2 Strict liability statute11 Common law (knowledge or negligence)
| Province | Status | What the law says |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | Alberta has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |
| British Columbia | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | British Columbia has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |
| Manitoba | Strict liability statute | Yes. Manitoba’s Animal Liability Act makes an owner liable for harm their animal causes to people or property, without proof of fault or knowledge of the animal’s temperament; damages can be reduced for the victim’s own fault. |
| New Brunswick | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | New Brunswick has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | Newfoundland and Labrador has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |
| Northwest Territories | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | The Northwest Territories has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |
| Nova Scotia | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | Nova Scotia has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |
| Nunavut | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | Nunavut has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |
| Ontario | Strict liability statute | Yes. Under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act the owner is liable for damages from a bite or attack whether or not they knew the dog was dangerous; damages are reduced if the victim was partly at fault. |
| Prince Edward Island | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | Prince Edward Island has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |
| Quebec | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | Quebec has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |
| Saskatchewan | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | Saskatchewan has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |
| Yukon | Common law (knowledge or negligence) | Yukon has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines. |