Animal & Bylaw Services lays multiple charges related to two dog bite incidents

Investigations by Animal & Bylaw Services into two recent incidents involving dog bites have resulted in charges being laid against the owners of all dogs involved.

“The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw allows for charges in each animal bite case we investigate to be determined by the unique situation and evidence gathered,” said Doug Anderson, operations co-ordinator with Animal & Bylaw Services. “The bylaw places the onus on pet owners to properly train their dogs and ensure they are well behaved. Each of these cases is unique and we’ve taken what we believe are appropriate actions in each one.”

On January 2, a dog attack was reported in Whitehorn in which an individual required medical treatment in hospital. That incident involved two pit bulls that each have separate owners.

Each owner faces three charges (six charges in total):

One count of a dog biting a person.
One count of a dog attack on a person.
One count of dog at large.

These pit bulls are being kept in the care of Animal & Bylaw Services pending a behavioural assessment. The dog at large ticket is $100. A judge will set the fines during the mandatory court appearance.

On Dec. 31, a dog fight occurred near an off leash park in the Lynnview/Ogden area that resulted in the death of a Pomeranian. In the incident, three pit bulls that were on leash and in control were approached by three off leash dogs that had exited a designated off leash area. Although a total of six dogs were present not all were directly involved in the altercation.

A total of six charges were laid against an individual that had care and control of the three pit bulls involved:

One count of causing death to an animal.
One causing damage to an animal.
One biting, barking, or chasing another animal.
Three counts of having unlicensed dogs.

The fine for unlicensed dogs is $250 while the other charges require a mandatory court appearance. The pit bulls have been returned to their owner based on a behavioural assessment that determined they do not pose a risk to public safety. The owner has agreed to temporary conditions until the case is heard in court. Those conditions include walking the dogs no more than two at a time and immediately reporting to Animal & Bylaw Services if the dogs escape their yard.

The owner of the three dogs that had been in the off leash park also faces charges:

One count of biting, barking or chasing another animal.
Two charges of dog at large.
Two unlicensed dogs.

During the investigation, officers looked at all factors and laid charges that were deemed appropriate under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.

Court dates have not been set for these cases.

“It is very unusual to have so many dog bites in such a short period of time and involving the same type of dog,” said Anderson. “Over 90 per cent of Calgary dog owners have licensed their pets and the vast majority are responsible and accountable. We’re very confident that our approach under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw is working.”

It is also important to ensure your pet is licensed. A pet licence is your animal’s ticket home. If your pet is lost, a licence will help Animal & Bylaw Services to return your cat or dog quickly and our Drive Home program allows licensed pets to be returned home the same day or even within hours. Because of our pet licensing program, Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services has one of the highest return home and lowest euthanization rates in North America.

Citizens who witness animal acting aggressively or running at large are encouraged to call 3-1-1 and report it. Owners of aggressive dogs should contact the Calgary Humane Society or a certified dog trainer to help you recognize the signs of aggression in dogs and work to resolve aggression issues.

Onward/Animal & Bylaw Services works with Calgarians to ensure that cats, dogs, their owners and neighbours live together in safety and harmony. By 2020, more than 86 per cent of citizens report that Calgary is a safe city to live in.

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