The Medicine Hat Police Service Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section has noted a concerning trend involving aggressive dog complaints. Since April 1 2020 there have been six aggressive dog complaints received, with five confirmed bites involving persons or other animals. Of the six complaints:
- Three occurred in a residential area and three occurred in a park, both in on-leash and off-leash areas;
- All of the dogs who were victims of an attack were on leash;
- The persons injured were interjecting in the attack or simply riding a bike;
- Consistent in all of the attacks is that the owner of the offending dogs were not in control.
The frequency of aggressive dog complaint reported in the month of April has increased by 50 percent as compared to historical data. This increase is believed to be related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting increase in use of path and park areas and due to dogs who are not used to being socialized now interacting with other animals and pedestrians.
As a reminder to the public, The City of Medicine Hat Responsible Animal Ownership bylaw 3935 states:
DOGS IN OFF LEASH AREAS AND PARKS
No Owner may exercise a dog in an off-leash area while not restrained by
a Leash unless:
- the dog is under the control of a person at least eighteen (18) years
of age;
- While in an off-leash area, a person shall use the land in accordance with
any sign or signs which have been posted setting out the days, times and
manner in which a person is permitted to use the off-leash area.
THREATENING OR NUISANCE BEHAVIOURS
Any Owner of an Animal which:
- bites or chases a person or other animal;
- bites or chases any motor vehicle or bicycle;
- barks, howls or otherwise comports itself in such a fashion as to
- disturb any person, or in the opinion of a Bylaw Enforcement Officer
is likely to disturb any person;
- barks, howls or otherwise comports itself in such fashion as to alarm
- or cause any person to fear for their physical safety;
- bites a person causing a Severe Injury;
- causes the death of another Animal;
- causes any damage whatsoever to any property or any injury
- whatsoever to any person or other Animal;
- is at any time within the floral area of any Park or disturbs or destroys
any vegetation or Animal habitat in any Park;
- is at any time upon any cemetery property within the City;
- is at any time upon any property where the Animal is prohibited as
- indicated by a sign or other marking; or
- is guilty of an offence.
VICIOUS DOGS
If a Bylaw Enforcement Officer believes on reasonable and probable
grounds that a dog has:
- chased, injured or bitten a person or other Animal;
- damaged or destroyed any property;
- threatened or created the reasonable apprehension of a threat to a
- person or other animal;
- the Bylaw Enforcement Officer may seize and impound the dog at the Animal Control Shelter.
The Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section will be increasing patrols of city parks and trails, as well as both on-leash and off-leash areas. Any complaints or concerns regarding. Should be directed to the Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section, by calling 403-529-8481.
https://www.medicinehat.ca/government/bylaws/bylaws-in-force
Media Contact:
Heather Trail
Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Supervisor
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8436