Dog attack could lead to animal's euthanasia
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Updated: September 09, 2009 12:07 PM
A dog attack Saturday night ended with one animal seized by authorities and possibly facing euthanasia.
The incident happened just before 7 p.m. on Selby Street when the dog, described by animal control as a pit bull-cross, leaped off the front porch of a house and attacked a dog walking with its owner.
Several people witnessed the attack, which was heard by others in nearby apartments.
The attacking dog’s owner was unable to control it and it wasn’t until a nearby resident stuck a wooden stake in the animal's mouth that it released its grip.
Dale Rusch, Nanaimo animal control officer, said the dog is a pit bull cross that has had numerous complaints about aggressive behaviour. Its owner has been fined at least six times over the past seven years, Rusch said.
He said dog attacks happen about once a month in Nanaimo, adding the majority of our dog-attack complaints are dog-on-dog.
“People are out walking their dogs and a dog will run out and there’s an altercation. We very rarely get a human contact with a different dog.”
The dog was seized for 21 days and Rush said he hopes the owner will voluntarily surrender the dog so it can be put down.
The dog is elderly and Rusch estimates it is in it’s last year of life.
“It’s a cross between a Lab/boxer/pit bull,” he said. “It’s a big, fat old thing, but cranky.”
The black Labrador that was attacked ran off bleeding. It was later found by its owner and was treated for its injuries.
Under the Animal Control Bylaw for the City of Nanaimo, all American pit bulls and pit bull terriers are deemed to be restricted and must be on leash and muzzled when off their property. A $500 fine may be imposed if these conditions are not followed.
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