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A new report shows a sharp increase in dog-related incidents across Montreal in 2025.
The city opened 586 investigations into dogs last year — a 41 per cent increase compared with 2021, when there were 415 cases, the lowest level recorded in the period. Last year’s cases stemmed from a variety of sources, including 293 reports made via the 311 municipal service and 244 police incident reports.
Riannon Horan, a dog trainer, wasn’t surprised to hear the news. She’s had an increasing number of clients seeking extra help, she said.
That extra help is often for reactive dogs, which she explained means leashed dogs that lunge, bark, whine, or show a lot of nervous excitement. That excitement can escalate.
The top three boroughs with the most incidents include Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (76 cases), Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie (51 cases), and Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (50 cases).
Horan pointed out that those three boroughs are also densely populated.
“So if animals don’t have the space that they need because either people won’t give it to them or because of a moment of inattention, then we’re going to see an increase in conflict in the city and incidents that happen,” Horan said.
People aren’t following the rules, report says
The report says that more people not following the rules is contributing to the problem. For example, dogs are required to be on a leash. Large dogs — those weighing 20 kilograms or more — must also wear a harness or halter in public. In some cases, the city issues formal muzzle orders; 74 were issued last year.
As of the end of 2025, the city’s public registry listed 110 dogs officially declared as potentially dangerous. There was also a 16 per cent increase in dogs subject to specific custody measures, such as mandatory rabies vaccinations or the use of basket muzzles in public, rising to 272 animals.
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The report also points to a lack of proper training and socialization as a factor in inappropriate behaviour. Prevention agents issued 268 statements of offence last year, a 12 per cent increase from 2024, often for dogs being off-leash or for not being under the guardian’s control.
“The year 2025 was also marked by an unfortunate incident in which a woman was attacked by three large dogs in front of several witnesses,” wrote Stéphanie Houle in the report.
“This event, along with far too many others, demonstrates how important it is to understand the canine population across the territory in order to better plan prevention and awareness activities aimed at dog owners.”
Houle is the acting director of the city’s Service de la concertation des arrondissements et de l’expérience citoyenne, which co-ordinates work across boroughs.
Jérémy Cloutier, another dog trainer, said some owners don’t know how to properly care for dogs, especially breeds developed for specific purposes.
“If you have a guard dog, well, for sure he’s gonna be more barky at your place because that’s what he was bred for, right? So I feel like mischoosing the breed will lead you to facing those bad behaviors eventually,” Cloutier said.
He added that most dogs, regardless of breed, respond well to training if owners put in the effort.
City offers training workshops
The City of Montreal offers classes in dog parks across the city. Last year, 504 people took part in 64 workshops held in all 19 boroughs, covering topics such as canine behaviour and preventing altercations in public spaces.
But Cloutier said the city should go further.
“If we’re very serious about the subject, as soon as you get a dog, maybe it should be mandatory to get some dog classes to get a good start,” he said.
Horan said people can also help reduce incidents by not approaching unfamiliar dogs.
“It’s a really easy thing to leave dogs their space,” she said.
Both trainers said owners need to understand the challenges of having a dog in a city and put time into proper training.
The city estimates there are about 160,000 dogs on its territory, but says many owners are not complying with mandatory registration. Last year, 30,120 permits were issued, down from 31,084 in 2024.