Report a dog bite or attack
If you or your pet is bitten or attacked, your safety comes first. Wash the wound with soap and water, cover it loosely with clean gauze, and see a doctor right away. Then report the incident to the City as soon as you can.
How to report a bite or attack
Call 311 if you are inside city limits, or 519-555-0100 from outside. You can also use the online complaint form. You will need to provide as much detail as possible, including:
- What happened
- When and where it happened
- An exact address or location
- A description of the dog (breed, size, colour, markings, collar)
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Photos of any injuries, torn clothing, or broken collars, with date information
You will receive a tracking number to follow up later. We take every report seriously. Our by-law officers will review the details and, if needed, begin an investigation. We protect the privacy of everyone involved during the process. If the situation breaks the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law, a by-law prosecutor may decide to lay charges.
Other pet and animal concerns
The City handles pet issues under the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law. For concerns about a dog that is barking, roaming, or not being cared for properly, use the online reporting form or call 311.
Where to turn for other animal situations
Some animal emergencies fall outside the City's by-law mandate. Please contact the correct group for your situation:
- Animal in distress (including a dog left in a hot car): Call the Wrenford Humane Society at 519-555-0140. We do not have an animal shelter, so we rely on local rescue partners.
- Wildlife in distress or a dangerous wild animal: Call the Tamsin Valley Conservation Authority at 519-555-0141.
- An injured stray cat or dog: Contact the Wrenford Humane Society or a local vet clinic.
- An animal stuck on a roof or in a tree: Call a licensed animal rescue service or the Wrenford Fire Service at 519-555-0115. Do not climb up to get it yourself.
- You want to give up a pet: Contact the Wrenford Humane Society directly to discuss surrender options.
What to do around unfamiliar dogs
Keep yourself and your pets safe by following these simple rules:
- Never run from a dog. Stand still like a tree, keep your hands near your chest, and look at the ground.
- Never tease a dog or try to take its food, bone, or toy away.
- Do not approach a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Always ask the owner for permission before petting a dog. Let the dog sniff your hand first, and pet it gently under the chin.
Contact by-law enforcement
For all non-emergency pet and animal complaints, the City's by-law team handles the intake and investigation.
- Phone: 311 (inside Wrenford) or 519-555-0100 (outside)
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: File a complaint online
For emergencies, always call 9-1-1.