City charges owner of dog that bit woman on Ancaster trail

An owner of two German shepherds is facing provincial offences charges in connection with a dog attack that landed a woman in hospital last week, Hamilton's animal services department says.

In a release Thursday, the city also said a probe into the June 23 bite incident at Iroquoia Heights led animal services to designate both dogs as dangerous under its animal ownership bylaw.

This means the shepherds will have to be equipped with muzzles and leashes secured to collars or harnesses any time they are in public, according to the bylaw.

Additionally, the owner will have to erect a clearly visible sign outside their property warning of the presence of a dangerous dog.

The owner, who was not named in the release, was served with three charges: one for permitting a dog to bite a person and two for failing to license a dog.

Dog owners need to be aware that they are liable for their dog's actions whether it involves biting a person, attacking another animal or running at large," the city said. We extend our sympathies to the victim and wish them a speedy recovery."

Tamara Dufour required about 30 stitches after one of the dogs managed to break free from its leash and lunge at her near the Chedoke Radial Trail. She said the dog latched its teeth onto her leg, leaving it mauled and covered in blood.

Just terrifying," Dufour, who spent nine hours in hospital following the attack, said Tuesday. I looked down and was like, This is not a bite. It tried to rip my leg off.' There was mass amounts of blood. I've never seen myself bleed that much in my life."

News of the charges was welcomed by the 47-year-old, whose partner, Marcel Camposilvan, spent days trying to track down the owner in the wake of the attack. He was successful thanks to dozens of tips on social media.

I'm pleased with the steps (the city is) taking and I know they're working to ensure that if (the owner) isn't in compliance, things will escalate," Dufour said.

But she remains concerned the dogs will stay under the care of their owner.

The city said the dogs will continue to live with their owner unless public health has reason to believe they are unable to control them. It has also ordered that they be confined at home for 10 days.

The rules around confinement include: limiting the dogs' contact with anyone outside their home, no off-leash dog parks or groomers, and vet appointments only if necessary.

The purpose of confinement is to limit the exposure the animal has with the public," said Brad Potts, manager of animal services. He added that while confined, dogs are allowed to be in an owner's yard if it's fenced and walked if they are leashed.