The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) says it’s seeing an increase in serious dog attacks. “More dogs off leash in areas where leashes are required and growing concerns from residents about unsafe interactions,” reads a social media post from the municipality. “There are the dog-on-dog reports that we did, and then there’s dog-on-people as well. So, we’re seeing all sorts of complaints,” says Graeme Benjamin, HRM spokesperson. The post reiterates the responsibility of dog-owners to keep their pets on a leash in public unless a sign indicates otherwise. “In the municipality, we’re an on-leash community… if you don’t see a sign that clearly says an area is off-leash, your dog must be a leash,” say municipal staff in a video accompanying the post. Dog owners found violating the rules could be subject to a summary offence ticket of $352.50. So far, there’s been an increase of 35 per cent of reports involving dogs off leash in areas where leashing is required. “Leashes help protect people, wildlife, other pets, and your dog, too,” staff say. Dog owners who prefer to take their pets out off-leash can find a list of dog parks where they can do so on the municipality’s website. Earlier this year, councillors brought the issue of off-leash dog attacks to a regional council meeting. Coun. Trish Purdy and Coun. Cathy Deagle Gammon asked for a staff report and for HRM to send a letter to the province to allow municipalities to enforce stronger penalties and animal seizures. They cited high-profile attacks, such as the Jan. 3 death of 13-year-old in Shelburne County, who was attacked by a rottweiler and two cane Corso dogs. In March, Halifax released a staff report that contained a proposal to call on Nova Scotia to pass an act that defines dangerous dogs and create a system for jurisdictions to share information. With files from CTV’s Hafsa Arif For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
