By Charles Lefebvre

Bylaw investigating after dog attacked in off-leash area

Jun 5, 2019 | 12:34 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat Bylaw Enforcement are asking for the public’s assistance after a small dog was attacked on an off-leash trail in Medicine Hat earlier this week.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday, bylaw received a call about a small dog was attacked by two other dogs in the Ranchlands off-leash trail area.

“The dog ended up with a couple of puncture wounds,” said Heather Trail, supervisor of bylaw enforcement. “The dogs actually held the dog down, and it seemed like there was a little bit of pack mentality while they were attacking the smaller dog.

“No owners were around, and they weren’t quite sure which direction anybody went. They were more concerned with just getting their dog off to a vet.”

Trail says the dog that was injured received treatment, but had no further updates on its condition.

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According to Trail, they’re looking for two dogs that are mainly white in colour. One of the dogs is believed to be a Shepherd breed, while the second dog’s breed is unknown.

She says the incident serves as a reminder for dog owners about proper use of the off-leash areas in the city, saying incidents like this can make people hesitant about using the areas.

“The biggest complaints we get about the off-leash areas are dogs that are out of control, they’re too far ahead of their owners, they’re not returning to their owners when they’re called back,” said Trail. “They’re approaching people before their owner has a chance to catch up and control the situation. That’s particularly of concern for anybody who is riding a bike, or walking with small children or maybe even have their dog there and on a leash, because there’s just no control happening there. People aren’t taking responsibility.”

Trail says there can be fines of up to $150 if you don’t have your dog on control in an off-leash area, but it can increase if a person or a dog gets injured.

Anyone with information about the dog attack is asked to call bylaw at 403-529-8436.