Aggressive dog incident results in charges against owner
CALGARY, AB – A dog owner is facing severe penalties after an at-large dog charged and attacked a woman on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. This attack was serious in nature, causing multiple puncture wounds requiring emergency surgery.
Animal & Bylaw Services (ABS) has taken the dog into custody and is conducting a full investigation, which has already resulted in multiple charges being issued to the dog owner.
“This was a very serious incident. As part of our investigation we have met with the owner of the dog, who has taken full responsibility for the attack,” said Alvin Murray, North Operations Manager, ABS. “The owner has chosen to sign over the dog for humane euthanization, following a mandatory 10-day quarantine, based on the viciousness of the attack.”
The woman was walking on a residential street in Falconridge around 7:20 a.m., when the at-large dog, a pit bull, attacked.
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.
“Our is based on behaviours and we treat each case of aggressive behaviour or biting as individual cases. We place the onus on dog owners to properly train and care for their pets. Issues with dogs are really issues with owners,” said Murray.
In Calgary, all dogs that show aggressive behaviour will be investigated and pet owners will be held responsible. The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, implemented in 2006, clearly demonstrates this commitment.
“ABS takes every incident of aggressive animal behaviour seriously. We immediately respond to all aggressive animal behaviour calls received and investigate thoroughly – taking into consideration, circumstance, resulting actions and prior history,” said Murray.
In 2013, there were 647 confirmed aggressive dog incidents and 452 charges were issued. This is in comparison to 203 reported dog bites in 2012 with 132 charges laid.
Murray said the increase is attributed to an increase in reporting by citizens as a result of enhanced public education efforts.
“In-house bites involving the family pet or a visiting pet were not historically reported unless a very serious injury occurred,” Murray said. “Through our work with our partners such as the Calgary Police Service and Alberta Health Services EMS, we have raised awareness of dog bite incidents and the importance of reporting these, regardless of where they happen.”
ABS 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 partnering with other City departments on programs such as Park’s P.U.P.P.Y Program.
For more information on responsible pet ownership, visit calgary.ca/animalservices.
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