Newmarket, Ontario – A resident in Newmarket, Ontario is urging for stronger action after his neighbor’s dog allegedly attacked his own dog, leaving both animals injured. Stephen Burnley was enjoying a Canada Day celebration in his backyard when the incident occurred. According to Burnley, a pit bull mix from the neighboring property hopped over the fence and attacked his dog, Rex, prompting a struggle that resulted in injuries to both Burnley and his partner.
The attack left Burnley and his dog with significant injuries, leading to a lengthy battle with authorities over the enforcement of laws regarding violent dog attacks. After being taken to the hospital and receiving stitches for bite wounds, Burnley found the process of holding the neighbor accountable to be challenging and frustrating. Despite the issuance of a dangerous dog order by the Town of Newmarket’s animal services, Burnley claims that the order was repeatedly disregarded by the neighbor.
Newmarket officials have confirmed that they are investigating the incident and are engaged in enforcement measures. However, they clarified that the case does not involve a pit bull, as claimed by Burnley. Animal Services supervisor Jacob Brewer emphasized that all dogs are treated equally under municipal bylaws, with a focus on factors such as the severity of the bite, the dog’s history, and the likelihood of a repeat incident.
Burnley expressed concern over the reluctance of authorities to escalate the matter under the provincial legislation, the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA), which holds owners accountable for their dogs’ actions and provides measures for public protection. While Burnley believes the offending dog to be a pit bull mix, he does not advocate for the destruction of the animal but rather for stricter ownership regulations for the owner.
Recent adjustments to DOLA have sparked discussions among municipalities, with Toronto council requesting amendments to expedite hearing proceedings and establish cost-recovery mechanisms for holding animals under DOLA warrants or orders. Vicious dog attacks have been a recurring issue in Newmarket, with previous incidents involving severe injuries to individuals and other animals.
Burnley’s plea for better enforcement of laws regulating dog ownership resonates with a growing concern for public safety. He emphasized that the issue lies primarily with irresponsible owners rather than the dogs themselves. As the debate over stricter regulations continues, residents like Burnley remain vigilant in advocating for change to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of pets and people alike.