Vancouver therapy dog mauled in Mount Pleasant

A beloved therapy dog was allegedly mauled by an off-leash dog during a walk with a volunteer in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood Friday morning.

Witnesses say the attack happened near Main Street around 10 a.m. The dog walker — who does not want their identity disclosed — says they are still traumatized from the ordeal.

The attack has left ‘Ranger,’ a 9-year-old retriever, bloodied with severe puncture wounds to his neck back and legs.

“The dog was viciously biting it, and trying to drag Ranger towards him, and (Ranger’s) left leg was severely bloody,” the dog walker said.

The volunteer says they were also injured during the attack.

“It was absolutely terrifying… and the inability of the owner to remove the dog from Ranger — and I was trying to keep Ranger safe, as much as possible, but the other dog was so strong and so vicious.”

Ranger was rushed to a near by animal hospital where he spent 12 hours in recovery. His owner, Dr. Stanley Coren, says it might be months before his pet can return to work.

“For his therapy dog job he has to heal,” said Coren.

The trip to the vet cost over $2,000, but Coren says the owners of the attacking dog have taken responsibility.

“They are very sympathetic and apologetic. They have, in fact, written a cheque to cover the veterinary fee,” he explained.

Vancouver’s Animal Services says it’s seen a recent increase in dog attacks.

“There have been 215 animal attacks, and 308 attacks on humans so far this year — so that’s just over 500,” said Kim Rosenmayer, an assistant manager with Animal Services.

The City of Vancouver is reminding pet owners to stay vigilant and to keep their dogs under control at all times.

“It is the law that you have to have your dog leashed when you’re in any public space. And you can been fined for not leashing you dog,” Rosenmayer explained.

Those limits include sidewalks, and common property like apartment hallways. In the event a dog is attacking another dog, Rosenmayer says people should asses the situation before intervening.

“If it’s safe to do so, you could try lifting up the back legs of the dog.”