At approximately 11:40 a.m., two dogs – both of the Dogo Argentino breed – escaped from their residence near 96 Street and 112 Avenue. One, or possibly both, of the dogs attacked a female letter carrier, biting her head, neck, torso and arms, causing serious lacerations, according to a press release issued by City of Grande Prairie Enforcement Services.
The letter carrier was transported by ambulance to hospital.
A second woman, who lives at the home, also suffered bites after trying to intervene in the attack.
The owner of the dog has been issued bylaw tickets for animal bite, animal run at large and failure to license animal.
Animal control officers currently have one dog impounded, pending a period of controlled confinement and determination as to whether the dog will be declared a vicious animal.
If determined to be a vicious animal, the owner would have to adhere to specific regulations, such as having an adequate enclosure in the yard and obtaining liability insurance. The dog may also need to wear a muzzle when in public, says enforcement services director Chris Manuel.
“It ultimately is my decision as the chief bylaw enforcement officer,” said Manuel, adding that if declared vicious, the rules would only apply to the dog within city limits.
“What I would take into account is the type of risk I feel that dog would have in attacking another person, the factors that led to the attack on the person (Tuesday), how severe the injuries caused were.”
Manuel added the three tickets issued will be the only punishment for the owner and criminal charges are only laid in extreme cases.
“If a person incites a dog attack, more or less using the dog as a weapon, that would incite criminal charges,” said Manuel. “Additionally, being grossly negligent in a situation where someone knowingly put somebody at risk.”
The dog is currently in quarantine, where animal control officers will test it for disease before conducting an analysis on its behaviour.
According to Manuel, there is little chance of courts ordering the dog to be euthanized, but if declared vicious, the financial burden of insurance and building an enclosure could be enough for the owners to make that decision on their own.
This attack marks the second reported Canada Post dog bite victim in the last month. Another letter carrier suffered minor injuries after being bitten in front of a home on 85 Avenue, July 11.
Manuel would like to remind the public that dogs can be very territorial and during the summer months, door-to-door visits are expected not only from letter carriers, but salesmen as well as utility company representatives.
“If you are going to have your animal off-leash – even in a backyard – ensure that it is confined in a secure space and be cognizant of the fact that there are people who visit your home during the day,” he said.
Any potential witnesses of the attack are asked to call City of Grande Prairie enforcement services at 780-830-5790.
(Alberta Daily Herald Tribune - July 25, 2012)
