I spent yesterday afternoon talking with residents near Kensington Market, where tension lingers after a frightening dog attack that left a woman injured and a community on edge. Toronto Police are actively searching for the owner of two unleashed dogs who allegedly attacked a woman near Augusta Avenue and Nassau Street Monday evening.
The victim, who was walking in the area around 6:30 p.m., encountered the dogs who weren’t on leashes. According to police reports, the animals attacked her, causing injuries serious enough to require medical attention. When she tried to fend them off, the male owner reportedly approached and assaulted her before fleeing the scene with his dogs.
“This kind of incident shakes our sense of neighborhood safety,” said Maria Chen, who runs a small business near where the attack occurred. “Many of us walk through here daily, and now there’s this underlying worry.”
Police describe the suspect as 25-30 years old, approximately 5’10” with a medium build and brown hair. At the time of the incident, he wore a brown jacket, dark pants, and dark shoes. The dogs have been described as pit bulls.
Dr. Samantha Wright, veterinary behaviorist with the Toronto Animal Services, told me, “While breed alone doesn’t determine aggression, any dog without proper training and socialization can become dangerous, especially when not properly restrained in public spaces.”
The incident has revived conversations about responsible pet ownership in dense urban areas. According to Toronto Animal Services, the city averages about 800 reported dog bites annually, with a significant percentage involving unleashed dogs.
“The leash bylaw exists for everyone’s protection,” explained Councillor Jessica Martin, whose ward includes areas adjacent to Kensington. “This unfortunate incident highlights why these regulations are so important in busy neighborhoods like ours.”
Walking through Kensington yesterday, I noticed several dog owners, most with their pets properly leashed. Longtime resident Tom Azevedo shared his perspective: “Most dog owners around here are responsible. But it only takes one incident like this to create fear. I’ve lived here twenty years and notice more dogs but generally good behavior from owners.”
For the tight-knit Kensington community, known for its eclectic shops and pedestrian-friendly streets, the incident feels particularly jarring. The area typically sees heavy foot traffic, with narrow sidewalks bringing pedestrians and pets into close proximity.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them directly or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. They’re particularly interested in security camera footage from businesses or residences in the area.
As Toronto continues to see increasing dog ownership, especially following pandemic adoption trends, incidents like this underscore the importance of responsible pet ownership. The city’s bylaws require dogs to be leashed in public spaces, with exceptions only for designated off-leash areas.
When I reached out to Toronto Public Health, spokesperson David Nguyen provided context: “Dog bite incidents aren’t just physical safety concerns—they can create lasting psychological impacts for victims and affect how comfortable people feel in their own neighborhoods.”
As this investigation continues, Kensington Market residents remain vigilant but determined not to let fear change the character of their beloved neighborhood. Meanwhile, police continue searching for the suspect, hoping witnesses will come forward with additional information.
For now, the community waits for answers, as another chapter in urban pet ownership unfolds in one of Toronto’s most distinctive neighborhoods.
