If you’re a resident who regularly takes advantage of the beautiful outdoor vistas that Kingsville has to offer, chances are you have encountered at least one or two unleashed dogs on your outings.
Whether on the Chrysler Canada Greenway, under the leafy canopy of Lakeside Park, in Kennedy Woods, or on one of the many sidewalks that wind their way through our Town, you might come across a pet owner who allows their family dog to run off leash. And while some pet owners may find this perfectly acceptable, there are others in our community who have an outright fear of being approached by a dog running freely near or towards them.
Leash laws can be a touchy subject with two entrenched camps: those opposed and those in favour. However, there is no ignoring the fact that leashing your dog in public is the law.
Greenway looking west at Graham Sideroad
Kingsville has two by-laws that address the issue of dogs running loose in public spaces:
By-Law 103-2003 Licensing and Registration of Dogs, Dog Bites and Muzzling states under Section 8 (e) that “the Owner of every dog or dogs shall keep the same under physical control by means of a Leash held by the same person at all times when the dog is in any place other than the premises of the Owner.”
Fines for failing to abide by this by-law are up to Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each offence.
By-Law 23-2001 Section 5 – Animals At Large clearly states under Part 5a) that “no person who owns any animal shall permit such animal to be at large within the Town of Kingsville.”
It also defines under Part 5b) the meaning of “at large” and under Part 6 states that “every person who contravenes any provision of this By-Law is guilty of an offence, and upon conviction is liable to a fine of not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00).”
While the fines upon conviction are steep, some dog owners are undeterred. Off-leash dogs continue to be a nuisance or a danger to residents who visit our public spaces for other forms of recreation.
Data from the Town of Kingsville indicates that between January 1, 2020 and July 13, 2021 the Town received 98 calls from the public related to these by-laws. While no fines were laid, six muzzle orders were issued. The Town carries out regular patrols and issues written notices, usually for a first offence, to individuals with off-leash dogs.
Greenway looking east on McCain Sideroad
What to Do If You’re a Dog Owner
If you’re a dog owner, your first step is to read, understand and obey the by-laws. The links to the Town of Kingsville by-laws are here:
By-Law 103-2003 Licensing and Registration of Dogs, Dog Bites and Muzzling
By-Law 23-2001 Section 5 – Animals At Large
You might also consider using the local dog park where your furry companion can run without a leash if he or she is properly socialized and ready to interact with other off-leash canines. Kingsville’s local dog park is located at Linden Beach on Golfview Drive and has two large, fenced spaces to accommodate both small and large breeds separately.
If the dog park is not an option, consider having your dog play in a safe/fenced residential yard with other dogs you know well.
Greenway looking west on McCain
What to Do If You Encounter an Off-leash Dog or a Dog Running at Large
If speaking to the pet owner doesn’t yield results or if you witness a dog running at large, the local Ontario Provincial Police advise residents to treat this like any other call for service. Report the matter to the Ontario Provincial Police or call the Kingsville by-law enforcement officer.
Ontario Provincial Police can be reached at 519-733-2345.
For after hours, non-emergencies, call 1-888-310-1122.
For emergencies, call 9-1-1
The Town of Kingsville by-law enforcement officer can be reached by calling the Town of Kingsville Municipal Office at 519-733-2305.
Lakeside Park near the Pavilion
What to Do If You or Your Pet Are Bitten By An Off-leash Dog or An At-large Dog
Immediately seek medical or veterinary treatment, if required. If your dog has been bitten, notify the Ontario Provincial Police. If you have been bitten, notify the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Also, notify the Town of Kingsville. The Town may carry out further investigation which could result in a muzzle order being issued.
Dr. Christina Martin, BSc.H, MSc., DVM, is a veterinarian and owner of Lakeside Animal Hospital and the Kingsville Animal Clinic. She shares this advice:
– Never approach a dog you don’t know
– Don’t assume that because your dog is friendly, you can safely let it approach other dog owners or their dogs
– Always keep your dog on-leash and within three feet of you
She has also provided a helpful link to a summary by Dr. Sophia Yin on what to do if you are being attacked by a dog. You can read it here: Dog Bites: What To Do When You’re Attacked.
Dr. Martin cautions that, when using a dog park, you need to remember that the risk of dog bite injury is very high — both to dogs and their owners if they try to break up fights. Not all dogs get along and, as Dr. Martin says, “even the most even-tempered Golden Retriever can and will bite if in a threatening situation.”
“Unfortunately, if you are in the scenario where you or your dog is being attacked by another off-leash dog whose owner is either not nearby, or cannot gain control of their pet, I recommend you do whatever you need to do to keep safe. Always avoid using your hands. This is everyone’s initial reflex response — hands are thrown into the mix to separate dogs. The other dog, (or your own dog unknowingly), is likely to bite you and seriously injure you in this way.”
She suggests a safer alternative. “The ideal way to separate two dogs is to have a physical barrier between the two dogs. Anything at all that can be thrown between them will provide a visual and physical barrier to provide an opportunity to separate them more safely.”
Dr. Martin also recommends the wheelbarrow method of breaking up a dog fight. This method involves both pet owners grabbing their respective dogs by the haunches and dragging them backwards out of the fight.
It is recommended that they are grabbed high enough on the back legs that the pet owner maintains a good grip and won’t hurt them. This also ensures that the pet owners stay far away from teeth. It should be noted that this technique only works if both dogs are “wheelbarrowed” at the same time.
Pet owners who care about the health and safety of their dogs should recognize that leash laws are in place to keep their pets safe while also ensuring the safety of others. If you’re a pet owner, please do your part to keep our outdoor spaces safe places of enjoyment for all.
Top photo by Chris Anson
Bottom photo by Gerson Rodriguez from Pixabay
All other photos by Alan K. Smith