Dog attacks boy in Aylmer

A two-year-old boy was attacked by a dog early on the evening of Friday, June 22 in the Aylmer sector. The child’s life wasn’t threatened after the incident. The mother and her son were on the street when, for unknown reasons, the dog came out of nowhere and attacked the boy, who was in his stroller. The boy was injured on his face, an arm and his left hand. The incident occurred on Forages Street, near the parc des Paysans.
   
The mother was not physically injured. She was able to immobilize the dog, say the Gatineau police.

Following the incident, the animal was quarantined by the Société pour la prevention de la cruauté envers les animaux (SPCA). According to Gatineau police, the dog was a pitbull. The SPCA confirmed that the animal was dangerous and would be euthanized shortly.

For the time being, no arrest has been made in this case. Nonetheless, six violation tickets were given to the dog’s caretaker.
   
Regulations for dogs who are considered dangerous
   
The owner of a dog qualified as potentially dangerous must take special precautions.  When outside its quarters, the dog must be kept on a leash that measures no more than two metres and must wear a muzzle. The owner must also take a training and obedience course with his dog.

In Gatineau, all potentially dangerous dogs are banned in all municipal parks, playgrounds, recreational pathways and dog exercise areas.

The City considers Pitbull-type dogs, including Staffordshire bull-terrier and American Staffordshire bull-terrier, as potentially dangerous. Mixed-breed dogs with similar physical characteristics are also considered dangerous.
   
Dogs that have been declared guilty of manifesting aggressive behaviour, biting or attacking a person or an animal are also considered dangerous. Fines for potentially dangerous dogs can total $2,000 and can be as high as $4,000 for second offences.
(Trans.: CB)