Young girl mauled by 3 dogs while viewing puppies for sale in Newmarket, Ont.
A nine-year-old was severely injured after police say she was mauled by three dogs while viewing puppies for sale at a residence in Newmarket, Ont. last month.
In a news release issued Tuesday, York Regional Police said officers were called to a house on Jackson Court near Highway 404 and Davis Drive on July 27 at 6:05 p.m. for an animal complaint.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
At that time, a nine-year-old girl and her father had travelled to the house to view puppies that were listed for sale.
Three dogs then “rushed” out of the house and attacked the girl “without provocation,” police said.
The girl was transported to hospital in serious but non-life-threatening condition, with what police described as “severe bites.”
Later that evening, police said local animal services attended the residence and the three dogs were surrendered by the owner and euthanized.
A spokesperson for York Regional Police told CTV News Toronto they don't currently have the official breed of the dogs confirmed, but said "all three dogs were a type of bulldog and were generally referred to as such."
The child was released from the hospital and continues to recover at home, police said.
Following an investigation, police charged 68-year-old Newmarket resident Leslie Theodore Kovacs with criminal negligence causing bodily harm. Kovacs was also charged with three counts under the Ontario Dog Owners’ Liability Act, police added.
Kovacs is set to appear in a Newmarket courtroom on September 12.
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7141.
Tuesday’s news comes after the City of Toronto said last week that there has been a recent “surge” in off-leash dog attacks in the city.
In 2022, the city recorded 1,316 dog attacks -- up 39 per cent from 2021 when 946 attacks were reported.
CTV News Toronto has asked York Regional Police for similar statistics on dog attacks in the region but did not receive that information before publication.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.