Halifax wants dog that killed other dog in Dartmouth euthanized

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) wants a judge to rule that a dog that killed another dog in Dartmouth last year be euthanized.

“It’s something that we do reluctantly,” said Jim Janson, municipal prosecutor. “It’s a real public safety issue, that’s the real issue for HRM.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "It's something that we do reluctantly," said Jim Janson, municipal prosecutor. "It's a real public safety issue, that's the real issue for HRM."

On Dec. 14, 2015, Bruce, an American Staffordshire terrier, attacked and killed Diamond, a Pomeranian. Diamond was chased into her owner’s home by Bruce and dragged next door.

“She was like a family member like almost, basically, like my child,” said Rachelle Coward, Diamond’s owner, the day after the attack.

WATCH: Rachelle Coward was shocked and devastated after her dog, Diamond, was killed by another dog

Thomas Vaughan and Kassandra Allard-Morin, Bruce’s owners, were later charged with having an unlicensed dog, allowing a dog to run at large, and one charge of an animal attack.

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The couple appeared in provincial court in Dartmouth Thursday morning and pleaded not guilty. The matter was adjourned and the crown and defense agreed to meet at a later date.

“In the next couple of weeks we’re going to see what issues we can resolve, which ones we can’t, and hopefully come back to court with a game plan in terms of moving straight to sentencing,” said Geoff Franklin, the couple’s lawyer.

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "In the next couple of weeks we're going to see what issues we can resolve, which ones we can't, and hopefully come back to court with a game plan in terms of moving straight to sentencing," said Geoff Franklin, the couple's lawyer.

A hearing to set a trial date was scheduled for April 21 at 9:30 a.m. at the same court.

Since January 2014, the municipality has requested five dogs, including Bruce, be put down, according to spokesperson Brendan Elliott.

“But that isn’t done lightly. We take a lot into consideration, and key to everything is public safety and the safety of both the animals and people in the neighbourhood where that dog may be living,” he said.