Vancouver Sun
Published: Tuesday, January 10, 2006

NORTH VANCOUVER - A female pit bull accused of being the main instigator of a fatal attack on a cat has been formally surrendered to police by its owner.

The surrendered dog will be humanely euthanized this week, North Vancouver police said Monday.

The investigation into the involvement of two other dogs is ongoing and police expect to wrap up their case this week. The dog owners are facing fines and designation of their dogs as "vicious dogs" under the district's animal regulation bylaw.

The owner of the cat that was killed by the dogs has demanded tougher regulations in the city of North Vancouver to control vicious dogs.

"We are looking for stricter rules, stricter bylaws and fines," said Sheila Hughes, whose cat Zack was killed in front of her by the dogs that were running loose in her Windsor Road neighbourhood Dec. 24.Hughes said regulations need to be toughened up so that it's easier for animal control officers to take action against irresponsible owners.

Animal control officials have the power to order dogs destroyed if they attack humans, other animals, or are perceived to be a threat to do so, said North Vancouver shelter manager Norm Nikkel.
© The Vancouver Sun 2006