Pit bulls seized, owners charged after dog attack

CALGARY — The owners of two pit bulls seized by the city have been slapped with five charges after the dogs attacked a beagle.

The two pit bull terriers are in the custody of Animal and Bylaw Services that will conduct a behavioural assessment on the animals, the city says.

The pit bulls attacked the neighbouring beagle outside its Coach Hill home Aug. 8.

The beagle suffered half a dozen serious bites and needed extensive veterinary care.

The pit bulls’ owner had recently moved in. It’s the pets’ first offence.

Charges laid by Animal and Bylaw Services include one count of animal at large, two counts of damage to an animal and two counts of having an unlicensed animal.

More charges may be laid pending completion of the investigation.

The city says public safety is a priority and aggressive animal behaviour will not be tolerated, said spokesman Damian Cole.

“Under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, owners are held responsible for the behaviour of their animals and people must be aware of these responsibilities when looking to add a dog of any breed to their family.”