Dogs’ owner fined in attack on beagle

CANADA -- The owner of two unlicensed pit bulls that mauled a neighbouring pooch was heavily fined Tuesday after pleading guilty to several charges under a city bylaw.

The canines attacked a beagle outside its Coach Hill home Aug. 8. The beagle suffered half a dozen serious bites and needed extensive veterinary care.

On Tuesday, a provincial court judge ordered the dogs’ owner to pay $3,000 in restitution.

“The court’s decision reinforces how important it is for dog owners to keep their animals under control at all times,” Alvin Murray, north operations manager of Animal and Bylaw Services, said in a news release.

The pit bull terriers’ owner had recently moved in. It is the dogs’ first offence.

In court, the owner pleaded guilty to five charges under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw: two counts of damage to an animal and three counts of having an unlicensed animal.

The judge handed down another $900 fine, imposed conditions of animal care and ruled the owner must complete obedience training.

“We take all aggressive dog incidents seriously,” said Murray, noting the dogs’ breed wasn’t a factor.

(Calgary Herald - Sept 17, 2013)

Earlier:

• Family upset after new neighbour's dogs attack pet