Toronto man calls for better enforcement of off-leash dogs after crash sends him to hospital

CBC

25-07-2025

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What started as a normal summer stroll in Toronto's Christie Pits Park quickly went south for Chris Livett after a large off-leash dog crashed head first into his ankle.
Levitt said the crash in early July resulted in a complex ankle fracture requiring surgery to install metal screws and plates.
He's now calling on the city to increase enforcement of off-leash dogs in undesignated public spaces.
"Dogs off leash are dangerous, as I've unfortunately had to learn myself. And I hope that people take that more seriously," said Livett, who works as a freelance transportation planner.
With a cast on his leg and a broken collarbone after a tumble on his new crutches, Livett said he won't be able to work for at least six weeks.
He hopes that by sharing his story he'll be able to find the owner for compensation, in addition to advocating for more enforcement of off-leash dogs.
"This is going to have a big financial impact on me," he said.
"It might just seem fun and innocent to go running around the park without your pets on leash, but these things have a real impact on people."
In 2024, there were 2,675 complaints to the city and 47 charges by bylaw enforcement teams for dog off-leash offences in Toronto parks, according to a city council report.
Under the city's municipal code, dogs are not allowed to run loose except within a designated off-leash area.
'It really jeopardizes the safety of everyone'
Moments before the crash, Livett said an unidentified man on a skateboard and three unleashed dogs – including the one that crashed into him – came barrelling down a hill, weaving through pedestrians.
"That definitely wasn't the right place or time for that," he said.
"I'm someone who tends to not be judgmental about these things, it seems like they're having a lot of fun. But it was a crowded park, TOPS [Toronto Outdoor Picture Show] was on."
He said he didn't get a good look at the owner or the other dogs, but described the one that crashed into him as a cream-coloured Pit Bull or Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The owner of the dog didn't stick around after the crash or share any contact information, Livett said.
He said he didn't file a report with the police because of the lack of information he has on the owner.
Owners need to understand where it's appropriate to let dogs run free, said Isaac Meyer Odell, head of production for the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show, which does screenings in Christie Pits Park.
"It really jeopardizes the safety of everyone around and also parks are multi-user spaces and we need to respect that," he said.
Every week there are likely thousands of dogs that are off-leash in Toronto parks, said Tracy Loconte, founder of Paws for Parks, a community organization that was founded in response to off-leash bylaw violations in High Park.
She said the city needs to address the issue by increasing bylaw enforcement and granting bylaw officers special constable status so dog owners understand the severity of the offence and tickets.
"It's sometimes difficult for bylaw officers to be able to fulfill the mandate of giving out tickets when people sometimes will just walk away," she said.
Loconte recommends people report any off-leash dogs in an undesignated area to the city's 311 line.
"Put that report in. That data is looked at by the city and they will allocate resources accordingly," she said.
WATCH | City council debated in 2024 about a potential dangerous dogs registry:
Toronto considers dangerous dog registry
1 year ago
Toronto city council is debating new measures as it grapples with a growing number of dog attacks. One of the proposals is a public registry of dogs that have mauled humans or other animals.
The city monitors the volume of complaints and deploys enforcement officers as needed, said Shane Gerard, a spokesperson for the City of Toronto.
"As with any bylaw, the City first attempts to educate people about the rules and why they are important for public safety," he said in an emailed statement.
"In some cases the issue may be resolved through education. In other cases, further enforcement action may be required."
Gerard said owners can be fined $500, plus administrative surcharges, for an off-leash dog outside a designated area.