Two dog owners in Ottawa’s Vanier neighbourhood have been arrested and charged following several reported incidents involving aggressive dogs at an apartment building on Deschamps Avenue.
Ottawa police said the owners were arrested Friday morning and each charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm. Both were held for a bail hearing before being released.
The investigation follows the seizure of four whippets on Oct. 25 by municipal bylaw officers, assisted by police. The city is now seeking a court order to have the animals euthanized.
Neighbours say they had raised concerns about the dogs for months. Surveillance footage from Oct. 13 shows a woman attempting to flee as two dogs charge toward her.
City officials confirmed receiving six reports of dog bites connected to the property at 161 Deschamps Ave. However, some reports could not be substantiated, while two were duplicates.
Bylaw officers first responded to a reported incident on June 19, resulting in a $365 fine and charges for allowing a dog to run loose and failing to register the animal. In October, another investigation led to a muzzle order and an $880 fine after the owner was charged with allowing a dog to bite. Charges related to the Oct. 13 incident remain pending.
The owners said they regret the incidents, understand their neighbours’ concerns and hope to eventually have their dogs returned.
Ottawa police say the investigation remains ongoing.