Dawson Creek to put down dogs after 'awful' attack

Michelle Bassett woke up to what she called an "awful" noise on the evening of July 31.

She told Dawson Creek city council what she saw next.

"I went down and when I got out to my front step and looked to the left, I saw my dog being attacked. I thought she was dead."

Bassett said neighbourhood dogs described as pit bulls had attacked her family's golden retriever.

The retriever survivedbut with extensive injuries.

After her testimony, and investigations by city bylaw officers and the SPCA, Dawson Creek Mayor Dale Bumstead announced the city would be taking the unprecedented step of seeking legal action to seize and euthanize the dogs.

"In previous instances where therehave been dog attacks in Dawson Creek, the owners of the dogs voluntarily dealt with the situation. In this case, that hasn't happened."

Bumstead agrees it's a difficult step, but there's no other option, especially because he says the dogs have been involved in previous incidents.

"I'm a pet owner, and I would do anything and everything possible to ensure that we do take all the actions to provide a safe, healthy home for any animal ... These dogs pose a threat, in council's opinion."

Possible bylaw changes

Dealing with dangerous dogs is a common issue for many municipalities.

• Proposed new rules for dangerous dogs leaves victim's family 'sad and very angry'

At the upcoming Union of B.C. Municipalities convention,Fort St. John is putting forward a resolution thatpet owners be held liable in the event of an attack.

Mayor Bumstead says itcould be a good idea.

"It's the animals that pay the ultimate price here. The owners should be stepping up and taking responsibility."

With files from Daybreak North

To hear the interview, click on the link labelled Dawson Creek city council is set two seize two dogs for the first time in the city's history