Staying Safe in Your Community
In the towns and cities east of Toronto, including Pickering, Ajax, and Kingston, residents take pride in safe and peaceful neighborhoods. However, when dog attacks occur, knowing how to respond and report the incident is crucial for protecting people, pets, and the wider community.
Who to Contact for Animal Control by Region
Each municipality has its own animal services department responsible for handling dog attacks and other incidents involving animals. Here’s how to get in touch:
- Pickering: Call Pickering Animal Services at 905-683-7575
- Ajax: Reach Ajax Animal Services at 905-683-8275
- Whitby: Contact Whitby Animal Control at 905-655-0283
- Oshawa: Call Oshawa Animal Services at 905-436-3311
- Clarington (including Bowmanville and Courtice): Phone Clarington Animal Services at 905-623-7651
- Cobourg: Reach Cobourg Animal Control at 905-372-9789
- Belleville: Call Belleville Animal Control at 613-962-9108
- Napanee: Phone Napanee Animal Control at 613-354-6641
- Kingston: Contact Kingston Animal Services at 613-546-4291 ext. 3135
Essential Details to Provide When Reporting
When you call animal control, having accurate and detailed information ready will help authorities respond efficiently:
- Where and When It Happened: Give the exact address or a well-known nearby location, along with the time the incident occurred.
- Dog Description: Try to note the breed, color, size, and any unique features. If the dog had a collar or tags, mention it.
- Injuries Reported: Clearly describe any injuries to people or animals, their severity, and whether emergency care was needed.
- Witness Information: If others saw the incident, gather their names and contact details if possible. Witnesses can provide valuable support to your report.
Why Reporting Matters
By reporting dog attacks promptly and accurately, residents contribute to overall public safety. It allows animal control officers to investigate and take appropriate action, whether it’s ensuring a dangerous animal is restrained or enforcing local bylaws. Reporting also helps promote responsible pet ownership and prevents future incidents.
Protecting Your Community Together
Working with animal control isn’t just about addressing individual incidents—it’s about building a culture of safety and accountability. When everyone knows what to do and takes swift action, communities remain safe spaces for both humans and animals.