Lori Karwandy, left, with Angus in Police Point Park near where the attack took place. (Photo Courtesy Kevin Kyle)

By Chris Brown

Happened Oct. 16 at Police Point Park

Victim of ‘vicious’ dog attack looking for information on owner

Nov 2, 2022 | 4:55 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Lori Karwandy is still emotional more than a week later as she describes the attack on her two-year-old mixed-breed dog Angus.

“It was an uncontrolled, vicious attack on my dog,” she said 10 days after the attack.

Karwandy and three friends had just finished a walk in Police Point Park on Oct. 16. They were chatting in the main parking lot when Karwandy says another dog owner lost the leash and two larger dogs lunged at her and Angus.

“It attacked my dog and really the intent was to kill my dog I think because it took it up in the air with its teeth. It had it up in the air, my friends thought it was going to kill [Angus],” she said.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat accepting proposals for Family and Community Support Services grant

4h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat women's shelter receives $225K grant from Cypress County

9h ago

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in March

10h ago

Karwandy said she didn’t see the whole attack, having been knocked to the ground. She suffered a large gash on her knee and other aches and pains. Angus suffered puncture wounds to his neck but is doing OK, Karwandy said.

The owner of the attacking dog apologized over and over, Karwandy recalls. But she would like to get in contact with her again so she can help with the vet bill for Angus, saying that is the responsible thing for a dog owner to do.

Karwandy admits should have gotten contact information at the time but didn’t think of it due to her shock. Posters with contact information have been placed in Police Point Park near the scene of the attack. The number to call is 403-580-7135.

Photo Courtesy Kevin Kyle

She says every person she tells the story to has an even worse one.

Peggy Dawson’s dog Monty was killed this summer, attacked by a dog that has since been declared by the city as vicious.

She and Karwandy want owners to do a better job of controlling their dogs and more enforcement.

“More bylaw officers that would get out there and really crack down on these people who don’t put leashes on their dogs and check into matters where there are vicious dog incidents going on in different neighbourhoods,” Dawson said.

Acting supervisor of bylaw Barri-Ann Skakun says they also want owners to better control their dogs when off-leash or when they get away. And they do track where incidents happen in the city and try to be more visible in problem areas.

“We will amp up our service in that area,” she said. “Just do drive-bys and pay a little bit closer attention to the behaviours of dog owners and their dogs.”

There are currently five bylaw officers in the city, a number Skakun hopes to see grow next year.

The injury to Lori Karwandy’s knee from the attack. (Supplied Photo)

The City of Medicine Hat held public engagement sessions this summer for a review of off-leash areas. Staff are reviewing feedback to determine the appropriate direction and next steps.