Deaths at doggy daycare prompt push for regulations

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This article was published 29/06/2021 (1729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg woman whose two small dogs were killed at a canine daycare last month believes the larger dog who attacked them should be designated as dangerous.

Andreina Holliday said her Yorkie-Maltese mix Tango and Yorkie Rocky were at Pooches Playhouse daycare on May 7 when both were fatally attacked.

“It’s left a huge hole in our hearts. It feels very empty… They weren’t supposed to leave so early,” said Holliday, her voice cracking with emotion. “They were supposed to be with us way longer. Their lives were cut too short.”

The Animal Services Agency has since deemed a Siberian husky to be responsible for “biting causing death” in the incident and designated the husky a “dangerous dog,” according to a city report.

The designation would mean strict rules separating the dog from others, but the husky’s owner is now appealing the decision.

Holliday first learned of the appeal on Monday, which council’s protection and community services committee will consider on July 5.

While she expressed sympathy for the owner involved, Holliday said she hopes the designation will be upheld.

“I think there needs to be some sort of record that can follow (this dog),” she said. “Sometimes it is necessary to keep others safe.”

Holliday and her husband, Keith, have reached out to multiple dog daycare owners, government officials, the Winnipeg Humane Society and the Animal Services Agency with a goal to add new regulations for canine daycares. The couple would like to ensure the daycares are required to keep small dogs separated from larger ones and that they’re mandated to meet minimum training standards for their staff.

Andreina Holliday hopes those changes can help prevent her loss from being repeated.

“We can’t bring them back. No lawsuit or amount of money in the world would make it right or bring (our dogs) back. And so the only thing that I feel that I can do to deal with this grief is to help others so that it doesn’t happen (again),” she said.

If the city’s dangerous dog declaration is upheld, the husky’s owner will be required to either find a home for the dog outside of Winnipeg, surrender the pet to animal services, or comply with the designation. Complying with the designation would require the owner to: have the dog sterilized; keep it secured and separated from others while at home; muzzle and leash the dog while away from home; and post a sign at every entrance to the dog’s home that warns a dangerous dog is inside, according to the city’s website.

The Free Press could not reach the husky’s owner for comment on Monday.

Coun. Sherri Rollins, the chairwoman of council’s protection and community services committee, declined to comment on the specific case prior to the hearing.

In May, the protection committee ordered a review of Winnipeg’s responsible-pet-ownership bylaw, which Rollins expects could lead to new rules being considered for canine-related businesses.

“I stand firmly behind the motion we put forward to look at the responsible pet ownership bylaw… (which could affect) doggy daycares and even pet groomers,” said Rollins.

The review is expected sometime in fall or winter.

Pooches Playhouse declined comment.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga