J. Bartlett, Animal Services Officer, provided an overview of what led to the issuance of the Order to Restrain for 45 Bellwood Drive. Mr. Bartlett stated that the incident occurred when a neighbour exited her house with two dogs on a leash and one of the dogs, Yogi, slipped out of his harness and ran towards the appellant and his dog, Roxie. He stated that the interaction between Roxie and Yogi resulted in Yogi being bitten on her neck and requiring medical attention by a veterinarian. He further stated that an Order to Restrain was issued for Roxie to curb any negative behaviour that may arise should another accidental situation occur. Mr. Bartlett advised that complaints have been filed against the appellant for allowing Roxie to run at large at a Town park since receiving the Order to Restrain. Mr. Bartlett recommended that the Committee confirm the order.
A brief question and answer period ensued between the Committee and Mr. Bartlett regarding:
- clarifying handwritten notes on the Order to Restrain;
- the distinction between the terms ‘bitten’ and ‘interfered’;
- whether complaints had been received about Roxie's temperament;
- details about handling future incidents and whether charges or fines could be imposed against a dog owner;
- information about any previous Orders to Restrain against the appellant’s address; and,
- whether complaints had been received against Yogi prior to this incident.
A. Sharma, the appellant, appeared before the Committee. Mr. Sharma provided an overview of the temperament and training of his dog, Roxie. Mr. Sharma stated that during the incident Roxie was in a sit-stay position between his legs and only bit Yogi after Yogi nipped at her. Mr. Sharma requested that the Order to Restrain be rescinded.
A brief question and answer period ensued between the Committee and Mr. Sharma regarding:
- whether the appellant believed his dog bit Yogi; and,
- details about Roxie's dog training classes including where the classes are held.
T. Lopez, a witness to the incident, appeared before the Committee. Ms. Lopez stated that Yogi slipped his harness and ran towards the appellant and Roxie, but Roxie was not in a sit-stay position and was pulling on the leash towards Yogi. She stated that Roxie lunged at Yogi and bit her. She advised that she took Yogi to a veterinarian who determined that Yogi had suffered a superficial bite wound.
The Committee excused the witness, appellant, K. Novia, and J. Bartlett from the virtual meeting at 2:41 p.m. and reviewed the matter. The witness, appellant, K. Novia, and J. Bartlett returned to the virtual meeting at 2:46 p.m.