C. Lyons, Animal Services Officer, provided an overview of what led to the issuance of the Order to Restrain for 38 Haverhill Crescent on October 20, 2022. Mr. Lyons stated that the complainant advised that she was bit by the appellant's dog while passing the appellant on the sidewalk. He further stated that the complainant advised the appellant she had been bit by the dog. Mr. Lyons explained that the appellant did not provide any contact information to the complainant and that the complainant sought medical attention for the bite and provided a report of the incident. Mr. Lyons advised that the appellant adhered to the conditions of the Order to Restrain. Mr. Lyons recommended that the Committee confirm the order.
A brief question and answer period ensued between the Committee and Mr. Lyons regarding:
- whether there were any previous incidents related to the dog and/or the dog owner;
- whether any complaints against the appellant and her dog had been received since the incident;
- confirmation that the conditions of the order were adhered to without issue;
- the reason for issuing lifetime conditions in the Order to Restrain a dog and whether that was appropriate given the young age of the dog; and,
- whether the Animal Services Officer was aware of the age of the dog at the time of the incident.
A. Azuma-Bond, the appellant, appeared before the Committee. Ms. Azuma-Bond provided an overview of the history and temperament of the dog. Ms. Azuma-Bond stated that her dog lunged when two girls, one being the complainant, walked by and she asked whether they were okay. She stated that the complainant advised they were okay and continued walking. Ms. Azuma-Bond advised that she was taking her dog to behavioural/training classes. Ms. Azuma-Bond requested that the lifetime condition of the Order be modified.
A brief question and answer period ensued between the Committee and Ms. Azuma-Bond regarding:
- whether the dog had ever reacted to passersby during walks;
- whether the appellant was requesting that the entire Order be removed or only specific conditions of the Order;
- clarification regarding the training classes the dog was enrolled in;
- whether there was an end-date to the dog’s training;
- who handles the dog during walks; and,
- whether recommendations were made by the dog trainer with respect to continuing lessons.
The Committee excused the appellant, K. Novia, and C. Lyons from the virtual meeting at 3:32 p.m. and reviewed the matter. The appellant, K. Novia, and C. Lyons returned to the virtual meeting at 3:48 p.m.