Whitchurch-Stouffville seeks assistance in fatal dog bite incident

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 10, 2021

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville is looking for the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals involved in a fatal dog bite incident which occurred at the York Regional Forest's Patterson Tract.

On July 30, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a dog was attacked and killed by another dog while walking the trail in the area of McCowan Road and Aurora Road. According to the town, both dogs were off-leash at the time of the incident.

“The owners of the attacking dog failed to remain on-scene and the victim’s attempts to identify the individuals have failed,” said Teresa Hector, municipal law enforcement supervisor for the town. “In making a public plea for assistance, we hope that the owners of the attacking dog will come forward, or someone from the public will be able to identify the individuals based on the description provided by a witness we interviewed.”

According to a witness, at the time of the incident, the attacking dog was in the care and control of two individuals. The witness described both individuals as follows:

Female;
Caucasian;
Middle-aged (approx. 50-60 years of age);
Of average height;
Heavyset body type;
Short dark hair.

The witness described the attacking dog as follows:

Large breed;
Golden to red in colour;
Long-haired;
Approx. 70-80 pounds;
Possible Irish setter mix breed.

If you have any information that may assist in identifying the individuals described above, you can contact the Animal Services Department at 905-640-1910, ext. 2230.

The town would like to remind residents that all dogs must be kept on a leash when in public areas in order to avoid such incidents from occurring. In accordance with the town’s bylaws, failure to ensure that your dog remains on-leash in public areas carries a fine of no less than $490 upon first offence.