CALGARY — Both owners are now facing charges after a vicious attack on New Year’s Eve in which three pit bulls killed a dog and injured another in an off-leash park in Calgary.
A teenage brother and sister were walking their dogs at a park in southeast Calgary when the attack happened.
A Pomeranian named Patrick died of his injuries, while another dog, a Great Pyrenees named Maximus, was badly injured.
The pit bulls were on a leash at the time and were approached by the teens’ dogs that were running free.
The pit bulls were seized by Calgary Animal Services and were returned to their owner after a behavioural assessment determined they do not pose a risk to public safety.
Stephen Jaquish faces six charges under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, including one count of causing death to an animal, another of causing damage to an animal as well as three counts of having unlicensed dogs.
The owner of the dogs that were off leash during the attack is charged with one count of biting, barking or chasing another animal, two charges of a dog being at large and two counts of being unlicensed.
On Jan. 2, a woman needed hospital treatment after being attacked by two pit bulls.
The dogs’ owners are facing three charges each, including having dogs at large and biting and attacking a person.
The pit bulls are in the care of Calgary Animal Services pending a behavioural assessment.
“It is very unusual to have so many dog bites in such a short period of time and involving the same type of dog,” Doug Anderson, operations co-ordinator with Animal and Bylaw Services, said Friday in a news release.
“Over 90 per cent of Calgary dog owners have licensed their pets and the vast majority are responsible and accountable.”
The fine for unlicensed dogs is $250 while the other charges require a mandatory court appearance.