A provincial court judge has handed down a fine of $10,000 to an Edmonton dog owner whose pet was involved in multiple attacks in the community.
Charges were laid under the City’s Animal Licensing and Control bylaw after repeated complaints and attacks. The fine issued is the maximum penalty allowed under the Bylaw.
“Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their animal is well-cared for, well-socialized and does not present a risk to public safety,” said John Wilson, Director of Animal Care and Control. “The fine in this case reinforces the owner’s responsibilities to ensure their animal’s safe and healthy integration in the community.”
The City of Edmonton Animal Care and Control Centre (ACCC) reminds dog owners of the importance of responsible pet ownership after a significant increase in dog attacks in Edmonton.
The number of dog attack complaints in Edmonton increased by 18 per cent in 2023 compared to the same period the previous year (596 complaints in 2023 compared to 507 in 2022).
This is a 66 per cent increase in attacks since 2021 when there were 359 complaints from January to July.
There can be multiple reasons for attacks, including a lack of understanding of how to read behavioral signs and how to safely approach and engage with dogs.
Dog owners can learn more about responsible pet ownership by visiting the City’s Responsible Pet Ownership page.
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