Changes to Toronto's pet bylaw

On January 31, 2017, the Council of the City of Toronto (Ontario, Canada) added new subsections to Bylaw 102-2017 "To establish new provisions with respect to the protection of persons and animals from dangerous dogs" which took effect March 1. The new subsections include a ban on using choke collars, choke chains, pronged collars, or any similar device forms.

The city has also newly imposed a 1 hour limit for leaving a tethered dog unsupervised as well as a provision that, “No person shall allow an animal to remain outdoors during extreme weather unless the animal has access to an enclosure that will adequately protect the animal from the elements.” This latter provision means neighbours can rightfully report pets banished to balconies and backyards during cold and heat waves when warnings are issued by the City of Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health or by Environment Canada.