Toronto man urges stricter off-leash dog enforcement after being injured at local park

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What began as a peaceful walk in Christie Pits Park turned into a painful ordeal for Toronto resident Chris Livett, who was severely injured following a collision with an off-leash dog. As a result, the incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger off-leash dog enforcement in public spaces, particularly in areas where such activity is not permitted.

Man injured in off-leash dog incident pushes for stricter regulation

Crash in Christie Pits Park highlights off-leash dog enforcement gaps

A man with a cast on his leg and his arm on the right side sits in a wheelchair on a sidewalk.
Image from CBC

Chris Livett was walking through the busy Christie Pits Park on July 6, during an evening public screening, when a cream-colored dog, believed to be a Pit Bull or Staffordshire Bull Terrier, suddenly crashed into him. The dog was off-leash and accompanied by a skateboarder who had multiple unleashed dogs navigating haphazardly through the park’s crowd. Consequently, chaos ensued in a highly populated area.

The collision caused Livett to suffer a serious ankle fracture that required surgical insertion of metal plates and screws. Afterwards, while adjusting to his crutches, he also sustained a broken collarbone from a fall. Livett, a freelance transportation planner, is now unable to work for at least six weeks and is experiencing significant financial and personal setbacks.

  • Date of incident: July 6
  • Location: Christie Pits Park, Toronto
  • Injury details: Complex ankle fracture and broken collarbone

City statistics show ongoing issue

According to a recent city council report, Toronto received 2,675 complaints related to off-leash dogs in undesignated areas in 2024 alone. However, only 47 charges were laid by municipal bylaw officers. Under current regulations, dogs must remain leashed unless they are in one of the city’s designated off-leash areas. Clearly, this shows a significant gap between infractions and enforcement.

Community voices advocate for change

Advocates like Tracy Loconte, founder of Paws for Parks, argue that the city’s enforcement strategy needs strengthening. To that end, she recommends that bylaw officers be granted special constable status to help them effectively issue fines and enforce dog leash regulations. Furthermore, Loconte encourages residents to report infractions by dialing 311, as the data helps municipal teams allocate their enforcement efforts more efficiently.

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  • Enforcement challenge: Owners often walk away before bylaw officers can act
  • Suggested solution: Empower bylaw officers with more authority
  • Public advice: Report violations via 311

Push for safety in shared public spaces

Isaac Meyer Odell of the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show emphasized the need to respect public spaces as multi-use areas. An off-leash dog crashing into park-goers during a crowded event puts everyone’s safety at risk. Additionally, Chris Livett hopes that his story will lead not just to compensation but also to meaningful policy changes that prioritize public safety and, ultimately, improve off-leash dog enforcement.

This incident underscores a growing problem in Toronto’s parks. As dog ownership continues to rise, so do confrontations and injuries caused by off-leash pets. Therefore, enforcing bylaw rules isn’t just a matter of civic order—it’s essential for preventing scenarios like the one that left Livett hospitalized and out of work. With this in mind, stronger off-leash dog enforcement should become a priority in safeguarding shared public spaces.

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