Court rules in Calgary vicious dog case

A Provincial court judge ordered a Calgary dog to be humanely euthanized after declaring it a vicious dog under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw at a court hearing today. 

 “A dog can be declared vicious by the courts when the judge believes the dog will present a serious threat to harm other animals and or humans,” said Alvin Murray, North Operations Manager for Animal & Bylaw Services.

“This decision is never made lightly and takes into account factors such as the animal’s history of aggression, the circumstances around those aggressive incidents and risk to public safety.” 

The hearing today was the result of two 2013 incidents involving the same dog for biting a person, as well as threatening and attempting to bite another person.

A long-standing history of aggression, along with the owner’s inability to meet previous conditions from a November 16, 2011 court order requiring the owner to maintain control of the dog at all times, were also taken into account by the court.

“This has been an ongoing matter since 2009 with a court order in 2011. The incidents in 2013 were in direct conflict with that court order,” explained Murray.

The owner of the animal has 30 days to file an appeal. As this matter is still before the courts, The City cannot comment on the specific details of the incidents.

Animal & Bylaw Services takes every incident of aggressive animal behaviour seriously and will lay charges for the court to determine when an aggressive dog incident occurs.  Public safety is a top priority for Animal & Bylaw Services.

“Pet owners need to be aware of the responsibilities they have towards their animals and the community under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw,” said Murray. “Owners can and will be held responsible for the behaviour of their animals and people must be aware of these responsibilities when looking to add a dog of any breed to their family.” 

Animal & Bylaw Services is committed to working with Calgarians to ensure that cats, dogs, their owners and neighbours live together in safety and harmony.

For more information on the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw and Animal & Bylaw Services visit calgary.ca/animalservices.

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