The Dog Days of Summer

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.

Thank you for joining us for Civil Banter. Tune in for more insightful discussions on the intricacies of civil law and the personal experiences that shape the practice of law.