Saskatoon man says three dogs ‘tried to kill his dog’ at off-leash dog park
When Barrett Ross walked into the off-leash Fred Mendel dog park last week, he didn’t expect what was going to happen to his 13-year-old terrier dog named Indy.
“These three dogs came over, and the minute they passed me I dropped the leash and turned around to go for Indy because they had a look,” he said.
Ross says the three dogs that looked like huskies attacked his dog. He says he grabbed one of the dogs and threw it on the ground while attempting to help Indy. During the altercation, his hand was bit by one of the dogs.
“He was on his back biting back and doing what he can to save his life from three dogs way bigger than him," Ross said.
Indy suffered a punctured bowel, lost a tooth and “his neck and stomach were ripped open in two spots.”
Ross alleges he called for the owner of the other dogs to help but he “seemed to be standing back and watching how it played out.”
“I was angry, I guess, that the owner seemed to be pretty either nonchalant or almost callous about the whole thing too, like it was inconveniencing him somehow,” he said.
Ross says he threatened to call the cops and the owner hurried to put leashes on his three dogs and left the park. Ross later posted on Facebook about the altercation,which led to over 1,000 shares. Through the over 300 comments, he was able to find the owner and get in touch.
CTV News reached out to the other dog owner who declined an interview. However, he says he offered to pay the vet bills but says Ross refused. He alleges he spoke with the vet who says it’s not true Indy will need up to five more appointments.
Ross says the other owner agreed to pay the initial bill but has since rescinded his offer. The owner has also hired a lawyer.
“Indy could still go septic and die. Like he might have to go to the dentist. I'm like, 'I'm not absolving you anything,'” Ross said.
Ross says he reported the dogs to animal control as he’s worried they might hurt other dogs and people.
“When you’re at a dog park you’re accountable for them and they’re kind of an extension of you. These three dogs tried to kill my dog and he didn’t really seem to care it seems, he seemed annoyed by it if anything.”
In an email to CTV News, the city says an investigation is currently underway by the Saskatoon Animal Control Agency to ensure all facts are documented and responsible parties are held accountable.
Off-leash dog parks designated for small dogs are currently proposed for CharlottePark and Hyde Park. The proposal is currently in the public engagement phase and will go to city council in June.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
Russia reports downing 5 Ukrainian military balloons in Kyiv's latest apparent war innovation
Russian air defences downed what authorities described as five Ukrainian balloons overnight, the defence ministry in Moscow said Thursday, as the sides kept up long-range strikes that have featured heavily in what has largely become a war of attrition.