On April 19th, my 9 pound chihuahua was brutally attacked and killed by a large 125 pound dog who got loose from a neighbour’s home.   This dog picked mine up, shook him and punctured both his lungs.   The result was the owners of the dog were given a muzzle order and a mere 125.00 fine.   Upon doing some research I discovered London’s Dog bylaws pale in comparison to other municipalities around London. 

In London, Ontario, the safety and well-being of our community are of paramount importance. Recent incidents involving dog attacks have underscored the urgent need to revisit and reinforce local regulations. The Dog Licensing and Control Bylaw, as it stands, is insufficient in ensuring the community's protection and promoting responsible pet ownership. Multiple municipalities and counties around the London area include in their bylaws a Dangerous Dog Designation.  

Our neighborhoods should be safe spaces for everyone, yet the current policies have left gaps that risk public safety. Urgent cases where dogs have shown aggressive behavior and harmed individuals and domestic pets highlight these shortcomings. It is vital that the Bylaw be revised to address specific issues such as clearer definitions of what constitutes a dangerous dog, stricter penalties for non-compliance, and more robust enforcement mechanisms.

For meaningful change, we propose that City Council not only review existing bylaws but also consult with veterinary experts, animal behaviour specialists, and community members. This comprehensive approach will ensure that new regulations are effective, balanced, and considerate of all stakeholders, including responsible pet owners.
Some changes to the bylaw could include the following but are not limited to:

Implementing mandatory training for owners of identified dangerous dogs, larger fines, signs indicating a dangerous dog resides on the property, increased licensing fees for dogs designated as dangerous, mandatory neutering, and a robust reporting system will greatly aid in prevention and response strategies. Additional fines if the owner of the designated dangerous dog (s) do not comply.   It is crucial to foster a culture of safety, where people feel secure in their communities and dog owners are held more accountable.  

By signing this petition, you are urging City Council in London, ON, to take action towards revising the Dog bylaws to include a “Dangerous Dog Designation” for a safer, more responsible community. Take a stand to protect our neighborhoods and ensure future harm is prevented.