Rottweiler put down after attacking policeman

A Windsor Rural RCMP officer was taken to hospital Wednesday, Oct. 2, after being attacked by a Rottweiler on the Ellershouse Road. Cst. Fogarty was responding to a dog-related complaint when the incident took place. According to police, the attack happened when Fogarty approached the dog owner’s home. “He was just knocking on the door when the dog came out of now where and grabbed his arm,’ said community policing officer Cst. Andy Harris.

Harris noted there have been several complaint calls in the past few weeks about a Rottweiler allegedly left prowling the area. Cst. Fogarty was the first to respond that afternoon. “He was the closest to the area at the time and there were concerns that children would be arriving home from school,” Harris said. “We didn’t want to take any chances.”

Additional police officers as well as by-law enforcement officer Gary Lunn arrived at the scene shortly after the attack. Although the owner gave no explanation as to why the dog was at large, it was determined the animal would be put down.

Harris said he believes the female dog did have pups nearby which could explain any aggressive behavior.

Nevertheless, Harris said dogs at large pose a real danger to children, which is a matter police take very seriously. “Owners are criminally responsible for their dogs and if that had been a child that was bitten, the owner could be sued.” He added, “it is up to the owners to keep their dogs tied or within the property boundaries.”

Cst. Fogarty was treated for minor puncture wounds. Harris said no charges have been laid to date, but the matter continues to be under investigation.

One bite is too many

West Hants Coun. Randy Matheson says one bite is one too many. He believes a dog that bites should be put down. “They shouldn’t be given a second chance to bite again.”

Matheson has said he has initiated discussions with council regarding the danger of at-large dogs and it’s a matter of public safety council needs to take very seriously. “We need to be vigilant.”

Matheson has initiated discussions at council regarding revisions to the current animal by-laws, particularity in terms of dangerous animals. “I really believe we need to tighten our by-laws so that we can easily pick up and control dangerous animals -- and so that our by-law officer can better do his job.”

Council has reviewed the current by-laws and has asked for public input, as well.

Matheson said council needs a more proactive approach. “I’d like to see the municipality offer free dog obedience classes or a tax break for owners who have their animals spayed or neutered. “I believe we need to take a proactive approach to education so owners understand that dogs at large are not good for anyone, not for them, the owners, or the public.”

He noted, however, in the end it always comes back to the owner. “It’s up to the owner to make sure the dog is properly cared for and confined to their property. The problem is, that doesn’t always happen.”