Dyke said an exchange of barking turned gruesome when the bigger animal attacked her “football-sized” pet, puncturing flesh and tearing patches of skin.
“We try to make sure they are not out at the same time — we didn’t realize (the other dog was there),” said Angel’s owner.
“The other dog just ran in, grabbed her, picked her up and shook her.”
Dyke’s friend, who owned the home, tried to intervene but in the seconds it took to reach her, Angel was on the ground.
Many stitches and a drainage tube later, Angel is recovering at home, but is not eating, drinking or doing much of anything beyond just laying there, stunned by antibiotics and pain killers.
“It’s not good,” said Dyke.
But the bigger concern for her is not Angel — Dyke alleges this is the fourth time this particular neighbour’s dog has attacked another animal without much in the way of provocation.
“It’s not safe,” said Dyke.
“What happens if next time it’s a small child? This is already a vicious dog.”
Bill Bruce, director of the city’s Animal and Bylaw Services, agreed.
“It needs to be dealt with and dealt with quickly — aggressive behaviour tends to escalate,” he said.
Bruce said the city will investigate once he gets details from Dyke.
He said there is no such thing as a free bite — his people investigate every complaint they receive — unless it turns out there was some justifiable provocation.
If a dog is defending itself there is unlikely to be charges.
But it is rare that a charge of some sort is not laid, said Bruce, noting Calgary is strict on animal attacks.
There is a $250 fine for aggressive acts or $1,000 if another animal dies as a result.
Conviction could also lead to specific terms being legally imposed on an animal’s owner, such as having to muzzle the animal or take it for behavioural training.
(Calgary Sun - May 31, 2011)
