In this episode of Civil Banter, Hamish Mills-McEwan and Stanford Cummings explore the legal responsibilities that come with dog ownership in Ontario. They break down how the Dog Owners’ Liability Act works, what “strict liability” really means, and who can be held responsible when a dog causes harm, including some surprising cases involving landlords and dog walkers. The episode also tackles common legal questions and ends with a recap of Stanford’s visit to Escapade 2025.
In Episode 8 of Civil Banter, Hamish and Stan explore the ins and outs of dog owner liability in Ontario.
Whether you're a dog owner, a dog walker, a landlord, or someone who's been injured in a dog-related incident, Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA) has specific rules that may apply to you. Hamish and Stanford unpack what "strict liability" really means, who qualifies as an "owner" under the law (hint: it’s broader than you might think), and how recent court decisions have shaped the interpretation of this legislation.
Plus, they answer some listener questions—like whether lawyers wear wigs in Canadian courtrooms—and recap Stanford’s recent adventure at Escapade 2025.