Owner fighting Quebec town's decision to euthanize pit bull mix

The owner of a dog described set to be euthanized by the municipality of Weedon, Que., is vowing to do what she can to save her dog.

Nahla, a six-year-old pit bull mix, has been in municipal custody she since bit a four-year-old child last Thursday. On Tuesday, authorities with the municipality decided to euthanize the dog.

On Monday, Nahlaunderwent a behavioural assessment that determined shecould be rehabilitated with work.

• Pit bull ownership rules vary across Canada
• Montreal man who allegedly ordered pit bull to attack wife freed on bail
• Sherbrooke dogs over 20 kilograms will have to wear halter

Joanie Dion, the dog behavioural specialist who conducted the examination,described Nahla as nervous and lacking self-confidence.

"Using her teeth is her first reflex," said Dion.

When she spoke with CBC's French-language network,Radio-Canada, on Monday, Dionsaid she wasn't signing the death warrant for the dogbut helping the town and owner find solutions to Nahla's behavioural problems.

Watch Dionevaluate Nahla:

'High risk of recurrence'

But after seeingDion's report, town officialsconcludedthat the dog was likely to bite again and must be euthanized.

"The dog has a high risk of recurrence in bites and violence," said the town's inspector, Nicolas Blouin, adding that the dog's ownerlivesin the vicinity ofa school, a playgroundand a pool.

Nahla's owner has been notified that the dog is to be put down on Thursday.

Euthanasia not recommended in report

Dion's report recommended imposing a series of conditions on Nahla's owner, including muzzling the dogin public, but shedid not recommend putting down the dog.

The report, obtained by Radio-Canada, said Nahla is "not aggressive" and allows you to pet her "if you approach her in the right way."

It recommended the owner and the dog take obedience classes with a professional until Nahla is responsive to commands. It also said the dogmust always be on a leashand not tied up outside.

However, despite these recommendations, Blouin said there's no guarantee the owner will follow the conditions, and because of that, the dog is a threat to the community.

Owner contesting decision

Nahla's owner, Hlne Girard, is planning on challenging the decision to euthanize her dog. Shemet with a lawyer Tuesday afternoon to discuss her options.

Girard said she's already purchased a muzzle for Nahla to wear on walks.

"I am very, very, very saddened by this decision," she said."I think the inspector made the decision to protect himself, to keep a good reputation with the citizens."

Girardsaid she has good control of her dog and is willing to meet the conditions outlined in the report.

Not because of breed, says inspector

Many municipalities acrossQuebec have been debating whether to ban pit bulls since a woman died after being mauled.

However,BlouinsaidNahlawon't be put down because she's a pit bull mixbut because of her behaviour.

"This is not a decision that we're happy about, but we had to do it," said Blouin.