‘Traumatizing’ attack left one dog injured, the other missing; Hamilton Animal Services investigating

Brooke Popylyshyn has replayed the situation thousands of times in her head.

What started out as a quick walk with her two dogs turned into a traumatizing" event that Popylyshyn says she'll remember for the rest of her life."

It was just after 9:30 a.m. Friday when Popylyshyn decided to take her two-year-old pomeranian-chihuahua mix, Hunter, and her four-month-old chihuahua, Oliver, for a walk in Hannon.

Popylyshyn said she had Oliver inside her coat to keep him warm while Hunter was on her retractable-style leash.

Making their way to the nearby community hall on Woodburn Road, Popylyshyn spotted an older truck in the parking lot with a distinctive paint job - a yellow stripe on top, a white stripe in the middle and the bottom painted black.

But she didn't think anything of it" until she got to the yard and started walking with Hunter.

Suddenly, I saw two dogs coming toward me," said Popylyshyn, who described scrambling to get Hunter back into her arms. But, my reaction wasn't fast enough ... the dogs beat me to grabbing her."

Popylyshyn said one of the dogs - which she described as a tan-and-white coloured mixed breed weighing around 100 pounds - grabbed Hunter by the chest and shook her around." Popylyshyn screamed for help and for the dog to let Hunter go.

I tried everything to get her released," said Popylyshyn, who tried to grab Hunter from the dog's jaws.

Popylyshyn said moments later, the dog released Hunter but in turn, bit her on the hand. It quickly grabbed Hunter again, and Popylyshyn tried to pull her dog away. But this time, she was knocked down to the ground - and Oliver fell out of her jacket and ran for his life."

A second time, Popylyshyn said she was able to get Hunter away from the dog. Upon turning around, she saw a man standing at the truck.

Popylyshyn said she ran with everything she had" to his truck and begged for help finding Oliver. She alleges the man told her it was not my f---ing problem," got into his truck with the dogs and peeled" out of the parking lot, leaving behind only tire marks.

He left me bloody and crying, with my dog bleeding in my arms," she said.

Following the attack, Popylyshyn dropped her dog off at a neighbour's before rushing back to try and spot Oliver - but he was nowhere to be found.

Popylyshyn said police were called and she provided a report, including the man's licence plate, before rushing Hunter to an emergency veterinary hospital.

Spokesperson Jackie Penman told The Spectator Hamilton police responded to Woodburn Road just before 10:15 a.m. that day for reports that a woman and her dog had been attacked by two large breed" dogs. Penman said Hamilton's Animal Services department is handling the investigation.

In an email to The Spectator, spokesperson Michelle Williams confirmed the incident but could not provide further details as the investigation is open and ongoing." She would not confirm if charges had been laid as of Monday afternoon.

Popylyshyn said Hunter underwent a six-hour surgery for extensive" injuries, including to her shoulder blade and groin area. She was also covered" in puncture marks.

Hunter was brought home Saturday night, but she's not out of the woods just yet," said Popylyshyn.

She's very sick," she said. Every day is touch and go."

Oliver - weighing just four pounds - was still missing as of Tuesday despite an ongoing search effort. A dog tracking service enlisted by Popylyshyn's sister-in-law believes they have tracked him through neighbouring fields and back to their house on Woodburn Road, but they've been unable to catch him.

Even with her injuries, she can tell Hunter realizes Oliver isn't there. With the cold weather, Popylyshyn worries how long he'll make it on his own.

For the time being, Popylyshyn is focused on holding out hope for Oliver's safe return and a full recovery for both Hunter and herself.

I hope her beautiful little personality hasn't been too damaged," said Popylyshyn. And I don't think I'll ever be able to go back there (the centre) ... I would never wish this on anyone. No one should have to go through this."

Dog bites in Hamilton

Last year, Hamilton Animal Services says it investigated 205 dog bite incidents - 107 involved a human being bitten by a dog.

The Spectator has broken down what happens when a dog bites a person or another dog based on information provided by Animal Services.

What happens when a dog attacks another dog or bites someone?

An investigation is completed by Animal Services and the owner could be charged under the Responsible Animal Ownership bylaw.

Are dogs quarantined during an investigation?

Hamilton public health is responsible for quarantining dogs if they bit a person. They can be ordered to quarantine at home or confined at a shelter.

Can a dog be put down?

Decisions on the fate of dogs are determined by the Ontario Court of Justice. According to animal services, there are many factors that would need to be considered" under the province's Dog Owners' Liability Act.

How are owners fined?

If Animal Services finds a person has violated the Responsible Animal Ownership bylaw, charges may" be laid.

An officer may also designate a dog as dangerous" if it has:

• Without any mitigating" factors, attacked, bitten or injured a person or has shown a propensity, tendency or disposition to do so";

• Without a mitigating" factor, significantly injured another domestic animal;

• Previously been designated as potentially dangerous" and has been kept in violation of the requirements" for a potentially dangerous dog.

Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com