An Ontario dog walker has lost an appeal to sue for $1 million after being attacked by a dog. The Court of Appeal upheld a lower court's dismissal, ruling that the walker assumed the inherent risks of the job.
Background of the Case
The incident occurred in 2021 when the dog walker was bitten while handling a client's dog. The walker sought damages for injuries, claiming the owner failed to warn of the dog's aggressive tendencies.
Court's Rationale
The court determined that dog walking involves known risks, and the walker voluntarily accepted those risks. The owner had no prior knowledge of aggression, and the walker's experience meant they should have been aware of potential dangers.
Legal experts note that this decision underscores the principle of assumption of risk in service contracts. The ruling may affect future claims by pet care professionals.
