Why some experts question if aggressive dogs should get lifetime 'criminal records'

Louise Lawrence is no stranger to dangerous dogs.  

In fact, she spends much of her time working with dogs with behavioural challenges at her Toronto-based animal training business. 

She says dangerous dog orders, or DDOs, are essentially a permanent "criminal record" for dogs, and she questions the need to impose them for the duration of a dog's life.

"It really limits a dog's potential quality of life," she said. 

Lawrence is among those voicing concerns as the city takes steps to crack down on dangerous dogs, following several high profile maulings in the past year.

Per new city regulations announced last month, owners of dangerous dogs will need to ensure socialization training and publicly display a new, city-regulated "beware of dog" sign on their property.

While Lawrence says the signs, which will be personally delivered by Toronto bylaw officers, are a good idea, she worries about stigmatization and how it could hurt people's insurance and housing options — and she's not the only one.

Lawyers and trainers alike are concerned about how lifetime labels can impact the quality of life for offending dogs and their owners and erase the possibility of rehabilitation.

"Unfortunately, there's nothing like a parole board for dogs," said Jennifer Friedman, an animal lawyer in Toronto.

The City of Toronto's public list has 363 active DDOs, as of May 3. 

The list, which will soon include a virtual map with pictures of the offending dog, can be found on the city's website.

Bylaw officers serve DDOs when dogs engage in a single severe dangerous act, or multiple non-severe dangerous acts, often consisting of a bite.

Afterwards, owners must train and microchip their dog, ensuring it wears a dangerous dog tag, muzzle and leash at all times in public.

An owner's only ability to appeal an order is to go before the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal, and they have only 30 days to apply for a hearing. Out of 82 appeals, only nine have been successful.