Dog involved in aggressive incident returned to owner

For Immediate Release

Earlier today, a Provincial court judge dismissed two of three charges against the owner of a dog that attacked a police officer during a traffic stop on July 15. Accordingly, the dog will be returned to its owner.

The dog, shot by the officer during the incident, underwent surgery following the incident and continues at this time to be under the care of the veterinary staff at the Animal Services Centre.

“The judge made a thoughtful decision that took many things into consideration,” says Abdul Rafih, acting Manager of North Operations for Animal & Bylaw Services.“ Our No. 1 priority is citizen and public safety and that will continue to be our focus.”

The owner of the dog was originally charged with having a dog that chased or threatened a person, a dog causing damage to property and dog at large. The at-large charge had been stayed earlier.

It is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure their animals are properly trained so they remain under control at all times while in public according the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.

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.