Among the proposed changes to Chapter 349 of the Toronto Municipal Code is a new requirement for clear signage to be placed at the entrance of any residence housing a dog under a Dangerous Dog order. These signs would include QR codes linking to information on whether the owner is complying with legal conditions—such as keeping the dog muzzled in public or avoiding off-leash areas.
Fletcher also called for a city-wide online registry of dangerous dogs. This registry would detail the severity of each incident that led to a dangerous designation, offering residents a clearer picture of potential threats in their neighbourhoods. She believes this system would proactively alert the public and allow for greater transparency.
To ensure the rules are being followed, Fletcher proposed that bylaw officers deliver official notices to dog owners in condominiums and to property managers of buildings where such dogs reside. These officers would also be tasked with conducting compliance checks to make sure signage is posted, a requirement that has clashed with condo regulations in the past.
The push for reform follows two serious dog attacks in Fletcher’s ward in 2023, where a woman and a child were mauled. She said those incidents, along with widespread non-compliance discovered during inspections last year, highlighted the need for tougher oversight.
Fletcher emphasized that the updated bylaw is not just about enforcement but about preventing future attacks and protecting the health and safety of all Torontonians.