MCK fed up in wake of recent Dog Attacks

08/05/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is issuing a reminder of penalties for loose dogs and is urging the entire Community to call in any loose dogs when sighted and/or take photos and send them to Animal Protection. This Notice is being issued in the wake of several recent attacks by dogs within the Territory.

This past weekend a young boy was attacked and bitten while walking his puppy on a leash.

Recently, a half-pit bull attacked and severely injuring a mini-poodle on a leash, while the small boy and his grandmother – who were walking their pet – suffered scrapes and bruises during the attack.

In addition, a woman reported being threatened by loose dogs while walking on two occasions in July.

The current penalty for contravention of the law is a minimum fine of $50.00, with a maximum of $1,000. The animal could also be destroyed should the situation warrant.

“We have been made aware of these incidents and have heard from a number of persons who are very upset that – once again – the issue of dog attacks/loose dogs has reared its ugly head,” said Ratsénhaienhs Frankie McComber, the Lead on the Public Safety Portfolio. “The issue has come to the Council table and we decided to act immediately.”

“In the past couple of years we have seen a huge increase in responsible pet ownership, but recently we have seen a noticeable increase in loose dogs,” he continued. “It’s easy to blame the dogs for their actions, but the reality is this problem could be addressed by dog owners by simply keeping their pets properly restrained. There has been a great deal of frustration from the community…and we can’t blame them. We all have to do better. We are contacting everyone who has a role to play in addressing this problem and getting to the heart of the matter.”

“One of the first steps we can take is to increase the fines and/or penalties for the owners,” Ratsénhaienhs McComber concluded. “There is also a need to ensure proper pet responsibility and safety measures are increased to meet the needs of the community.”

Anyone who wishes to report a loose dog should contact Animal Protection immediately at 450-632-0635. On weekends or during the evening, please call 514-232-3307. There is an Animal Protection officer available from 8am to 10pm daily. In case of an emergency situation, or if someone does not have the above telephone numbers at hand, contact the Peacekeepers at 450-632-6505.

Animal Protection is unable to patrol the entire community for loose dogs and counts on community reports. Send any photos to their Facebook page. Kahnawa’kehrò:non are asked to report these animals and not take matters into their own hands.