Two Akitas involved in a vicious attack on a couple and their pet beagle, have been deemed to be dangerous. One dog has been destroyed, and the other is scheduled to be euthanized.
The dogs have been in the custody of Calgary Animal Services since the July attack in the town of Didsbury. The injuries to the man and woman required over 600 stitches.
Calgary Animal Services' Bill Bruce says the seriousness of the attack played a large role in the decision to euthanize the two animals.
"The attack was a very high level attack," says Bruce. "Whenever you see a dog move into what we call the bite, hold and shake mode of attack, its intent is to kill. 600 stitches to the victims who were known to the dogs is a determining factor for us."
The female dog will remain alive for the next week or two.
"We'll be weaning her off the puppies in due course as nature would predict," says Bruce. "When the puppies are weaned, and she's no longer necessary for their health and survival, she will also be humanely euthanized."
The news disappoints animal activists such as Heather Anderson of the Daisy Foundation. She was hoping the dogs could be saved.
"I believe that these dogs, if given a chance, would be nice dogs to the right people," says Anderson.
The six puppies are healthy and Calgary Animal Services has already found homes for them with families who are familiar with raising Akitas.
