CANADA -- The stepfather of a little girl attacked by dogs in Silver Springs want the huskies destroyed and the owners charged.
His five-year-old was rushed to the Alberta Children's Hospital after being mauled in the northwest community Sunday morning.
The dogs circled and then bit the child in the neck while she and her nine-year-old brother were walking to a nearby park.
One of the animals dragged her for a short distance until it was tackled by a passerby who held the dog down until help arrived.
The girl's story is the latest in a string of dog attacks in the city, and officials are concerned.
Director of Animal and Bylaw Services Bill Bruce says the question of whether or not to increase fines needs to be put out to residents.
"Absolutely there is no such thing as a free bite," he tells The Calgary Sun.
The current fine for an owner is $350 for a dog bite and $1,500 for a dog attack.
Bruce has his eyes set on the $10,000 ceiling set in place by the Alberta Municipal Government Act.
Any change to the current system or fines has to be approved by city council.
"When it comes to a higher penalty, I'm not averse to going to city council to request that," says Bruce.
Last year there were 127 bites in Calgary; owners were present for 75 of them.
The little girl from Silver Springs is said to be in good spirits, although family plans to purchase a dog have now been put on hold.
(660 News - June 12, 2012)
Earlier:
'Horrific' attack on girl, 5, by huskies
