A British Columbia woman is facing thousands of dollars in veterinary service costs after her pet dogs were savaged by a Tibetan Mastiff in Surrey, B.C., last week.
Chilli the nine pound Chihuahua was so severely injured in the April 22th attack that two operations and 40 staples were required to close the flesh wounds.
"My small dog is still in intensive care and has currently cost us just over $15,000 in surgeries, blood transfusion and other medical bills,'' she said. "He was basically ripped to sheds.''
Foster says the cost of treating her parent's German Shepherd dog, which was also attacked by the Mastiff, will push her veterinary costs even higher.
But unless she launches a civil suit against the Mastiff owner -- who lives about five minutes away from her parent's property -- there is little that Foster can do to recover her costs.
The average price of a purebred Chihuahua ranges from $500 to $2,000.
Meanwhile, the B.C. SPCA has confirmed that the Mastiff involved in this attack has been declared a dangerous dog. It means the owners are required to muzzle the dog when it is out for walks, and keep it securely confined when it is at home.
Foster says she believes the Mastiff has been moved to Richmond.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber
