Newmarket, Ont., August 16 (Reuters) – In a distressing incident, a nine-year-old girl sustained serious injuries after being attacked by three dogs while visiting a Newmarket, Ont., residence to view puppies for sale. The incident occurred last month, leaving the young victim in a critical condition and prompting a police response.
According to a news release issued on Tuesday by the York Regional Police, officers were dispatched to a residence on Jackson Court, located in proximity to Highway 404 and Davis Avenue, at 6:05 p.m. on July 27 in response to an animal-related complaint. The young girl, accompanied by her father, had visited the residence to explore the prospect of purchasing a puppy that was listed for sale.
Startlingly, three dogs from the property swiftly emerged and attacked the girl without apparent provocation, as detailed by police authorities.
The injured child was expeditiously transported to a hospital, where she is reported to be in a serious yet non-life-threatening condition, having sustained severe bites, according to law enforcement officials.
Subsequently, during the same evening, local animal services intervened and took custody of the three dogs, which were then euthanized upon being relinquished by their owners.
A spokesperson for the York Regional Police, speaking to The Associated Press, mentioned that while the exact breeds of the dogs are yet to be conclusively determined, all three canines are commonly referred to as a type of pit bull.
The child has since been discharged from the hospital and is currently recuperating under the care of her family at home, according to police sources.
Following a comprehensive investigation into the incident, authorities have laid charges against Leslie Theodore Kovacs, a 68-year-old resident of Newmarket. Kovacs faces charges of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and has also been charged with three counts under the Ontario Dog Owners Liability Act. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Newmarket Court on September 12.
Authorities urge individuals possessing any relevant information pertaining to the incident to communicate with the York Regional Police 1st District Criminal Investigations Unit at 1-866-876-5423, extension 175.7141.
This incident follows recent concerns expressed by the city of Toronto regarding an upsurge in off-leash dog attacks. In 2022, the city recorded 1,316 dog attacks, marking a notable 39% increase from the 946 incidents reported in 2021.
While an inquiry was made with the York Regional Police regarding comparable dog attack statistics within the region, the requested information was not received prior to the publication of this report.
