Weekend dog attack highlights need for training: humane society

The Toronto Humane Society said early training and socialization are key to ensuring a dog doesn't act aggressively, in response to achild being taken to hospital with serious, life-altering injuries following a dog attack Saturday.

The attack happened in Little Norway Park near Lake Shore Boulevard West and Bathurst Street on Saturday morning. A woman and her off-leash dog were inside a playground areawhen the dog allegedly"charged"through an open gate toward a child that was walking with their father, police said.

After both the woman and the child's father got the dog to release the child, the woman fled with her dog, according to police.

Police arrested a 38-year-old woman on Sunday in relation to the attack, according to a Monday news release. She has been taken into custody, police say, and faces five charges, including criminal negligence causing bodily harm and failing to prevent a dog from biting or attacking.

"Early training and socialization are fundamental for all dogs to help mitigate the risk of aggressive behaviour, especially when interacting with children," said a news release issued by the Toronto Humane Society on Monday.

"Adhering to leash regulations in public areas is a simple yet effective way to prevent potential incidents, particularly in densely populated regions like Toronto."

Jacklyn Ellis, the director of behaviour at the society, said the onus is on pet owners to make sure their dogs are trained and set "up for success."

But she said it's also helpful for members of the public to recognize when dogs are feeling anxious, fearfulor showing signs of aggression, adding that it's good to know how to de-escalate if an attack does occur.

"What we like to recommend is for someone to feed the bite, which is actually push against the dog's mouth," she said in an interview on CBC Radio's Metro Morningon Tuesday.

"That can throw the dog off a little bit and will prompt them to release their jaws, and that's when you can kind of try to get somethingbetween you and the dog... a more secure barrier," Ellis said.

She said that people should avoid running away as it can prompt a dog's instinct to chase.

Saturday's incidentwas not the first high-profile dog attack in the city this year. In February, a 54-year-old woman was attackedby two off leash dogs while waiting for a bus in Etobicoke. Her right arm was broken in the attack.

Council approveddangerous dog registry

On March 21, a few days before the Saturday attack, the city approved a motion to create a registry of dangerous dogs that will include the dog's name, breed and colour, and the date of the dangerous act.

Coun. Paula Fletcher was behind the motion. Speaking to CBC Toronto after Saturday's attack, she said she wants to see a stronger reaction and follow up when it comes to injuries caused by dogs.

"It's not a normal circumstance and my motion and my desire is to see dogs of this nature dealt with in a very strong way," Fletcher said. "It's not 'Fluffy' down the street here. It's a very dangerous animal."

WATCH | Toronto grapples with growing number ofdog attacks:

Toronto considers dangerous dog registry

8 months ago

Duration 2:01

Toronto city council is debating new measures as it grapples with a growing number of dog attacks. One of the proposals is a public registry of dogs that have mauled humans or other animals.

The park has signs stating dogs are not allowed in the playground. After police released images of the suspect, people in the area put them up in the park.

Margaret Buys, who was walking her dog in the park on Monday, said she was glad the suspect had been found by police.

"Something needs to be done. And people in the neighborhood need to know that this isn't OK," she said.