Barrie police and by-law officers are searching for a large light brown dog that attacked several people, including an 11-year-old boy, in south Barrie on June 8, 2026. The dog, described as a bully breed possibly a mastiff, was still wearing a red leash and has not been seen since early afternoon that day. Police are asking anyone with information to call 705-725-7025 and not to approach the animal.
The boy was riding his scooter to school near Essa Road and Loggers Run around 8:45 a.m. when the dog attacked. He suffered serious injuries to his head, arms, and legs, including wounds that revealed bone, and his scalp was pulled back. Witnesses, including a nearby resident who used a snow brush to beat the dog off the child, helped stop an attack that lasted two to three minutes. The boy remained in hospital as of June 9.
Police say a man in his mid-30s, believed to be the dog’s owner or handler, was also bitten while trying to help the boy but refused medical attention and has not cooperated with officers. Under Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act, owners are strictly responsible for any harm their dogs cause, regardless of prior behaviour. The Barrie Police Service has opened an investigation and expects to lay charges.
After the attack, the dog was tracked through several neighbourhoods, including Loggers Run, Patterson Road, and Florence Park. Sightings continued near Dove Crescent, and the last confirmed location was around Tiffin Street and Ferndale Drive at about 12:30 p.m. on June 8. Ferndale Woods Elementary School was placed under a hold-and-secure order during the search. No further sightings were reported on June 9.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has been notified, which is standard for dog bite incidents, to assess any public health risks. Barrie police are urging residents to stay alert and avoid the dog if spotted. They stress that the animal should not be approached and that any sightings or information should be reported immediately to the police at 705-725-7025.
