The owner of the dogs that attacked two women in Val-des-Sources in August 2021 has been formally charged with criminal negligence that caused bodily harm.
Two counts of criminal negligence that caused harm, one for each of the victims, were filed against Patrice Houle, 59, of Val-des-Sources.
Micheline Beaulieu and Jacqueline Sévigny were attacked by two Great Danes as they walked the cycle path towards the Saint-Barnabé sector. They were bitten on the legs and arms.
On the morning of the incident, the owner of the dogs allegedly left the gate of his business open for his employees to enter. His five Danes, who serve as guard dogs, would have taken advantage to come out.
Five dogs were subsequently taken.
The mayor of the municipality, Hugues Grimard, visited the owner in May 2021 following complaints by citizens about the dogs. Residents did not feel safe, as these animals could have access to the trail. The owner then agreed to put up fences and keep the dogs inside at all times. A new complaint was filed the day before the attack on the dogs.
Last December, the Superior Court suspended the euthanasia of dogs attacking women until the owner requested a second opinion. A preliminary evaluation of the behavior concluded that they were dangerous.
The official show of the owner of the dogs will take place on June 21st.
More details to come.
Source: Radio-Canada
