Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/4/2019 (513 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A former Winnipeg resident who wants to move back into the city is to appear before a council committee this week in a bid to remove a "dangerous" designation on her two pet dogs.

Kendra Halabicki is appealing the label put by Winnipeg Animal Services on her dogs — Lola, a seven-year-old English bulldog; and, Kloe, a five-year-old American bulldog/boxer cross — for a series of incidents dating to 2014 that include attacking and biting other dogs, chasing people, and running at large.

"The accused has utilized significant City of Winnipeg resources as a result of numerous complaints over the years and has failed to alter her behaviour. As a result, at some point in the future, a resident or animal is likely to be significantly injured by an incident attributed to the accused and her dogs." –Leland Gordon, Winnipeg Animal Services

It’s also alleged Halabicki assaulted an Animal Services officer, hitting the officer in the chest while an offence ticket was being written.

According to an administrative report to Friday’s community services committee meeting, Halabicki had been the caretaker of a Lilac Street apartment building when the incidents with her dogs occurred between 2014 and 2018.

The designation requires the dog owner to keep the dogs confined either indoors or in a secure outdoor pen. If taken off the property, the dogs have to be muzzled and restrained by a 1.8-metre chain or leash. The owner also must show proof of a minimum $1-million comprehensive liability insurance policy for harm or injury caused by the animal.

The report states Halabicki denied all of the incidents, but she took her dogs and moved out of the city after the initial designation was imposed in August 2018.

A civic spokeswoman said Halabicki has since contacted Animal Services, indicating she planned to move back to the city with her dogs from her current residence in West St. Paul. The notice prompted Animal Services to impose a second "dangerous dog" designation on both animals effective March 1, and gave Halabicki an opportunity to appeal that decision.

"The accused has a significant history of irresponsible pet ownership and is placing the community at risk," Leland Gordon, chief operating officer of Winnipeg Animal Services, stated in a report in support of the most recent designation.

"The accused has utilized significant City of Winnipeg resources as a result of numerous complaints over the years and has failed to alter her behaviour. As a result, at some point in the future, a resident or animal is likely to be significantly injured by an incident attributed to the accused and her dogs."

Halabicki told the Free Press her dogs are victims of mistaken identity, adding they are gentle animals and are regularly around small children without incident.

According to the responsible pet ownership bylaw, city staff can seize a dog when an owner fails to comply with the conditions imposed by a dangerous dog designation. The bylaw authorizes the Animal Services COO to hold a hearing to declare the dog "exceptionally dangerous," which would be prelude to the animal being destroyed.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca