Dogs Seized After Family Pet Mauled to Death in Kamloops

The RCMP logo is seen outside the force's 'E' division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on March 16, 2023. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

City of Kamloops officials have seized three dangerous dogs after an attack on another dog that left the family pet dead.

The three dogs were captured by Kamloops community services officers, who are investigating the Sept. 8 incident.

Kamloops RCMP told The Epoch Times by email they were called to the 600-block of Richmond Avenue at about 7:15 a.m. after a report that a dog had been killed by three other dogs. The animals remain in city custody.

In a Sept. 9 statement, the city offered “heartfelt condolences to the family that lost their beloved dog yesterday,” saying the incident was “a somber reminder of the profound impact such situations can have on families and their cherished pets.”

No additional details were provided but the city is asking any witnesses to share information about the incident.

Aggressive Dog Liability

B.C. legislation classifies a dog as “dangerous” when it kills or seriously injures a person or domestic animal without provocation.

In Kamloops, enforcement officers can designate a dog as aggressive or dangerous if they have grounds to believe it could kill or seriously injure a person, according to the city’s dog responsibility and control bylaw. Aggressive dogs are not permitted in off-leash parks, and they must be muzzled in public areas.

Owners of aggressive dogs must also have a special licence and liability insurance of no less than $2 million. They must have electronic microchip identification implanted in the dog and register this identification with authorities.

Aggressive dogs that don’t comply with the bylaw can be seized by city authorities and their owners fined.

Fines imposed by the City of Kamloops for offences related to aggressive dogs include:

• Aggressive dog found running at large: $1,000
• Aggressive dog found in off-leash park or public area: $250
• Fail to muzzle an aggressive dog: $500
• Fail to provide proper enclosure for aggressive dog: $500
• Fail to secure an aggressive dog: $500
• Fail to provide microchip identification: $250
• Aggressive dog unlicensed: $400
• Fail to insure aggressive dog: $500

Recent Dog Attacks

A B.C. family recently raised the alarm about off-leash dangerous dogs after their small Maltipoo, named Sky, was mauled to death by a larger dog at Second Beach in Vancouver on Aug. 5. They said the owner fled the scene with the large dog.

Earlier this year, a dog attacked a child in Toronto, resulting in “life-altering” injuries. The owner was reportedly inside a playground area despite signs posted in the park that dogs were not allowed, Toronto police said. A woman has been charged in connection with the incident.

In March, an 11-year-old boy in Edmonton was attacked and severely injured by two large dogs at a home he was visiting. He died as a result of his injuries.

On April 24, the City of Toronto announced stricter rules for owners of dangerous dogs following an increase in severe attacks since 2022. Measures include placing visible signs in properties where dangerous dogs reside, and reminding owners to muzzle their dogs in public, keep them away from off-leash areas, obtain a dangerous dog tag, and provide socialization and training to their dogs.

The city said owners will be subject to regular compliance checks to ensure all rules are being followed.

“If someone observes a dangerous dog without its muzzle or in an off-leash dog park, a complaint can be made to 311 and the matter will be investigated as soon as possible,” said Mayor Olivia Chow in a statement. “The simple act of keeping dogs on leashes protects everyone in the community.”

Jennifer Cowan contributed to this report.