CANADA -- The owner of a pit bull terrier has been charged after the animal bit a little girl in the face on a southwest Calgary toboganning hill Sunday afternoon.
Police and paramedics were called to the area of Bridleglen Road S.W. in Bridlewood at around 1:30 p.m. with reports that an eight-year-old girl was bitten in the face by a dog.
She was taken to hospital in stable non-life threatening condition with a laceration close to her eye.
Andrew Bissett, acting manager with the city’s animal and bylaw services, said the three-year-old male pit bull terrier was pulling a tube or sled when the girl got close and was bitten.
“This was a really unfortunate accident,” Bissett said. “This is a reminder for people that in large crowds where the public is taking part in sports or play, it’s easy for any breed of dog to become excited or frightened, which can lead to unpredictable incidents.”
It’s not known whether the girl knew the dog or its owner.
The dog was apprehended and assessed, and returned to the owner after the investigation was completed, Bissett said.
The owner has now been charged with a dog bite resulting in serious injury and a dog being in a prohibited area, as the hill was attached to a sports field where dogs are not allowed.
Fines are being left to the court, but could be upwards of $10,000. Animal and bylaw services will not apply for a dangerous dog hearing.
(Calgary Herald - November 27, 2012)
