Dangerous Dog Committee Upholds Muzzle Order After Amherstburg Dog Attack

AMHERSTBURG, Ontario — A rarely convened dangerous dog appeal committee in Amherstburg has upheld a muzzle order for a Rottweiler involved in a dog attack that left an 11-year-old girl and her dog injured last month.

The decision came after a special hearing in which the owner of one of the dogs appealed a municipal order requiring the animal to wear a muzzle whenever it is off the owner’s property.

Attack Captured on Video

The incident, which was caught on a neighbor’s security camera, involved two Rottweilers that had escaped from their yard and encountered a German Shepherd.

Video presented during the hearing showed the dogs fighting while several people attempted to intervene. An 11-year-old girl and her mother reportedly suffered minor injuries while trying to stop the attack.

Municipal officials have not publicly disclosed the extent of the injuries sustained by the German Shepherd.

Following the incident, both Rottweilers were designated as dangerous dogs and ordered to wear muzzles when outside their home.

Owner Sought Removal of Muzzle Requirement

During the appeal hearing, owner Olivia Nacole argued that her dog, Cole, did not display aggressive behavior throughout the entire encounter and appeared playful at certain moments in the footage.

She also told the committee that the dog appeared frightened after being struck and pushed away by people attempting to separate the animals.

According to the owner, Cole has no prior history of aggression. Since the incident, the family has installed a new fence to prevent future escapes and enrolled the dog in obedience training focused on interactions with other dogs.

Nacole asked the committee either to rescind the muzzle order entirely or impose it for a limited period.

Committee Maintains Order

After deliberating for approximately 15 minutes, the dangerous dog appeal committee voted to maintain the muzzle requirement.

The ruling means Cole must continue wearing a muzzle whenever the dog is away from home.

Speaking after the hearing, Amherstburg Mayor Michael Pruelx said the seriousness of the incident played a major role in the decision.

“I didn’t see them just abolishing the order. It was far too serious of an event,” he said. “They made the decision in what they thought was best for the community, and I support them.”

Rarely Used Process

The hearing marked an unusual event for the municipality. Mayor Pruelx noted that it was the first dangerous dog appeal he could recall during more than three decades in public office.

The dog’s owners still have the option of challenging the committee’s decision through the court system.

For now, the muzzle order remains in effect as municipal officials continue efforts to balance public safety concerns with responsible pet ownership.