The search for two large animals, believed to be either dogs or coyotes, continues in a neighbourhood north of Toronto after police say two women suffered minor bite injuries.
York Regional police are warning residents in the area bordered by Highway 407, Highway 404, John Street and Bayview Avenue to be aware of the animals, and to alert authorities immediately if the canines are spotted.
Police were first notified of the animals Monday morning after they were seen roaming Evergreen Crescent, terrorizing local residents. “The animals had been basically chasing people into their homes,” Const. Laura Nicolle told CTV Toronto on Tuesday. At one point, the canines had to be fended off with a rake.
Responding officers were able to locate the animals on Monday in a backyard, but they were not able to capture thems. One officer said he had to use pepper spray to defend himself after the animals charged at him. The canines then ran away into a nearby wooded area. They were again spotted by police officers on Monday, who fired shots at the animals.
"It is believed that one of the animals was shot in the upper shoulder area and both of them rapidly fled and went deeper into the wooded area," police said in a statement on Tuesday.
Police explained that a firearm was discharged "due to the imminent threat and concern for public safety." Police added that officers at the time did not have tranquilizers or "other viable non-lethal options."
Hours later on Monday, two women were attacked by the animals. They suffered minor injuries after they were bitten in separate incidents in the area of King's College Road and Green Lane.
One of the women said she "screamed" when she saw the animals.
"I felt the dog attack my (right) leg. I swatted it and screamed and turned around and I saw both of them. I just pointed at each of them and said 'stay' really loudly and it seemed to work," Wendy Ingram told CTV Toronto on Tuesday. Ingram managed to escape, but said she intends to stay indoors until they animals have been captured.
Meanwhile, the City of Markham has cancelled programs in Huntington Park, Bayview Reservoir, Green Lane Park, Bishops Cross Park, St. Roberts Field and Duncan Park, as the hunt for the animals continues.
Any activities scheduled on the grounds of Thornlea Secondary School and Bayview Fairways Public School have also been cancelled.
The animals were last seen in the heavy brush at Huntington Park, near Bayview Avenue and John Street.
They were described by witnesses as large dogs that resemble German Shepherds, and police say they may be wild dogs.
Experts with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) are working with police to track down the animals and transport them safely from the area.
Eight officers searched overnight Monday but found no signs of the animals. Police also used a helicopter to search the area, but the search was called off when it got dark.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 1-866-876-5423.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Tamara Cherry
