The owner of two large pit bull cross dogs that attacked several other dogs, including causing one fatality, in southeast Calgary in February is facing 18 city bylaw charges. One of the dogs, named Joey, an Australian Shepherd, was viciously attacked by the two unleashed dogs while being walked by his owners in Auburn Bay. The owners, Greg and Jennifer, were left traumatized by the incident as the dogs went after Joey and then turned their attention to a Pomeranian, killing it without provocation. Greg was injured in the attack but managed to fight back with the help of a Good Samaritan who joined in.
The owner of the two attacking dogs is facing a total of 18 charges, including animal at large, severe injury to an animal, cause damage to an animal, chase threat to a person, bite a person, unlicensed animals, animal cause death, and chase threat. The dogs are currently in custody as a dangerous dog designation is being sought. The incident has left the community in shock and has prompted calls for stronger regulations regarding dangerous dogs. Calgary’s Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw was recently updated to give the chief bylaw officer the authority to determine when a pet is considered “vicious,” instead of the designation being determined in court.
The proposed changes to the bylaw also include expanding nuisance designations. Greg and Jennifer are urging people to contact politicians to push for further changes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. A survey conducted by the city during the bylaw changes showed that measures to reduce bite incidents and address nuisance behavior are generally supported, while breed-specific legislation is discouraged. A gofundme has been set up by neighbors in Auburn Bay to help Greg and Jennifer pay for the vet bills incurred as a result of the attack.
The terrifying incident involving the two large dogs has led to a renewed call for stronger regulations and proactive measures to prevent such attacks from happening again. Greg and Jennifer emphasize the need for dogs, especially large breeds, to be properly secured behind fences and gates to avoid incidents like the one they experienced. They stress the importance of safety in neighborhoods and the need for community members to take action to prevent further tragedies. While education and training are essential, Jennifer believes that more significant changes need to be implemented through political action to ensure the safety of both humans and animals.
The attack on Joey and the other dogs has highlighted the need for more comprehensive regulations and enforcement measures to prevent dangerous dog incidents. The community is rallying behind Greg and Jennifer, supporting them through their ordeal with the help of a gofundme campaign. As more incidents involving vicious dog attacks come to light, there is a growing sense of urgency to address the issue at a higher level and implement changes that will make a real difference. Greg and Jennifer are speaking out to ensure that the safety of their neighborhood and others is prioritized, and they are calling on politicians to take action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
