Officials with Animal & Bylaw Services have seized a dog following an attack in the community of Falconridge which sent one woman to hospital.
At approximately 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, a woman was walking along Falmere Way. N.E. when a pit bull, at-large, aggressively charged and mauled her. The victim suffered several puncture wounds and required emergency surgery.
An investigation into the incident has resulted in charges against the dog’s owner which could lead to fines totaling as much as $10,000.
“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, City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services. “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 dog’s owner, whose name has not been released, is scheduled to appear in court.
“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.
The number of aggressive dog incidents in Calgary is on the rise. In 2013, officers confirmed 647 dog bite calls and issued 452 charges, a drastic increase from the 203 reported dog bites in 2012.
