Calgary, AB,
02
June
2014
|
15:10
America/Denver

Aggressive dog incident results in charges against owner

CALGARY, AB – Animal & Bylaw Services (ABS) has laid charges against a dog owner following a serious incident involving a child on Friday, May 30, 2014.

Just after 7 p.m., bylaw officers were called to the community of Temple on a report that a nine-year-old had been bitten by a neighbour’s dog. The child was transported to hospital by ambulance and underwent surgery.

“We are still investigating to determine exactly what happened,” said Doug Anderson, Operations Coordinator at ABS. “This dog has no record of previous aggression.”

What is known right now is the dog, an Australian Cattle dog, was tethered to a tree in the owner’s yard when the incident occurred. The victim was in the yard with the dog owner’s children.

“It is not clear how close the dog owner was or if he viewed the attack,” says Anderson.

The dog has been taken into custody where it will undergo a behavioural assessment, following an 11-day quarantine. The dog’s owner is now facing charges of Attack Causing Severe Injury and Unlicensed Dog.

A mandatory court appearance is required in all serious aggressive dog incidents and consequences will be determined by a judge. These consequences may include fines up to $10,000.

“In Calgary, all dogs that show aggressive behaviour will be investigated and pet owners will be held responsible under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw,” said Anderson.

The City of Calgary promotes responsible pet ownership through a variety of methods including the Off-Leash Ambassador Program, presentations at community events, hosting the annual Safety Expo and the P.U.P.P.Y. Program.

For more information on responsible pet ownership, visit calgary.ca/animalservices.