Area residents near Tarbutt Park say they often see dogs off-leash in the park where an 11-year-old boy was allegedly attacked by a dog on the weekend.
On Saturday, the boy climbed over hockey boards at the Westfort park, unaware there were dogs in an enclosed rink area. A man and six dogs were on the other side.
The boy was allegedly attacked by a larger dog and required reconstructive surgery on his face at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. He has since been released from the hospital.
The man in charge of the dogs told the child that the dog was not vicious and then left the park without helping the child or giving him any contact information.
Thunder Bay police followed up with information from the public and found an address where the 56-year-old man lived. He was cooperative with police and was charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm. He was released with a future court date.
One area resident, who did not want to give her name, said she often sees dogs in the park off-leash and when she sees the man with the dog that allegedly attacked the boy bring his dogs to the rink, she won’t bring her dogs to the park.
“It’s a shame because there are so many kids in that park and it’s supposed to be a safe place to be,” she said.
Other neighbours also said they’ve seen many dogs in the park running off-leash.
Animal Control will be conducting an investigation into the dog.
Police are also reminding pet owners if they’re animals are involved in altercations, they are responsible to stay and give assistance. If they don’t, they are subject to a criminal investigation and an investigation from Animal Control.
