A Coquitlam family is devastated after their Pomeranian dog sustained deep wounds in what they say was an attack by five unleashed dogs in the Burke Mountain neighbourhood of Highland Drive Monday evening.
In a video allegedly shot after the Aug. 24 altercation, a man is seen walking away from the scene with several off-leash dogs. Turning to the camera, he appears to give the couple the finger as one of the owners screams in the background.
Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Services is currently in contact with the parties involved and an investigation is being conducted, The Tri-City News has confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Coquitlam family is struggling with the aftermath of the incident.
Their 10-year-old dog, Romeo, is unable to walk after sustaining three deep wounds in the alleged attack and undergoing emergency surgery last night.
“We are heartbroken over this,” Rosa Mohammadi told The Tri-City News.
Mohammadi, who spoke for her parents who were at the scene, describes a horrifying altercation between her parents, their family pet and what they say were five unleashed dogs that made the unprovoked attack.
“All five of them charged at him,” said Mohammadi.
Mohammadi said incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on Highland Drive.
The altercation was apparently unprovoked and resulted when five dogs crossed the street to where Mohammadi’s parents were walking their pet.
“The wounds were deeper than the doctors thought, and he’s not walking still,” said Mohammadi, who said the vet bill cost $2,000, with more costs likely for follow-up visits.
The family is hoping the dog owner will be required to keep his dogs on leash in future and will reimburse them for veterinary costs.
In the meantime, Mohammadi says her parents don’t feel safe walking their dog in the neighbourhood.
The city of Coquitlam has a complaint process if people have concerns about bylaw contraventions regarding animals.
