One of two Peachland dogs involved in New Years Day attack ordered euthanized

KELOWNA – A judge has ordered one of two dogs that attacked a 12-year-old lhasa apso cross on New Years Day be euthanized.

The Central Okanagan Regional District alleged that Jake, a presa canario and Buddy, an American bulldog cross, were loose in a Peachland neighbourhood when they attacked and critically injured a much smaller dog, Charlie, on Jan. 1, 2015.

Owner Jeff Clarke told Global Okanagan he was walking Charlie on a leash when the two dogs came running up.

“The big guy bit Charlie on the side. I just hauled off and booted him in the head. It was like booting a medicine ball, big head on him,” Clarke said.

Clarke suffered a broken hand but Charlie’s injuries were much worse. He had a punctured lung and other injuries and eventually had to be put down by a veterinarian.

Jake and Buddy were seized by the regional district, who sought a dangerous dog order. The dogs are owned by Peachland resident Drew Panton.

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, Judge Anne Wallace ordered that Jake be euthanized but after hearing testimony from an animal behavior expert, ruled Buddy could return home if kept under strict conditions.

He must be contained by a fence at least five feet high, must undergo training and Panton’s home must be locked at all times.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.