A dog involved in a violent attack on an 11-year-old boy in Barrie has been killed by police after several days on the run.
Investigators received a tip early morning of June 11 reporting a sighting of the dog near Tiffin Street and Patterson Road. Officers responded and confirmed it was the same animal linked to Monday’s attack. Police say the dog became aggressive during the encounter, prompting an officer to use their firearm due to concerns for public safety.
The City of Barrie’s bylaw department, with support from Barrie police, is continuing to investigate the incident. Any potential penalties or enforcement measures will be handled under provincial animal control laws.
The boy, who was attacked while riding his scooter to school near Essa Road and Loggers Run on the morning of June 8, remains in stable condition in hospital.
A nearby resident intervened during the attack, using a snow brush to drive the dog away after what was described as a prolonged ordeal lasting several minutes. Police also report the dog behaved aggressively toward other individuals in the area.
Following the attack, officers tracked the animal through several neighbourhoods, including areas near Patterson Road, Florence Park and Dove Crescent, before locating it Thursday.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have had contact with or been bitten by the dog to come forward. Police have not confirmed whether the animal’s owners have been identified or contacted, and it remains unclear whether the dog will undergo rabies testing.