Storm, reputed to be a Boxer/Rottweiler cross, relaxes in the Oliver pound. Photos by Lyonel Doherty
New information has come to light in a recent incident in Lion’s Park where a dog bit a woman walking her three Chihuahuas.
Sources from the Town of Oliver and bylaw enforcement say the offending dog is a mixed breed – Boxer, Rottweiler and terrier cross, as opposed to a pit bull as previously reported to the Chronicle.
The dog in question (Storm) bit a lady while she was walking her three canines on the hike and bike trail on July 15. Storm had a litter of puppies in the area at the time of the attack.
The victim, Lucille Israel, said she was attacked by a pit bull that came rushing out of the bushes when she walked by. She instinctively threw her three dogs in some nearby hedges to save them from being harmed. She subsequently suffered wounds to her leg that required stitches.
Israel reported that a young man in the vicinity pulled the dog off of her. Storm was later taken to the pound and the owner was notified.
Posts on Facebook described the dog as a cross between a Rottweiler, Boxer and a pit bull.
But bylaw enforcement officer Donald Lowndes said the dog is not a pit bull, but more of a terrier.
“He doesn’t even look like a pit bull.”
Lowndes was looking after Storm and her puppies in the pound, noting the mother has a gentle temperament, with no history of aggression.
Lowndes said he previously observed Storm in Lion’s Park, noting there were no problems with temperament. The officer said he did witness the dog bark or growl a couple of times when other dogs walked by.
The owner has been described as a homeless individual who has been camping in the park. This has been a source of trouble for bylaw enforcement personnel and Parks and Recreation staff who have to clean up what’s left behind.
Sam Tibbitt, owner of Hammer’s House of Hog in Lion’s Park, didn’t see the attack, but heard the commotion. He said the dog looked like a pit bull to him, but noted that it was friendly and waging its tail after the incident.
Tibbitt stated that the second time Storm came out of the bush it was not aggressive or lunging at anyone, contrary to what the victim said.
Tibbitt knows the dog and its owner, saying Storm has always been friendly in the park, and only barks when other dogs are around. He noted that the owner has always had her dog on a leash and under control.
He also pointed out the dog and its puppies seemed to be adequately fed and cared for.
It hasn’t been confirmed what will happen to Storm and her puppies. It was originally thought they may be returned to the owner, but that is still being discussed.
The Town’s corporate officer would not confirm the outcome, saying a Freedom of Information request form had to be filled out to access this information.
The Chronicle filled out the form and is awaiting a response.
Storm plays with one of her six pups.
Bylaw enforcement officer Donald Lowndes pets Storm in the Oliver pound.
By Lyonel Doherty
