Newmarket, Ontario, residents are grappling with the aftermath of a violent dog attack that left one pet injured and their owners fighting for stricter enforcement measures. Last summer, Stephen Burnley and his family experienced a traumatic incident on Canada Day when a neighboring dog leaped over a fence into their backyard, attacking their dog, Rex. The skirmish resulted in injuries to both Burnley and his partner as they tried to intervene and protect their pet.
The severity of the attack prompted Burnley to seek assistance from local authorities, eventually leading to the issuance of a dangerous dog order by the Town of Newmarket’s animal services. However, Burnley reported that his neighbor continued to violate the order repeatedly, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing laws and enforcement mechanisms surrounding violent dog incidents.
Despite efforts to address the situation, Burnley expressed frustration over the challenges in holding the dog owner accountable under provincial legislation such as the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA). The reluctance to escalate the matter to DOLA highlighted the complexities and limitations of the legal framework in addressing aggressive dog behavior.
In response to the incident, animal services supervisor Jacob Brewer emphasized the importance of equal treatment for all dogs under the municipal bylaw, focusing on factors such as the severity of the dog bite and the likelihood of future attacks. While Burnley suspected the offending dog to be a pit bull mix, he advocated for measures that would prevent the owner from owning any dogs, rather than resorting to euthanasia.
The debate over enforcing stricter regulations on dog ownership and accountability has gained traction in Newmarket, particularly in light of previous dog attacks in the area. Calls for amendments to DOLA to streamline legal proceedings and enhance cost-recovery mechanisms for municipalities holding animals under warrants or orders have been echoed by city officials.
As the community grapples with the complexities of balancing public safety and pet ownership, Burnley remains steadfast in his efforts to raise awareness about the need for comprehensive measures to address dangerous dog behavior. The ongoing discussions around DOLA amendments and enforcement protocols reflect a broader conversation about ensuring the welfare of both pets and residents in Newmarket, Ontario.