Update. After the police shooting, Barrie Police may have upgraded their policy on dog bite management. On August 7, 2026, two dogs who had bitten someone were humanely live captured by police carrying dog treats. The dogs were led into a garden where they were captured by Animal Services without incident.​  Here is the official report.  The official report has a cute photo of a police woman giving treats to the tail wagging doggy duo.  Please share on social media to get them a good home.

These dogs are now at OSPCA Barrie. We would like them to be rehabilitated, not euthanized. Jeffrey Baker is a behaviour specialist in the Barrie area.  He is beyond full at the time, but you can still post about the dogs on social media so they can get a forever home.    The injuries to the man were minor injuries.  And the Barrie doggy duo are food motivated so they are probably easy to train.

Please comment on the police budget.​

And please make a formal complaint.​

https://www.barriepolice.ca/barrie-police-service-board/​

https://www.barriepolice.ca/about/public-complaints/

Early one Monday morning, a tragic incident unfolded that deeply shook our community. An 11-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after being bitten by a stray dog, Justice, causing him to fall from his scooter. Justice, reportedly a large 'bully' breed, ran away, leaving both fear and confusion for everyone, both the boy and the dog.  I have named the dog Justice, because that is what he or she deserved.

Hours later, in the stillness of the night at 2:30am, a police officer encountered a dog they believed to be Justice, the same one involved in the earlier incident. Regrettably, instead of reaching out to the Provincial Animal Welfare Service, the officer resorted to a fatal decision. Justice the dog was shot dead.  https://www.barriepolice.ca/ba26035745-police-search-for-loose-aggressive-dog/

This incident raises critical questions about our community's approach to stray animals. Why wasn't there a protocol for involving animal welfare experts? Why did it take a lethal approach to a situation that could have been handled humanely?

The need for an immediate, compassionate, and professional response to animal control situations is evident. We demand a 24/7 animal emergency response team that could intervene swiftly and effectively in incidents involving stray animals. Such a response team would ensure better outcomes for both humans and animals, preventing unnecessary suffering and loss of life.

Moreover, it is concerning that animal shootings by law enforcement go unchecked, with no third-party investigation to determine the necessity of such drastic measures. This lack of oversight must change. We call for the establishment of an independent body to review all incidents involving the use of lethal force on animals, ensuring accountability and transparency in how these situations are managed.

Justice is sought for the boy, whose life has been impacted by this incident, and for the dog, lost due to hasty action. By signing this petition, you join a movement to transform how Barrie and similar communities handle stray animal encounters. Let's work towards a future where compassion guides our actions, and thorough, humane procedures are the norm.

Please sign this petition to affect change in our community's treatment of animals and prevent further unnecessary tragedies.