How Urban Pet Policies Can Help Prevent Pediatric Dog Bite Injuries
Hearing stories of several recent dog attacks in the Alberta media, some may make you feel uncomfortable while other incidents are horrifying. Municipalities have updated bylaws and policies in an effort to prevent dog bites and other dog-related injuries. In November 2024, a Doberman attacked another dog while off-leash in Calgary. It was traumatizing for the whole family. Thankfully no one got injured. In June 2022, there was a very unfortunate dog attack in Calgary. In that instance, an 86-year-old grandmother was mauled by three dogs and later died from her injuries. In 2024, the owner of the three dogs that fatally attacked the elderly Calgary woman was sentenced. The dog owner was fined $15,000 and prevented from owning a dog for 15 years. According to a 2003 study, more Canadian children between 5 and 9 visited the ER for dog bite injuries than hockey injuries.
These examples highlight that dog bites can result in serious injuries and, in some cases, even be fatal. As a result, bylaws and urban pet policies have become crucial to mitigating dog attack instances.
Laws Aimed at Curbing Dog Attacks Include Banning Certain Dog Breed
The media has tended to focus on specific large dog breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers causing injury. These stories led to many people calling for a ban on owning these dog breeds. Some jurisdictions have followed through and implemented bans on certain dog breeds often dubbed “fighting dogs”. However, bans on breeds have not consistently led to a decrease in bites or in the severity of injuries from dog attacks. A recent study from the University of Calgary assessed how policy can impact dog bite injuries, and the results are surprising. The research indicates that dog licensing, dog welfare, and a collaborative approach to public safety and enforcement are key to minimizing injuries from dogs.
When people register their dog with the city, they are provided with resources and the municipal government adds the dog to a database. This program assists public services to quickly identify a dog. Whether public services are trying to return a lost dog or identify a dog after an attack, a database remains key. This allows municipal bylaw officers to fine, train, muzzle, and if necessary, euthanize the offending dog. It appears that keeping violent dogs from reoffending is essential to managing the risks they present.
In Calgary, after a dog is involved in an incident (such as a confrontation with another dog or a person), the city will investigate and may seize the dog. If it is deemed a “vicious” dog, there are strict rules:
When on private property, a vicious animal:
- Must either be confined indoors under the control of a person over age 18; or
- Be locked in a secure structure outdoors; or
- Muzzled and on a leash, under the control of a person over age 18.
When on public property, a vicious animal:
- Must be muzzled and harnessed/leashed; and
- Be under the control of the person over age 18.
Violating these rules may lead to further action against the vicious dog and/or owner.
How Can You Recover Damages If You Have Been Injured by a Dog?’
The law surrounding dog attacks in Canada varies by jurisdiction. In Alberta, a dog owner is liable if they know their dog to be dangerous. Once a dog owner has knowledge that their dog can be dangerous, they will most likely be held accountable for their dog’s actions.
While a dog owner may be liable, the odds of recovering money for the injury you sustained goes up dramatically if the owner has insurance. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance protects the insured from claims regarding their dog. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog, we encourage you to contact a lawyer to discuss your claim.
Contact Our Calgary Personal Injury Lawyers For Legal Help If You Have Been Injured By Someone Else’s Dog’
You can call us toll-free at 1-888-494-7191 24/7 to set up a free initial consultation with Alberta dog bite injury lawyers. Since we represent our clients under contingency fee retainer agreements only, you will never have to pay us for any services unless we secure compensation for you.
