By Lyonel Doherty

A serious mauling of an elderly woman has compelled an animal control officer to speak out for public safety.

Regional animal control officer Wayne Belleville is urging large dog owners to ensure their pets are contained and controlled at all times after a disturbing attack in Oliver on Tuesday.

He reported that a 76-year-old Osoyoos resident was visiting a home on Sumac Street when a large dog knocked her down and mauled her face. Her injuries were so severe that she had to be airlifted to Vancouver where she underwent surgery. (Her condition is not known at this time.)

Belleville conducted an investigation and determined that the dog owner did not have a secure place to keep the pet (believed to be a one-year-old German Shepherd cross). Therefore, the officer wanted the dog transported to the Oliver pound.

Belleville said the dog had been placed inside the house, but when the owner brought him out again, the canine slipped out of its collar and proceeded to attack him (biting him on the forearm twice).

The owner managed to pull the dog off and contain the animal for transport to the pound. Sadly, the pet was subsequently euthanized by an Osoyoos veterinarian.

“It was done extremely compassionately,” said Belleville, a lover of dogs himself.

During the investigation, the officer tried to determine from the owner what caused the dog to be so aggressive. But unfortunately, he didn’t get many answers.

“I emphasized how dangerous it is for people when large dogs are not contained and not properly socialized.”

Belleville said the victim simply walked up to the house and was suddenly attacked without provocation, which is rare, he pointed out.

Belleville said the owner told him the dog’s behaviour “came out of nowhere.”

But the officer is struggling with that explanation.

“My concern is for public safety. It’s outrageous that someone would have a dog capable of doing that and not mitigate the risks in any way.”

Belleville said the dog’s enclosure in this case was not adequate, noting it appeared the animal was digging to escape it.

The officer had to seek medical attention himself after he was attacked; the dog made eye contact with him and lunged at him, sinking its teeth into his arm.

Belleville said during the 24 hours that he kept the animal in the pound, it was “jacked up and ready to kill someone.”

The officer said he couldn’t imagine what the lady was experiencing during her ordeal.

“I think it would be anyone’s worst nightmare; a dog ripping your face apart.”

Belleville said he was sickened by the incident and sickened that he had to be involved in the dog’s euthanasia.

That’s why he is strongly encouraging people to take the time to socialize their pets. And if they are guard dogs, ensure they are adequately contained.

Belleville said he has responded to “too many” calls lately relating to aggressive dogs in the community.