Dog Danger

It was the kind of horrific scene the province’s controversial pit bull ban was supposed to eradicate, but there it was in the light of day for all to see -- a trail of blood and two discarded puppy boots -- the sad remnants of a pit bull attack that claimed the life of a Shih Tzu on Tuesday night.

Despite the ferocity of the attack, charges won’t be laid against the female dog owner because apparently the animal in question was indeed wearing a muzzle, but somehow tore through the device in a frenzy of aggression.

The incident took place at around 10pm near Danforth Rd. and Midland Ave. in Scarborough. The pit reportedly lunged at the Shih Tzu and also bit its owner, a man in his 40’s, before finishing off the fatal attack on the much smaller dog.

The creature was seized by authorities and taken to animal services, but the female owner of the dog wasn’t held responsible.

A day later, neighbours suggested that she should have been accountable for the attack.

When asked if the dog (like the one pictured, top left) was indeed muzzled, witness Sherry Hegland responded without hesitation. “No,” she said. “I'm positive (it wasn’t muzzled). It doesn't make sense (that she’s not being charged).”

Others contend the same dog has been problematic in the past.

“It almost went after my dog on the 16th floor, and I actually told her that she should have it muzzled and she said, ‘it doesn't bite,’" said Cindy Titus.

Animal Services is continuing its investigation