20
Nov 2012Aggressive Dogs/Attacks at Kilcona
Posted by Kilcona Park Dog Club / in Information /
What You Need to Know about Aggressive Dogs/Attacks at Kilcona
Kilcona Park Dog Club and Animal Services Agency met last week to discuss aggressive dogs and dog attacks at the park. Here’s an update from that meeting.
At 49 hectares Kilcona’s off-leash area is the largest in Winnipeg. That’s about half of all the off-leash space in the city. Including the on-leash area, the entire park extends over 100 hectares and there are about ten kilometers of trails.
An attack can happen anywhere in the park and it happens in a split second. It’s unrealistic to expect Animal Services to be at the location where an altercation occurs.
If you own a dog –
- Be vigilant when the park is filled with dogs. Dogs are predictably unpredictable but they are calmer in smaller groups.
- Remember that you are a member of Kilcona’s dog community. Be responsible – watch and supervise your dog, even if you’re chatting with another dog owner. Your main focus must be on your dog and his behavior, as well as the behavior of others. Listen for growls and barks, and watch for body language that might indicate trouble.
If you own an aggressive dog –
- It is against the law to take your dog to an off-leash area, even if it’s leashed and muzzled.
- A dog must be removed from the off-leash area at the first sign of aggression.
- Dog owners and walkers are legally responsible for their own dog(s) and any injury or damage caused by their dog(s).
If your dog is attacked –
- Treat the situation the same way you would if you have a car accident.
You or a designated person needs to get the aggressive dog’s owner’s name and/or vehicle license number.
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information.
- Call 311. Report every incident to Winnipeg Animal Services Agency.
Reporting attacks helps protect the entire dog community. Unbeknownst to you, the dog that attacked yours may have attacked others at Kilcona or elsewhere.
Enforcement officers investigate every incident as long as you provide them with enough information to find the owner and you don’t report it anonymously.
- Don’t negotiate payment of the vet bill in exchange for a promise not to report the incident. The law is on your side – dog owners are legally responsible for any injury or damage caused by their dogs.
- Call 911 if the attack is serious, especially if a person has been injured. Police can get to the park very quickly.
If you witness a dog attack –
- Remember – Kilcona dog owners are a community. Don’t be a bystander; step forward and provide your contact information to the victim’s owner and, if asked, provide information to Winnipeg Animal Services Agency about the incident.
