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I live in the GTA and have a neighbour with a very large and scary looking dog. They do not have a fence nor do we. The dog barks very loudly all times of the day and night and has even crossed over and ended up roaming our backyard. Just wanted to know what the laws are regarding pet owners and fences. Does anyone know? I really don't want to have to spend money putting up a fence because of the neighbour's dog.
Thanks for any help !
Fence, no. Leash that only extends as far as the property boundary (even less is better), yes. This dog is roaming leashless on your property? Huge no. I don't know GTA animal control law, but it couldn't hurt to call your local office and ask. Have you tried talking to the owners first though; about leashing the dog when outside?
Yes the dog is almost always leashless ! I haven't spoken to the neighbours about it, but I probably should. I'll find out more about the local laws. Thanks for your help !
Depends where you live in the GTA, but most of the GTA have leash laws if the property is not fenced, but even if there is no requirement for fencing or leashing, your animal must be under supervision and not 'running at large' which it is if its on your property.
PM me with the town/municipality and I can send you the bylaws for that area
Does not need a fenced in yard, but the dog must be on a leash unless in a off-leash area.
For sure he should be tied up. I adore dogs but I would expect my neighbours to respect theirs and my property boundaries. I'm sure your "other" neighbours could tell you a thing or two.
I had a friend that had this problem (dog was friendlyand this was after "trying to talk to them) When the dog came onto his property, he loaded him up and took him to the pound. Of course he told the pound who the owner was. Owner then has to PAY to get him back. He did it 3 times before they got the point.
Like others said, check your local by laws, but I think it's the same almost everywhere - the dog should be leashed. With that being said, if you want to keep a good relationship with your neighbour, it might be best to talk to them about it first. I only say that because maybe they don't realize that it's bothering anyone or that the dog is wandering, so sometimes it's best to give them one chance to fix the situation before you call animal control.
depending on the city, animal control can be useless anyway
I think that it is pretty much the same across the board with fences....they are a community item, so if you were to put one up, they are responsible for half of the cost. My neighbour did not have a fence between him and his neighbour on the other side (semi) and he came home from work one day and had to write her a cheque because she just went and put one up without even asking him about it.
Got kids? Go let them rip out their flowers.
Where I live, you have to give them at least 3 weeks written notice of putting up a fence along with three quotes from reputable companies for installation costs, if you choose to have a more expensive/ornate etc fence, they are only required to pay for a chainlink fence. If your bushes/flowers/whatever even push through that fence, your neighbour can send you a fine for infringing on their space - it is generally not worth the headacheQuote:
Originally Posted by i_forget
GOOD GRIEF!!! Now I remember why i live in the country! What a shame people can't get along. It only takes one in the neighbourhood to wreck it for everyone.Quote:
Originally Posted by FallenPixels
There is NO fence law and NO leash law, provided that the dog is on your own property or another persons property with permssion.
Article 4 of the Toronto Municiple code states;
However if the dog is on your property they can be fined for allowing their "animal to be at large"Quote:
§ 349-11. Dogs running at large.
A. No owner of a dog shall cause or permit the dog to run at large in the City, except as
permitted in those areas of City parks where dogs are permitted to run at large as
designated by City by-law.
B. For the purposes of this chapter, a dog shall be deemed to be running at large when
found in any place other than the premises of the owner of the dog and not under
the control of any person.
C. No person shall keep a dog off the premises of the owner other than on a leash
which shall not exceed two metres in length except where consent is given by the
person owning the property where the dog is found.
I would talk to your nieghbour about it and if it isn't adressed you can file a complaint with the animal care and control center.They may ask you to keep a log and take picture that will assist them in laying charges.
Hope this helps :)
She said GTA not Toronto - but the basic law is the same
MQ, I know! It is crazy - my neighbours could not agree on a type fence so they BOTH put one up. One has an ornate black railing type, the other has wood. The one with the railing complains that the wood blocks their light and the two are always at city hall making bylaw complaints. Everyone on the street avoids both of them. Seriously, a dandelion grows on the property line and its an issue
I think your neighbourhood should get those two together and organize a duel at dawn. . .then you'll only have to worry about one of them. . heh heh heh (did I say that?! No, just my evil twin)Quote:
Originally Posted by FallenPixels
They have already had a few showdowns in the street LOL the time they both wanted the extra parking spot on the street was hilarious, they both sat in their cars half in the spot glaring
Poor doggie. They are very irresponsible for letting him wander . It has been my experience that once you call the by law you will start a neighbour feud for life. I would suggest waiting until you see the owners and the dog together outside and approach them to let them know your issue. You have a right to keep your yard dog free if that is what you choose. If they are not willing to work with you on the solution. Then a visit from the by law officer is called for. My mother always said . The only thing that makes good neighbours is tall fences. Good LuckQuote:
Originally Posted by greeny
They sound like children. Scratch that, teenagers. :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by FallenPixels
Wow, that fence thing is weird! I'm not allowed to have a fence in my area. But my ILs can and do...but it has to be about 3 feet in from your property line in case you want to get on the other side of it to paint it or clean it..etc, so you're not walking on the other person's property to do this. So you might see two fences with about 5-6 feet between them if neighbors are really particular.
Thanks for all the info ! I definitely don't want to start a feud with my neighour...I'll try the peaceful way :)
Once again thanks everyone for your help !
I'm with barginbin-barbie, poor doggie. He shouldn't be allowed to wander around. We love animals but don't have pets, we're not home enough to spend time with them. Apparently your neighbours aren't either!
After I drop my DS off at his before school care, I walk about five minutes to catch my bus, at about 7:30-ish. There's a couple houses I walk past with fenced yards, and dogs. Again, I like dogs. But if these dogs were living next to us, I'd be pretty mad. I don't see these dogs, but they bark like mad as I quietly walk by, probably every time anyone or even a bird moves. I'm sure that some of the neighbours would still be asleep at that time if they had a choice.
Even though we're up early even on weekends, I wouldn't be happy about a big dog roaming into my yard. Aside from the poo he no doubt leaves there, I'd be worried about my child. He loves dogs, always asks an owner before petting one. But if he were in the yard and this big dog wandered in, can't really ask someone now, and the dog certainly doesn't either.
oh God i would pass out i have phobia from dogs esp the big ones ,they can smell my fear from a distance!
We are having a feud with our neighbour about OUR dogs. One of our dogs is a barker and we've been trying to break him of the habit. He's very protective of us and at one time a few weeks ago managed to wiggle his little bottom under our fence which, I swear, is about 1" off the ground, to confront 2 big dogs that were visiting next door. Big hoo-ha! My dh rescued the dog which was standing - shaking- not knowing where he was - they managed to get their dogs inside. Lots of bad language and not from us.
But although I always check to make sure the neighbour or his visitors are not outside, it seems that he waits until our dogs go out and then goes out himself to challenge them.
Bad vibes all around.
We've bought "anti-bark" vibration collars for the dogs but I don't like them. Although I've tried to "introduce" the dogs to the neighbour - they always growl and I think dogs know when there's bad feelings.
We have to get this sorted out before summer really comes.
You have my sympathy in trying to sort this out!
Mercifully for me, my property is raised on three sides (it's on a bit of a hill), so there are fences and retaining walls on the two sides where our adjacent neighbours have dogs. There is one yappy dog in one of the adjoining yards that seems to get let out every day at 6am and 10pm which makes us, and the rest of our neighbours, unhappy campers. We try to have some patience because we've talked to them and they are getting better at policing their pups - shorter yapping sessions and trying to put the dogs out later in the morning and earlier at night. I wouldn't care except I'm usually in bed before 10 (but am a light sleeper) and DH is still trying to sleep at 6, so we both get frustrated.
It's worth looking into your town/city by-laws, because my town strictly says that the fence must be on one side of the property line, thus only one person owns the fence and is responsible for it. Of course its common decency to pay for half. But one of our neighbours put up the fence with no discussion at all, and then expected us to pay him for his time!!! We have no interest in paying for it. While the other neighbour spoke with us, we reached a consensus, and though we would have loved to have helped, he had the week off so he built it while we were at work. One thing I've certainly learned is communication is key.Quote:
Originally Posted by i_forget
shoot, sorry that was the wrong link!
let me look again!
ok, h ere it is, right off the City of Toronto website:
Where do I call to report a dog running at large, a public safety concern involving an animal, a dead animal, etc?
Complaints for bylaw infractions (e.g., dog running at large, dog off leash, failure to stoop & scoop, etc.) may be reported during normal business hours by calling 416-338-PAWS (7297).
I have such a thorn in my butt for irresponsible pet owners. I do everything in my power to ensure my dog is not a nuisance and is safe. People that don't do the same just make me see red!