous-dog-orders/dangerous-dog-orders-map/#location=&lat=&lng=&zoom=>.