Iqaluit woman asks for ban on pit bulls

An Iqaluit woman who suffered a vicious dog attack last summer wants to see pit bulls banned in Nunavut.

Annabella Piugattuk told city council last night she would like to see only huskies allowed in the territory.

"One country I know, Greenland, they don't allow any other breeds other than husky dogs to be in their country," she said. "I wish Nunavut would start to take that seriously."

Piugattuk said she understands huskies can attack too, but she said they are usually kept away from town and are working dogs.

She said she still likes dogs and tries to encourage her two young daughters, who witnessed the attack, to not be afraid of the animal.

Council gave first reading of a Responsible Pet Owner and Sled Dog By-Law last month.

Mayor John Graham said the city plans to hold public consultations about the proposed legislation before second reading.

If passed, municipal enforcement could use court orders to deem some animals as vicious. Owners could be fined $50 for an unlicensed dog and up to $1,000 if an animal attack causes severe personal injury.

The owner of the pit bull that attacked Piugattuk and another person in a separate incident was sentenced to 16 months in jail last August for charges including aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.