Regina has seen 'troubling dog attacks this year,' police say after man badly injured

A Regina man is recovering after an attack from two dogs left him severely injured Monday, his family says.

Rod McDonald's family said on social media that he was attacked by two pit bulls while retrieving his green bin from the alley behind his residence. The family, in a statement to CBC on Wednesday, said McDonald is recovering in hospital with "very serious wounds" to his body.

The incident happened at about 2:40 p.m. near Albert Street and Regina Avenue, according to a Tuesday Regina Police Service news release.

Police told CBC they had apprehended the dog owner. Their news release said animal control seized both dogs.

Police investigators said they hope to find video of the daytime attack or speak with people who witnessed it.

The family said McDonald is stable and alert, but that they'll need more time to assess the long-term effects. McDonald has a long road to recovery ahead, they said. 

"As animal lovers, we believe every pet deserves a responsible owner committed to their well-being. Pet owners have a duty to ensure the safety and care of their animals," the family's statement said.

Regina police say they've taken note of recent attacks involving dogs, including an Aug. 19 incident that left a woman seriously injured.

"Regina has experienced troubling dog attacks this year," the Regina Police Service said in an emailed statement Wednesday.

The police service works with animal control to handle incidents with animal-related threats, the statement said. In Regina, that responsibility is overseen by the Regina Humane Society.

Bill Thorn, director of marketing and public relations at the humane society, said the organization is tasked with investigating reports of aggressive behaviour of dogs at large.

The attacks are investigated on multiple aspects, like witness reports, whether a bite occurred, whether the animal was provoked and the severity of the aggression, Thorn said in an emailed statement.

The humane society compiles that information and may submit it to the city prosecutor for evaluation on whether further action is warranted under the city's animal bylaw, including the possibility of a proceeding to have an animal designated as a dangerous dog.

The humane society does not determine if a case goes forward, or if the animal is deemed dangerous, he said. Any actions to be taken after that stage are determined at the direction of the prosecutor and the courts, based on the evidence provided, Thorn said. 

"We understand that this process can make it difficult to immediately solve many at-large dog/dog bite situations," Thorn said in his statement. "However, we encourage residents to continue to report any issues immediately so that appropriate action can be taken within the scope of, and as the existing bylaws, allow."

McDonald's family said they're advocating for awareness. 

"We urge the community to push for stricter enforcement of the Animal Protection Act and tougher penalties for neglective owners, particularly those who use animals as weapons," the family's statement said. 

"No animals should be left with an owner who has failed in their responsibility to provide proper care."