

Joshua Freeman, CP24.com





If you’re taking your pooch for a walk, you better remember the leash. The city will be cracking down on dog owners who let their pets run loose.

The latest enforcement blitz was announced by the city Thursday.

“The City of Toronto is encouraging residents to be responsible pet owners and keep their dogs on a leash at all times,” staff said in a release.

Dogs are expected to be kept on a leash in the city whenever they are on any property other than their owner's. If they are running around unleashed, off their owner’s property and not under his or her control, they are considered to be at large.

Dogs found running at large could fetch their owners a fine of $360.

However there are 57 off-leash dog parks in the city where owners can let their pooches run free, as long as they are vaccinated, licensed and neutered or spayed.

Dogs that are aggressive to humans or that have a history of biting are not allowed in the off-leash parks.

City staff are also reminding dog owners to make sure their pooches are licensed. A license costs $25 per year and can be bought through the city’s website.

Last year the city investigated 829 cases of dogs running off-leash and laid 161 charges against owners. So far this year, there have been 924 investigations and 39 charges have been laid.

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