Niagara doctor enters into peace bond

A Niagara Falls physician has been banned from attending dog parks for the next 12 months following a 2017 incident where two dogs and a woman were sprayed by dog repellent at Firemen’s Park.

Dr. Kevin Smith appeared in an Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on Friday and agreed to enter into a one-year peace bond with several conditions, including that he stay away from dog parks and not possess any weapons.

After the 67-year-old dermatologist entered into the bond, all criminal charges, including assault with a weapon, were withdrawn against him.

On Nov. 22, 2017, court was told, Smith was walking through Firemen’s Park when he was approached by two large unleashed dogs.

While the Dorchester Road property does have two dog parks, dogs must be leashed until they enter the fenced-in compounds.

Assistant Crown attorney Grace Pang told Judge Peter Wilkie the defendant was “agitated” by the approaching dogs and sprayed both of them in the face with dog repellent.

When one of the owners confronted Smith, court was told, she was also sprayed in the face.

The 34-year-old woman was treated at a local hospital and released. The dogs were treated by a veterinarian and both sustained hair loss.

Court was told Smith also made a $1,500 donation to a local animal rescue society.