A man is facing criminal charges after his dog allegedly attacked another man during a dog fight last week at a West Vancouver off-leash park, according to police.
Cpl. Fred Harding said a 21-year-old man was walking his Doberman at Ambleside Park on Oct. 5 when it was attacked by a German shepherd/Doberman cross.
“He was trying to save his dog from another dog, it would appear he stepped in and was viciously attacked by the other dog,” Harding said.
Harding said the man sustained injuries to his hands, feet and stomach that required hospital treatment.
“When someone says they’ve been bitten by the dog you expect to see some bite marks,” Harding said. “I can assure you our victim required hospital treatment.”
Police said after they received a complaint from the injured man, officers went to seize the dog. Harding said it was “extremely vicious” toward the officers.
“Officers were unable to seize the dog, and the owner had to take it to the SPCA himself, because it was deemed to be so vicious,” Harding said.
But the owner Ali Menhaj and a dog rescue group are advocating for the dog, named Ocean, saying the dog was defending itself against the Doberman and its owner.
Cherry Latour from Dogway Rescue in Mission said Ocean was kicked several times by the Doberman’s owner during the altercation.
Police are investigating the incident and do not believe Ocean’s attack is isolated. They are asking anyone with information to come forward.
“Right now it would appear that we don’t have anybody with anything positive to say about the dog,” Harding said.
Ocean will remain at the SPCA pending the results of the criminal investigation.
