Cape Breton man devastated after pet dies following alleged dog-on-dog attack

The owner of a pet that was killed by another dog is calling for better protections.

It has been a week since Tim Wright ‘s dog – a three-year-old Maltipoo named Myles – was attacked and later died.

“It’s the most traumatic thing I’ve ever seen,” the Whitney Pier, N.S., resident said.

Wright said he was walking his dog on Bay Street in Whitney Pier last Wednesday a little past 8 a.m. when they passed in front of another dog owner’s home.

“My dog was on his leash,” Wright said. “The dog took one look at mine, lunged, snapped his leash and he grabbed my dog and thrashed it right before my eyes.”

Wright took Myles to the vet where he was put down because of his injuries.

He spoke to the other dog’s owners and when there was no resolution, he contacted Cape Breton Regional Police, who said the matter has been referred to the SPCA.

CTV News Atlantic contacted the Nova Scotia SPCA, who confirmed the complaint is an open case being investigated under a Cape Breton Regional Municipality animal control bylaw.

“Our goal as the SPCA is never to just euthanize a dog but we have a responsibility to protect the community,” said Kevin Strooband, chief inspector for the Nova Scotia SPCA.

Strooband couldn’t speak to the specific case but said there are a number of outcomes available in investigations like this one.

“There could be a fine, there could be a restriction if the bylaw allows for not owning animals in the future,” Strooband said, adding that seizure of an animal or a muzzling order are also options. “That’s a pretty rare occurrence, but it’s typically a fine.”

Wright is also concerned a person could be hurt.

“I don’t know the right answers to this, but this is a terrible tragedy and the community needs to know what is going on,” Wright said. “I miss him. My grandchildren miss him.”

The SPCA said an investigation like this can be over in days if the pet owner is easy to reach, but it can take longer.

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