Dog-Related Incidents Rise in Montreal as Pet Ownership Becomes a Public Safety Issue

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published April 26, 2026

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Montreal is seeing a sharp rise in reports involving aggressive dogs and biting incidents, turning what may seem like a private pet ownership matter into a growing public safety concern for families, neighbourhoods, parks, and shared residential spaces.

According to recent City of Montreal data, dog-related investigations involving aggressive or biting dogs have increased by 41% since 2021. In 2025 alone, the city carried out 586 investigations, reflecting a noticeable rise in complaints and reports handled through municipal channels.

Part of the issue appears to be linked to the growing number of dogs in the city since the pandemic years, along with gaps in training and responsible handling. Dogs that are anxious, fearful, poorly socialized, or not properly controlled can become a risk in public spaces, especially around children, strangers, other animals, elevators, narrow sidewalks, and apartment entrances.

Montreal estimates that about 160,000 dogs live in the city. That number makes responsible ownership a daily public issue, not only for dog owners, but also for families, seniors, children, and residents who share parks, buildings, and sidewalks.

The data also shows that more than half of the files handled by the city last year involved dog bites. Other cases involved dogs that were not properly registered with the municipality. Around one third of the reports were concentrated in three boroughs: Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, and Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.

Montreal does not treat the issue as a problem linked to one specific breed. The city has said that aggressive behaviour is not limited to a particular type of dog, and there is no banned breed in Montreal. However, dogs classified as dangerous or potentially dangerous may face special requirements, including registration, permits, muzzling in certain situations, and strict safety rules.

For families and dog owners, the message is practical. Owning a dog is not only about feeding, walking, and affection. It also requires training, control, registration, and respect for other people’s space. A dog that is not properly handled can become dangerous in a moment of fear, stress, or excitement.

Municipal safety guidance generally encourages owners to keep dogs under the control of someone physically able to manage them, use a leash in public spaces, register the dog as required, and avoid allowing a dog to approach children or strangers without clear permission. Seeking help from a qualified trainer when early signs of aggression appear can also prevent a situation from becoming a formal incident.

The issue is not about blaming dogs or people who love animals. It is about preventing avoidable harm. Pets need safe environments and responsible care, while communities need confidence that public spaces can be shared without unnecessary risk.

As reports continue to rise, the message from Montreal is clear: loving dogs is not enough. Responsibility, training, registration, and respect for safety rules are what protect families, communities, and the animals themselves.