Dog Bite Laws in Ontario: Your Rights as a Victim

Strict Liability for Dog Owners in Ontario

Ontario has one of the strongest dog bite laws in Canada. The Dog Owners' Liability Act imposes strict liability on dog owners — meaning that if your dog bites or attacks a person (or a domestic animal), you are liable for damages, regardless of whether you knew the dog was dangerous or whether the dog had ever bitten before. There is no "one free bite" rule in Ontario.

What the Law Says

Section 2 of the Dog Owners' Liability Act provides: "The owner of a dog is liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal." This applies to all dog owners in Ontario — private individuals, breeders, businesses, and municipalities.

Who Is a Dog Owner?

For the purposes of the Act, "owner" includes any person who possesses or harbours a dog. This means that a dog-sitter, a person walking a dog, or someone who temporarily has the dog in their home may be considered an "owner" for liability purposes.

Contributory Negligence

While dog owners are strictly liable, the damages may be reduced if the victim's own conduct contributed to the attack. If a person provoked the dog, was trespassing, or otherwise contributed to the attack, the court will apportion liability and reduce the owner's damages accordingly.

What Damages Can You Claim?

• Medical and dental expenses (immediate and future)
• Lost income (including future earning capacity if injuries are severe)
• General damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Psychological damages (PTSD following a severe attack)

What to Do After a Dog Attack

• Seek immediate medical attention — dog bites can cause serious infections
• Report the attack to your local animal services or public health unit
• Get the owner's name, contact information, and proof of rabies vaccination if possible
• Take photographs of your injuries
• Consult a personal injury lawyer — most work on contingency for dog bite claims