The family of six year-old Isabelle Major-Puddicombe is disappointed in city council's decision to overturn decision to euthanize the dog that attacked her. The January incident was the focus of an emotional hearing at Portage la Prairie city Council this week, as the dog's owner, Ashley Rodgers, and others called on Council to overturn the decision to euthanize the animal. Ultimately council decided to not euthanize the six-month old dog, but to have it re-homed through an organization that specializes in abused or dangerous animals.

The girl's family is now calling for changes to how the city addresses these incidents. While many stood before council to call for the dog to be allowed to live, Only two -- the city's animal control officer and Major-Puddicombe's grandmother -- called for the decision to euthanize the animal be upheld. Her mother, Christine Puddicombe was in attendance at that hearing, but did not address the Councillors.

"There are many reasons why I didn't speak at the hearing. First and foremost, is that after the dangerous animal board made their decision, I had complete faith in our city council that they would make the right decision, and not overturn the ruling. I guess I was very wrong."

Puddicombe commends Councillors Brent Budz, who was the lone councillor to support upholding the ruling. She says much of the testimony at Monday's hearing was different then statements made at the initial dangerous animal board hearing, feeling important aspect of the initial ruling and assessment were left out. She wants to see council ensure whoever gets the dog is fully aware of the incident and its designation as a dangerous animal. Overall, Puddicombe feels this recent decision sets a dangerous precedent.

"City Council has now set an example that if your dog severely bites, and the dangerous animal board --which they appoint-- decided it should be euthanized, that you can appeal the decision and the advice of professional certified dog trainers, and a vet, and they may overturn the decision. This has now set an example for future dog attacks."

She says Isabelle used to love being around animals, and they'd often look after family and friends' dogs. However, since the bite she's been incredibly anxious around dogs, and Puddicombe says they no longer bring dogs into their home.

"We used to baby-sit a golden retriever, which standing up is about 5'1". He's a massive dog. When we baby-sit him three times a year, for a week at a time, Isabelle was in charge of feeding and watering him, taking him outside, she was completely in love with this dog. Now, I have to tell that family my children aren't able to be around him right now."

Isabelle's grandmother, Wendy Major, says she feels the decision and following reactions have shown people care more about the dog than the young girl. Major notes this isn't the first incident involving this dog, and think's council's decision to re-home will not ensure the safety of the public. While Council's motion aimed to ensure the dog was placed in a home without children, Major feels that's an impossible request.

"The dog will be exposed to children, and my concern is that it could re-offend. If it's in a fenced yard, and gets out and attacks a child, or a curious child goes over to the fence because the dog's there, and it attacks, what happens? I don't know of any world that exists without children. Be it a child or be it an adult, if this dog re-offends, it's sad we're giving it the opportunity when the behaviour specialists have said it's likely to re-offend."

The injuries before and after stitches (Supplied by Christine Puddicombe)

The dog's owner, Ashley Rodgers, declined an interview.

For more information:
Dangerous Animal Hearing Report
Dangerous Animal Appeal Report