Aggressive pit bull ordered to be destroyed

A young pit bull named Loki that mauled one of its owners and left her with life-threatening injuries will be destroyed. 

A Kelowna, B.C. judge ordered its destruction after hearing of the vicious attack on Nov. 2, 2014 on Jennifer Heitzmann that left her deep, bloody wounds, a broken bone and a scalp wound. 

But the judge also has placed a three year ban on Heitzmann and her boyfriend Rick Bellar from owning any animal deemed dangerous, indicating that the owners were to blame. 

According to the judgement, Loki's owners received multiple fines and warnings declaring Loki to be an aggressive dog.

"She [Loki] was agitated by the argument between her two owners, and ferociously attacked one of her owners," the judge said.

"It is clear to me that neither owner has the personal characteristics that are necessary to rehabilitate Loki."

The court heard the dog roamed freely, frightening neighbours who described it as fearful and aggressive. The young pit bull and its two owners were known to animal control officers, and one witness testified she saw Bellar kick the dog.

The court's decision to take away the owner's right to own a dangerous animal is a first in B.C, according to lawyer Troy DeSouza, who represented the Central Okanagan Regional District in the case.

"We are now left with I think what is probably the most important decision ever for dangerous dogs, which is dealing with the source of the problem, which is the irresponsible owner."