Full Breakdown
Toronto Woman Charged After Dogs Escape Enclosure and Attack Pedestrian and Pet
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Police responded to an animal-complaint call in the Avenue Rd. and Roxborough St. area north of Davenport Rd. on a Thursday when a pedestrian was walking a leashed dog near an off-leash enclosure in a nearby park. According to Toronto Police, two dogs belonging to a suspect escaped the enclosure and charged the pedestrian and the accompanying dog. The pedestrian sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while the pet suffered life-threatening injuries.
Police Response and Charges
Investigators identified the dog owner as Tanychia Black, a 40-year-old Toronto resident. Police released images of Black on Saturday and announced that she is wanted on several offences. The charges include criminal negligence causing bodily harm, two counts under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act for failing to prevent a dog from biting or attacking, and two counts for a dog biting a person or a domestic animal.
Legal Context
The Dog Owners’ Liability Act is Ontario legislation that holds owners accountable when their dogs cause injury to people or other animals. Criminal negligence causing bodily harm carries a potential prison term, reflecting the seriousness with which the province treats incidents that result in serious injury to a pet.
Implications for the Community
The case underscores the risks associated with off-leash enclosures in public parks and highlights the enforcement priorities of Toronto Police regarding animal-related incidents. Authorities have urged residents to keep dogs under control and to report any unsafe behaviour promptly, emphasizing that failure to do so can lead to significant criminal and civil liability.
