The Quebec coroner’s report into the death of Christine Vadnais was released on Monday.
The 55-year-old Pointe-aux-Trembles resident died June 8, 2016 after a neighbour’s dog made its way into her fenced-in yard and attacked her.
READ MORE: No charges for Montreal pit bull owner involved in fatal attack
In his report, coroner Ethan Lichtblau confirmed she died as a result of the attack.
“The attack caused trauma that resulted in significant arterial bleeding and hypovolemic shock,” the report reads.
Hypovolemic shock, also called hemorrhagic shock, is described as an emergency condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body and happens after severe blood loss.
Lichtblau described Vadnais’ death as “violent,” and provided a graphic description of her injuries.
Genetic testing by Veterinary Wisdom Panel in Vancouver, Wash., revealed the dog was 87.5 per cent American Staffordshire terrier.
READ MORE: Pit bull attack reignites debate on banning specific dog breeds
Vadnais’ death prompted the city of Montreal’s controversial decision to adopt breed-specific legislation.
In April, the provincial government followed suit, tabling Bill-128 at the national assembly. The proposed legislation aims to tighten the regulations on dogs that are dangerous, potentially dangerous or those reputed to be potentially dangerous.
Breeds outlined in Bill 128 that are reputed to be potentially dangerous include pit bulls, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Rottweilers.
READ MORE: Quebec government to ban pit bull-types under dangerous dog legislation
In his report, the coroner made several recommendations to amend Bill-128.
Those recommendations include having a centralized “dog-bite” registry to collate data on incidences of dog bites causing injury and to make that information available for research and prevention.
He also proposed making it mandatory for pet owners to register their dog with their municipality on an annual basis, and called for measures to encourage owners to have their dogs sterilized — regardless of breed.
Furthermore, Lichtbau said that before labelling a dog or its owner as “dangerous or potentially dangerous,” clear definitions and rules need to be established.
Lichtbau finished his report by saying that any dangerous dog legislation should be accompanied by the development of public awareness campaigns and programs on canine safety and dog-bite prevention.
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