York Regional Police and the Town of Newmarket are investigating after three dogs attacked a girl on Jackson Court last week.
The town said police were called to a location there July 27, when a child visiting a home was seriously injured by the dogs and was transported to hospital.
“The dogs were deemed a threat to the public based on the severity of this incident. The dogs were euthanized as the most humane outcome to protect public health and safety,” the town said.
York Regional Police confirmed that no one has been charged, but added the investigation is ongoing.
“Our thoughts are with the young child involved in this horrific event and her family through their recovery,” Mayor John Taylor said. “The Town of Newmarket and its animal services team are doing everything it can to support the YRP investigation.”
The property and dogs in question had been subject to several actions by animal services over the past year, dating back to Aug. 23, 2022, according to the town.
On Aug. 23, the town said a dog ran at large and approached a group of contractors, resulting in a written warning. Soon after, the owners licensed their dogs with the town.
On Sept. 18, the town said it received a report of a dog-on-dog bite incident, where the dogs attacked a small dog. The next day, animal services issued “all applicable charges” and a muzzle order.
The order requires the dog to be tethered or confined while on the owner's property to prevent the dog from going beyond it. When the dogs were off property, there was a requirement for them to be restrained and have a muzzle on.
On April 7, 2023, animal services received a report that a dog was left untethered on the front porch, which violates the muzzle order. The same day, animal services issued a charge for that. Following this, the town said officers increased pro-active patrols and did not find evidence of further breaches of muzzle orders.
When the town receives a report of aggressive dog behaviour, it said its options are for a muzzle order or going through Dog Owners Liability Act provisions under provincial regulations, which require a "lengthy" court process but can enable the municipality to add a spay or neuter requirement for the dogs.
“The vast majority of aggressive dog incidents are successfully mitigated without further incident through general enforcement of the municipal animal control by-law,” the town said. “Seizure for the purpose of humane euthanasia is only applied to the most severe cases.”
NewmarketToday will follow-up on this story as more information is made available.
As the police investigation is ongoing, anyone with information can contact the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7141.
