A Vancouver senior who stabbed a pit bull to death while it was attacking his pet pug Wednesday afternoon is not facing charges, according to police.
The 72-year-old and his dog were approached by a woman walking the pit bull at around 1 p.m. in Kitsilano Beach Park when the larger animal bit his pug on the neck.
When the two dog-walkers were unable to separate the animals, the senior pulled out a folding knife and put the pit bull down.
The pug was taken to a nearby veterinary hospital. Its condition is unknown.
The SPCA confirmed it is launching an investigation into the incident, and will be performing a necropsy on the pit bull.
“We have to do our due diligence at this stage to find out exactly what happened and determine if there are any further steps that need to be taken,” said the SPCA’s Marcie Moriarty.
The number of times the dog was stabbed has not been confirmed.
Moriarty said the attack will likely re-ignite the debate over dangerous dogs, but urged the public not to rush to judgment.
“It’s always tragic when you hear about dogs, dangerous dogs and dog fighting, and it really highlights the issue of – to be honest – responsible pet ownership.”
Police said the man and woman involved are both cooperating with investigators, and charges are not being considered.
The attack came less than two months after Burnaby City Council voted unanimously to boost fines on dangerous dogs and make it harder for residents to own so-called “vicious breeds.”
