Newmarket, Ontario, resident Stephen Burnley is pushing for stronger action after his dog was attacked by a neighbor’s dog last summer. The incident, which occurred on Canada Day, left Burnley, his partner, and their pet in a terrifying struggle to fend off the aggressive pit bull mix that had jumped the fence into their backyard.
The attack resulted in injuries to both Burnley and his dog, Rex, with Burnley needing stitches and suffering multiple breaks and fractures, primarily around his thumb. The traumatic event prompted Burnley to seek assistance from the Town of Newmarket’s animal services, which issued a dangerous dog order for the offending animal. However, Burnley expressed frustration over the neighbor’s repeated disregard for the order.
Despite ongoing enforcement efforts by the Town of Newmarket, Burnley raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing laws, particularly the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA). He criticized the reluctance to escalate the matter to provincial legislation, noting the challenges of proving a strong enough case under DOLA without a second incident.
Animal services supervisor Jacob Brewer emphasized that all dogs are treated equally under the municipal bylaw, focusing on factors such as the severity of the bite and the likelihood of future attacks. The complexities of DOLA, which allow for measures like muzzling and dangerous dog orders, have led to calls for amendments to expedite legal proceedings and ensure public safety.
The prevalence of vicious dog attacks in Newmarket, including incidents resulting in serious injuries and euthanization of animals, has fueled Burnley’s determination to advocate for stricter enforcement of dog ownership regulations. While he acknowledges the responsibility of owners in preventing such incidents, Burnley stresses the need for greater accountability and action to address the underlying issues.
As Burnley continues his battle for justice and reform, he underscores the urgency of addressing the systemic challenges that contribute to dangerous dog behavior. His advocacy reflects a larger societal concern about the need for comprehensive legislative measures and enforcement mechanisms to protect both pets and people from harm.