BURSTOwners of a dog in Grand Forks are being asked to surrender their pet after it reportedly attacked and severely injured a woman.
According to Kim Godidek, she was in her own yard when a bully breed dog from a neighbouring property broke through its owner’s fence and pounced on her.
She said she was knocked to the ground by the canine, which reportedly inflicted four gashes on her upper thigh and broke both bones in her wrist, according to a GoFundMe page set up for her.
The GoFundMe, with a goal of raising $8,000, aims to help Godidek over the next eight weeks, as she is unable to work because of her injuries.
Godidek was given emergency medical attention, following the attack, before undergoing surgery, during which a metal plate was attached to her arm to stabilize it.
The City of Grand Forks posted on Facebook Monday, Oct. 19, that it was in contact with Godidek, the RCMP, and the dog owner and that it is determining next steps.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the city updated its response: “The city has engaged with the dog owner involved in the recent dangerous dog incident and is seeking the voluntary surrender of the dog. This would allow a qualified professional to conduct the required behavioural assessment.”
“If voluntary surrender cannot be achieved, the city will be required to apply for a warrant to seize the animal.”
The City of Grand Forks does not have a breed-specific dangerous dog bylaw and relies on a breed-neutral approach under its Animal Control Bylaw No. 2116.
However, a dog can be deemed vicious if it has attacked or bitten, attempted to attack or bite, or chased any person, animal or wildlife without provocation.
In the event that a dog is deemed vicious, according to the city’s bylaw, its owner must:
*keep the vicious dog a minimum distance of 100 metres away from an elementary school, middle school, high school, daycare facility or any public park in the control area. (Control area is defined as the area within the municipal boundary of the city)
*securely confine the vicious dog indoors or in an enclosed pen or structure capable of preventing the vicious dog from escaping or being entered by any unauthorized persons
*securely leash, muzzle or cage the vicious dog to prevent it from biting, attacking or chasing another animal or a person when the vicious dog is off the owner’s premises.
The identity of the dog owner is not being made public and it is unclear what decision will made in regard to the surrender of the animal.
Grand Forks Gazette will be following up on this matter.