A Montreal woman is hospitalized after a dog attack in Saint-Léonard; police shot two dogs involved. Officials urge responsible pet ownership.
Attack in Saint-Léonard Leaves Woman Hospitalized
A 45-year-old woman was seriously injured Wednesday morning after being attacked by three dogs near a garage on du Creusot Street in Montreal’s Saint-Léonard borough. Police confirmed the victim was conscious when transported to hospital, though her condition was initially described as critical. Authorities later said her life was not in immediate danger.
Emergency Response and Eyewitness Actions
Montreal police spokesperson Raphaël Bergeron reported that a 911 call came in around 9:30 a.m., alerting authorities to a woman found unconscious on the ground. The woman had been walking toward a mechanic’s garage when the dogs, which had emerged from a door, attacked her.
Kudrus Ljika, a nearby garage worker, said he and a colleague rushed to help after hearing screams. “Dogs were attacking the woman, so we jumped into one of our courtesy cars,” Ljika told Radio-Canada. Using a shovel, he struck one dog, allowing him to place the victim safely in a vehicle.
Police Intervention and Animal Control
Officers at the scene deemed the dogs a continued threat to public safety. Two of the animals were shot by police, while the third returned to the business on its own. The woman who attempted to intervene, identified as 42, was bitten on the arms and required treatment for her injuries. Bergeron confirmed that the dogs were not pit bulls, though their exact breeds remain unverified.
Community Reactions
Local residents expressed shock following the attack. Rosie Pellegrino, who owns a dog grooming business nearby, said, “Everyone is worried. It could have happened to anybody. That poor woman.” She emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership and keeping dogs leashed for public safety.
Government and Regulatory Context
Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière commented on the incident from Quebec City, highlighting recent efforts to tighten regulations around dangerous dogs. “It is important to give police time to do their work and tell us how it really happened,” Lafrenière said. Montreal maintains a registry for potentially dangerous dogs, established in 2018; however, officials confirmed the dogs involved in this attack were not listed.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
The incident serves as a stark reminder for dog owners to exercise caution and control over their pets. Montreal police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and the animals’ ownership.
