The Amherstburg Dangerous Dog Appeal Committee has upheld a muzzle order for a Rottweiler named Cole following a violent dog attack that left an 11-year-old girl, her mother, and their German Shepherd injured.
The committee reviewed the order Tuesday after Cole’s owner, Olivia Naklie, requested it be removed or limited in duration. The order was issued after Cole and another Rottweiler, Diesel, escaped and attacked the girl and her dog during a neighbourhood walk on May 12.
The girl’s mother, Nina Di Maria, said she rushed outside after hearing screams and receiving a distress call from her daughter. She found both dogs attacking the family pet and attempted to intervene, suffering bites herself. Di Maria said her daughter was also injured and has been traumatized by the incident, avoiding school since the attack. Neighbours eventually helped stop the assault after repeated efforts to separate the animals.
During the hearing, Naklie argued that Cole’s actions were driven by fear and anxiety rather than aggression. She pointed to video footage showing moments where the dog appeared to avoid biting people and said he had been overwhelmed by the situation. Naklie also noted that improvements have been made since the incident, including the installation of a new fence and enrolment in obedience training.
After reviewing the evidence and hearing submissions, the committee decided to leave the muzzle order in place. Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue said the severity of the incident made the decision challenging but supported the committee’s conclusion, stating it was made with public safety in mind.
Under the ruling, Cole must wear a muzzle whenever he is in public or around people and animals outside his household. The family retains the right to challenge the decision through the courts.