Calgary owner of ‘pitbull-type’ dogs sought after poodle killed

Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services is asking for the public’s help in locating the owner of two dogs involved in a fatal attack on a poodle.

Officials say a woman was walking her toy poodle on Templehill Drive N.E. on Saturday at about 9:30 a.m. MT when another woman approached with her two dogs, which are described as “pitbull-type” dogs.

The dogs were on leash when the owners allowed the three dogs to greet each other. One of the large dogs then grabbed the poodle, biting and shaking it.

A neighbour came to help and the poodle was taken from the attacking dog but died a short time later at a local vet.

Officials are now looking to speak with the owner of the dogs. 

“The lady who had the two dogs did provide a name and a telephone number,” said Alvin Murray, an Animal and Bylaw Services operations manager. “Unfortunately that number that was provided is not in service. Now that is not to say necessarily that she provided false information in the heat of the moment. The owner of the toy poodle dog may have taken the number down wrong.” 

She is described as Caucasian, between the ages of 30 and 40, with a petite build and blond hair. Her name is possibly Sarah.

Murray says it’s a reminder that dogs on leashes are not necessarily under control.

Separate dog bite incident investigated

Meanwhile, the owner of a licensed Australian cattle dog is being questioned after a serious incident on Friday.

At around 10 p.m., animal bylaw officials were called to a Ranchlands home for reports that a woman had been bitten on the face by a dog.

The owner has adopted the dog from an out-of-town agency just nine days before the incident but has now requested the animal be removed from his home and signed ownership over to animal bylaw officials.

The dog has been taken into custody, where it will undergo an assessment following a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

No charges have been issued and the matter is still under investigation.