KELOWNA, BC — Bella may have a delicate name, but she’s one tough dog.
The 7-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback sustained numerous wounds requiring more than 100 internal and external stitches following a vicious attack by two Pit Bull Terriers Saturday.
Bella was being walked on-leash by her owner Cindy Switzer, accompanied by her 6-year-old daughter.
While they approached the decommissioned Bellevue Creek Elementary school off Anhalt Road in Kelowna, Switzer says the off leash Pit Bulls charged them.
“They spotted us from clear across the field,” says Switzer.
But Bella didn’t fight back, preferring to take the blows and protect Switzer and her young daughter
Switzer says she is still shaking, five days later.
“If you’ve ever seen a dog fight before, it’s very bloody,” says Switzer of the harrowing experience. “It was extremely gruesome.”
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Switzer doesn’t remember how the three made it home, but does remember the young man who finally ran in and reigned in the Pit Bulls didn’t offer to help.
“That is unforgivable,” she says. “No amount of money, no amount of sorry’s, can will help this.”
The Pit Bulls remain at home with their owner because they don’t have a record with Kelowna Dog Control.
But the fine for the attack could be smaller than the one the Switzer’s received.
Bella’s dog license expired a year ago, prompting the investigator to issue a $300 fine following the attack, a new fine under the Central Okanagan Regional District’s new zero tolerance policy for unlicensed dogs.
The Pit Bull owners, who only contacted the Regional District today, could face as little as a $200 fine for the attack.
So far, the Switzer’s have spent $1,200 on vet bills and are willing to pay the fine for letting Bella’s license lapse.
But Bella’s owners want to pursue stricter restrictions for dangerous dog breeds.
“Things need to be regulated closely,” says an obviously agitated Switzer. “I’m begging. I won’t quit until something changes.”
An apology from the apparent owners of the Pit Bulls was sent to Global News. While the anonymous owners say they take full responsibility for the attack and Bella’s vet bills, they believe only one dog was involved and say they will surrender that animal to Dog Control.
The Regional District is looking into the apology received by Global News and could not confirm the surrender of any dog.
A new bylaw that would help better regulate dangerous dogs and fines received second reading at the Regional District Thursday. It would increase the fine to $500 and require dangerous dog owners post signs on their property. A public meeting will be held at the Regional District office on KLO Road in Kelowna, January 29th from 4-8 P.M.
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