Dog owner weary

Times Reporter  

 

Strathmore’s off-leash dog park first officially opened its gates in 2010, and since that time dozens of happy dogs and their owners have enjoyed that space. 

Recently, though, one Strathmore woman, Megan Bevill, has had a few incidents at the park that have left a bitter taste. 

In March, Bevill was at the park with her dog Hank when the first incident occurred. 

“The first time was with Hank, he’s my pug cross, he was running around with somebody else’s ball. I was just following after him trying to get the ball and then a Cane Corso just came out of nowhere and pinned him to the ground, and I was like okay, that’s okay and then it started lifting him (Hank) up into the air,” said Bevill. 

She started freaking out, and when the Cane Corso – typically a 100-110lb breed – put Hank (40lbs) down Bevill rushed him to the vet. Hank is fine now, but at the time had a puncture wound on the top of his neck. The second incident happened on April 8 with Chevy, Bevill’s yellow lab cross golden retriever. 

There is a water dish by the front gate and as Bevill and Chevy were walking towards it the same Cane Corso was there having a drink. Chevy ran up and was still about two feet away from the bowl when the Cane Corso turned around and mauled Chevy, said Bevill. 

With the first incident she was in a panic to get Hank to the vet, but the second time, since no injuries had happened she was finally able to say something to the other dog’s owner. 

Strathmore’s Animal Control department would not comment on the case as it is still under investigation.

Bevill said she has heard from two other people who stated their dogs have also been involved in an incident with the same Cane Corso. In all instances there was an object that the Cane Corso wanted; it was never a straight attack to any of the other dogs.  

“It is a great place to go, we have been going there since Hank was a baby, so about four years, but you got to watch, you’ve got to know the signs of what your dog’s thinking and other dogs because you never know what’s going to happen. The sign does say use at your own risk as you walk in, and it’s true, it’s so true.”

The last major reported incidents in the park were in 2011, with one pet succumbing to its injuries. Knowing your dog and being able to control it are important factors before taking your pet to an off-leash area. There are bylaws in place to protect someone if they, or their dog, have been bitten, but in order for it to be enforced bylaw officers must be contacted.