Police have responded to several reports of aggressive dogs in the Town of Goderich, Municipality of Bluewater, Municipality of Central Huron, and the Municipality of South Huron in recent months. In some cases, pedestrians were attacked, dogs have been injured and killed, and OPP officers have also been injured while attending calls for service.

Legislation that captures the legal requirements and laws pertaining to dog ownership can be found in the Dog Owner Liability Act (DOLA). For more serious offences, the Criminal Code of Canada may apply.

Municipalities have outlined legal requirements for animal owners in their respective by-laws, which can be found by visiting municipality websites.