CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

Dog days

Police dealing with increased aggressive dog complaints

Apr 9, 2020 | 11:57 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat police are letting people know about a rise in complaints of aggressive dogs in the city since the beginning of April.

Already this month bylaw has received six aggressive dog complaints, five of which involved bites of people or other animals.

In all of the attacks the owner of the offending dog or dogs were not in control, say police.

According to police, three occurred in a residential area and three occurred in a park, both in on-leash and off-leash areas and all of the dogs who were victims of an attack were on leash. The people injured were interjecting in the attack or simply riding a bike.

The number of aggressive dog complaints reported in April has increased by 50 per cent compared to years past. Police say the increase is believed to be related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting increase in use of path and park areas and due to dogs who are not used to being socialized now interacting with other animals and pedestrians.

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Bylaw will increase patrols of city parks and trails, as well as both on- and off-leash areas. Any complaints or concerns should be directed to the Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section at 403-529-8481.

A detailed explanation of the city’s Responsible Animal Ownership bylaw can be found here.