Vanier residents ask what took so long after city seizes aggressive dogs

Charlotte Taylor has made walking part of her daily routine to help her health. But these days, even a walk around her neighborhood comes with fear. There was initially a report of one dog in particular that was attacking other dogs and then started attacking people. And it quickly escalated into very serious. The dog in question is among four dogs living in a multi-unit residential property on Deschamps Avenue. Shirley Tessier lives just across the street from that property. A dog owner herself, she's put up these warning signs, paying for it herself. If it's going to save somebody from getting attacked, and if they read it, I'm happy with that. That was the best I could do. The concerns are not just about what might happen. Surveillance video shared with CBC shows a woman attempting to get away from a dog on October 13. The dog is seen lunging toward her before a man approaches with another dog on a leash. Both dogs then charge toward the woman as she attempts to escape. It was the latest incident in what has become a troubling pattern according to residents. Concerns about the dogs had been reported to the city's bylaw services months earlier. They didn't do anything. They let the dog come home. They let the dog with no muzzle. There was no follow-up. The residents believe stronger enforcement could have prevented future issues. When the bylaws call in, I think those dogs should immediately all be ordered to wear a muzzle. Immediately. They shouldn't have waited until three more women were attacked. They waited. What more can a bylaw want? The city has confirmed it received six service requests related to reported dog bites at the Vanier property since May. The dog owners have since faced several charges, including charges for a dog running at large, a dog bite, and a muzzle order. And on October 25th, it seized all four dogs, which are now being housed at an animal shelter. This as the city seeks a court order to have them euthanized. By-law chief Jake Gravel says there are a number of considerations before such requests are made. Among them are repeat offenses as well as the severity of the bite or attack. CBC spoke with the dog owners but both declined to provide their last names or speak on camera. They said they love their dogs and regret what happened. They hope the animals will eventually be returned to their care. Residents are now calling for changes to how Ottawa handles dangerous dogs. They say they want a system that takes their concerns seriously before someone else gets hurt. CBC has also reached out to the councillor for Rideau-Vanier, Stephanie Plon. Her office says she's expecting to meet with police and bylaw on the matter. Chuck Tinte, CBC News, Ottawa.