Dog Bite Injuries in Ontario: Who Is Responsible When a Dog Attacks?

Dog attacks can happen suddenly and leave victims dealing with much more than a painful wound. A serious bite can cause scarring, nerve damage, infections, psychological trauma, time away from work, and long-term medical or rehabilitation needs. Children can be especially vulnerable because of their size and the possibility of facial injuries or lasting fear after an attack.

When a dog bites or attacks someone in Ontario, the legal question is often straightforward: who is responsible for the harm caused?

Ontario has specific legislation dealing with dog attacks. Under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act, the owner of a dog is liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack on another person or domestic animal. Importantly, the owner’s liability does not depend on whether they knew the dog had aggressive tendencies or whether they were negligent.

At Mayfair Law Group, we help injured individuals understand their rights after dog attacks and other serious personal injuries. If you or a family member has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Ontario, understanding how liability works can help you protect your rights and determine your next steps.

How Does Dog Owner Liability Work in Ontario?

Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act creates significant responsibility for people who own, possess, or harbour dogs. The legislation defines an owner broadly enough to include someone who possesses or harbours the animal, not only the person whose name may appear on veterinary or registration records.

Under the Act, a dog owner can be liable for damages when their dog bites or attacks another person. The injured person does not generally need to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous before the attack.

This is important because some dog owners may say that their dog had never bitten anyone before or had always been friendly. That does not automatically prevent an injured person from pursuing compensation.

If more than one person legally qualifies as an owner, Ontario law also provides that those owners may be jointly and severally liable for the damages caused by the dog.

Does the Dog Have to Bite Someone for a Claim?

A dog bite is the most obvious example, but the legislation refers to both bites and attacks. An injury can potentially occur without the dog actually breaking the skin.

For example, a large dog may knock someone to the ground, causing a fractured wrist, shoulder injury, or head injury. A person may also fall while trying to escape an aggressive dog. Whether the incident qualifies and what compensation may be available will depend on the facts.

The important issue is how the dog’s behaviour caused the injury and the extent of the resulting damages.

What If the Dog Had Never Been Aggressive Before?

A common misconception is that a dog owner is only responsible if the dog had previously bitten someone or showed aggressive behaviour.

Ontario law does not make owner liability dependent on previous knowledge of the dog’s tendency to attack. The Dog Owners’ Liability Act specifically states that liability does not depend on the owner knowing about the dog’s propensity or on proving fault or negligence by the owner.

That means a first attack can still lead to a claim.

Previous incidents may nevertheless become relevant in some circumstances, particularly when considering the owner’s precautions, how the dog was controlled, or other proceedings related to public safety.

Can the Injured Person Be Partly Responsible?

Although Ontario law places responsibility on dog owners, the conduct of the injured person can still matter.

The Dog Owners’ Liability Act allows damages to be reduced if the injured person’s own fault or negligence contributed to the injuries.

For example, the circumstances surrounding the interaction with the dog may become relevant when determining compensation. This does not mean that every allegation of provocation automatically defeats a claim. The specific facts must be considered carefully.

Because liability disputes can develop after an attack, injured people should document what happened as accurately as possible and avoid making assumptions about fault before speaking with a lawyer.

What Injuries Can Result From a Dog Attack?

Dog attacks can cause a wide range of physical injuries. Some victims experience puncture wounds, cuts, torn tissue, fractures, nerve damage, infections, or injuries caused by falling during the attack.

Scarring can be particularly significant, especially when bites affect the face, hands, arms, or legs. Some injuries may require stitches, surgery, plastic surgery consultations, physiotherapy, or other ongoing treatment.

The psychological impact can also be substantial. A person who was previously comfortable around animals may develop anxiety, nightmares, fear of dogs, difficulty walking through certain neighbourhoods, or symptoms associated with psychological trauma.

Children may experience emotional effects that continue long after their physical wounds have healed. The full impact of an attack should therefore be considered rather than focusing only on the initial bite.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Dog Bite?

Compensation in a dog attack claim depends on the circumstances and seriousness of the injuries.

An injured person may seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost income, out-of-pocket costs, future treatment needs, and other losses caused by the attack.

Scarring and disfigurement can also be important considerations, particularly when the injury is visible or permanent. Psychological injuries may form part of the claim when they are supported by appropriate medical evidence.

More serious attacks can affect a person’s ability to work, participate in activities, care for family members, or enjoy daily life. These longer-term consequences can become important when assessing the value of a personal injury claim.

What Should You Do After a Dog Attack?

Medical attention should be a priority after a dog bite or attack. Even wounds that initially appear minor may require treatment because of infection risk or deeper tissue damage. Head injuries, fractures, significant bleeding, or injuries involving a child should be taken especially seriously.

It is also helpful to document the incident. Photographs of the injuries, torn clothing, the location of the attack, and the dog may become useful evidence. Obtain the dog owner’s name and contact information if possible and collect information from anyone who witnessed the incident.

Keep records of medical appointments, prescriptions, treatment expenses, missed work, and other costs related to the injury. Injuries and scarring should also be photographed as they heal because their appearance can change substantially over time.

Depending on the circumstances, the incident may also be reported to local authorities or animal services.

What If the Attack Happened on the Dog Owner’s Property?

Ontario’s legislation specifically addresses attacks occurring on the owner’s premises. Where damage results from a dog bite or attack on the owner’s property, liability is generally determined under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act rather than the Occupiers’ Liability Act.

There are particular exceptions and circumstances that can affect liability, including situations involving criminal activity on the property. These cases can become legally complex, which is another reason to obtain advice rather than assuming that being on someone else’s property prevents a claim.

Why Evidence Matters in a Dog Bite Claim

Dog attacks often happen quickly, and accounts of what occurred may differ afterward. Evidence can therefore become very important.

Medical records can establish the nature and severity of the injuries. Photographs can show the wounds and how they changed during recovery. Witness statements may help explain the dog’s behaviour and how the attack occurred.

Information about previous incidents, complaints, leash use, fencing, or the circumstances in which the dog was being controlled may also become relevant depending on the case.

The sooner evidence is preserved, the easier it may be to establish what happened.

When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?

It is a good idea to obtain legal advice promptly after a serious dog attack, particularly when the injuries require medical treatment, result in scarring, interfere with work, involve a child, or cause lasting psychological effects.

A personal injury lawyer can review the circumstances, identify the responsible parties, preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and assess the compensation that may be available.

Legal advice can also help prevent mistakes such as accepting an early settlement before the long-term impact of the injuries is known.

Speak With Mayfair Law Group After a Dog Bite Injury in Ontario

A dog attack can leave lasting physical, psychological, and financial consequences. Ontario law provides important protections for people injured by dogs, but understanding liability and pursuing appropriate compensation can still involve complicated legal and insurance issues.

At Mayfair Law Group, we provide personalized legal guidance and representation to people who have suffered injuries because of the actions of others. If you or a family member has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Ontario, our team can review your situation, explain your rights, and help you determine the appropriate next steps.

Contact Mayfair Law Group today to speak with an Ontario personal injury lawyer about your dog bite or dog attack claim.

FAQ

Is a dog owner automatically responsible for a dog bite in Ontario?

Ontario's Dog Owners’ Liability Act generally makes a dog owner liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack. Liability does not depend on proving that the owner knew the dog was aggressive beforehand.

Can I make a claim if the dog had never bitten anyone before?

Yes. A previous bite or history of aggression is not required for owner liability under Ontario's Dog Owners’ Liability Act.

Can I claim compensation if a dog knocks me down without biting me?

Potentially. Ontario law refers to injuries resulting from dog bites or attacks. If an aggressive dog causes you to fall and suffer an injury, the circumstances should be reviewed by a personal injury lawyer.

What compensation can I receive after a dog attack?

Depending on the case, compensation may address pain and suffering, lost income, medical and rehabilitation expenses, scarring, psychological injuries, future care needs, and other losses caused by the attack.

What should I do immediately after being bitten by a dog?

Seek appropriate medical attention, photograph your injuries, identify the dog and owner if possible, collect witness information, keep records of your expenses and treatment, and obtain legal advice about your rights.