Home / Crime and Justice / Ottawa Residents Fearful After Dog Bites Spike
Ottawa Residents Fearful After Dog Bites Spike
30 Oct
Summary
- Neighbours reported aggressive dogs for months before seizure.
- Four whippets were seized from a Vanier apartment building.
- City faces questions about response time to dog bite complaints.
Concerns are mounting in Ottawa's Vanier neighbourhood following a series of reported dog bites, leaving some residents anxious about their safety. Four whippets were seized by bylaw officers from a Deschamps Avenue apartment building on October 25th, and the city is now pursuing a court order for their euthanasia.
Several long-time residents stated they had voiced complaints about the dogs for months prior to the seizure, expressing frustration that the city did not act sooner. They believe more timely enforcement could have prevented the incidents. Surveillance video from October 13th showed dogs lunging at a woman, an event that residents say highlights the ongoing issues.
The city's bylaw chief confirmed six reports related to the apartment building since May. While not all were substantiated, some resulted in charges for bylaw infractions like allowing a dog to run at large and failing to register the animal. A muzzle order was issued on October 2nd for permitting a dog to bite, with further charges pending after an incident on October 13th.
