Dogs' fate sealed

Photo: Contributed

One of two dogs involved in an unprovoked attack on New Year's Day has been ordered humanely euthanized.

That decision was rendered Tuesday by Judge Anne Wallace.

Wallace ordered Jake, a Presa Canario be euthanized. Buddy, an American Bulldog-Pitbull cross could be spared and returned to its owner.

The two dogs were involved in a vicious attack on a 12-year-old Lhasa Apso/Wheaton terrier while the pet was being walked by its owner in Peachland.

The injuries to the dog were serious enough that, after consulting with a veterinarian, the owner decided to put the dog down.

Both Jake and Buddy were immediately taken away from the owner and deemed a danger to the public by the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

When asked by the regional district to have the attacking dogs put down, owner Drew Panton denied the request and took the case to court

In her ruling, Wallace determined Jake is a "grave danger to other dogs and will seriously injure or kill them if he is loose." That "history speaks for itself and Jake will attack without provocation."

She further determined that Buddy, while declared dangerous, can be managed without being in the presence of Jake, so a destruction order was not required. The dog is being returned to its owner with conditions.

The regional district will continue to hold both dogs while it seeks clarification from the judge on the conditional release of Buddy to ensure public safety is adequately addressed in the conditions of the release.