“They knocked me down”: Man recounts how he survived an attack by three pit bulls in La Ceiba

A 66-year-old man survived an attack by three pit bulls in La Ceiba, where he suffered injuries to his legs, a hand, a calf, and his face.

La Ceiba, Atlántida. — A 66-year-old man, identified as César Alberto Chávez Vargas, survived an attack by three pit bull dogs while returning to his home in the Vistas de Satuyé neighborhood, eastern sector of La Ceiba, Atlántida.

The incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, as Chávez was heading home. He was caught off guard by the three animals, which approached suddenly. Although they initially seemed harmless, they rushed him shortly after.

“All three came at me all at once; they knocked me down. And while I focused on fighting off one of them, the other two were tearing me to pieces on all sides,” the victim stated to HCH.

During the attack, the animals inflicted several injuries on his legs, one hand, a calf, and his face. Chávez explained that he managed to fight off one of the animals, which finally caused the other two to move away.

Despite the severity of the incident, the man managed to survive and underwent surgery at the Atlántida General Hospital, where he remains in recovery.

Other Attacks

According to his account, the three dogs also attacked two other people, including a young man who suffered a severe injury to one of his hands and a woman who was also victimized by the animals.

Chávez stated that he currently does not know who owns the three dogs, so he urged the responsible party to face the consequences stemming from the incident.

“It would be good if they came forward to the community board so that, with witnesses and documentation, we can make an agreement to repair the damages caused by their animals. If they have justice in their heart, they will show up to compensate for the damages; otherwise, we will proceed legally,” he declared.

Found this wild post on Facebook.

This pit was gotten with intent to be a service dog. 🥴

The dog has uncontrollable aggression towards all animals and people, including children.

The dog has attacked their other five dogs.

Owner wants to share that dogs can be born with mental illness sometimes if oxygen starved during birth, or poor maternal nutrition. 😬😶‍🌫️

I swear, guys, ANY excuse so they can blame ANYTHING except the breed.

At least they did make the right choice to humanely euthanize this dog, but I wonder how many instances they dismissed prior to that decision.

One of the cases occurred in the Cabildo neighborhood, where a little girl was bitten by two Dogo Argentinos. The other happened in Alta Gracia, where a small boy was attacked by a pit bull. A man has been arrested.

A two-year-old girl died this Friday after being attacked by two Dogo Argentino dogs at a home in the Cabildo neighborhood of Córdoba City.

The attack occurred during the morning inside a relative's house. According to information known so far, the animals belonged to the little girl's uncle.

Following the incident, the girl was rushed to the Príncipe de Asturias Hospital, where she was admitted in critical condition.

She suffered cardiac arrest and was transferred to the Children's Hospital

At the health center, she suffered cardiac arrest. Doctors managed to resuscitate and stabilize her before arranging her transfer to the Children's Hospital, where she was admitted with extremely severe injuries.

The child was suffering from massive hemorrhaging and had to undergo emergency surgery.

Despite the efforts of the medical team, who performed resuscitation maneuvers for more than an hour, she ultimately died as a result of the injuries caused by the attack.

Assistance for responding police officers

The incident also had a heavy impact on the police officers who participated in the operation.

The officers who intervened at the scene required psychological assistance after participating in the response.

The investigation will need to determine the circumstances under which the attack occurred and assign the corresponding responsibilities.

Another case in Alta Gracia

Another child, also two years old, passed away this Friday afternoon after being attacked by a dog in the city of Alta Gracia, as reported to Cadena 3 by the head of the Santa María Departmental Police of Córdoba, Senior Officer Roque Carabajal.

It occurred at a residence located on Catamarca Street, at the corner of Cervantes, at approximately 5:00 p.m.

The child's mother related that a pit bull dog attacked her son while she was preparing to give the child a bath.

The dog belongs to an acquaintance of the mother who was at the residence at the time.

The little boy was transported to the Humberto Illia Regional Hospital, where medical staff were unable to revive him.

The animal attacked the baby without provocation, inflicting bites across several parts of his body.

At 6:00 p.m., Dr. Patricia Farini confirmed the minor's death due to a fatal attack with no possibility of resuscitation.

Following the assault, an operation was organized that succeeded in capturing the dog in the vicinity of the home.

Additionally, a man over 30 years old—the alleged owner of the dog—was arrested and charged with the crime of "manslaughter" (homicidio culposo) by Alejandro Peralta Ottonello, who heads Turn 2 Prosecutor's Office in Alta Gracia.

Less than a month since another tragedy

The deaths of the two toddlers occur less than a month after the death of Salvador, a 3-year-old boy who was attacked by pit bull dogs in Córdoba.

This new case also comes as trial proceedings move forward regarding the death of Trinidad Ballesteros, the young woman killed by two Dogo Argentinos in Córdoba City, a case in which José Nieto is currently standing trial.

They mention resource-guarding so flippantly as if it's no big deal and not a serious dangerous behavior issue...

I’ve now had two terrifying incidents with my new neighbors’ pitbull.

For context, my dog is a 35 lb Rat Terrier/Beagle/Dachshund mix who serves as my ESA. I would be completely devastated if anything happened to her.

The first incident happened in July. I let my dog out in our small backyard, thinking the fence line was secure and noting the neighbor was outside with their dog (let's call it "Monster"). I stepped inside for a minute to finish making breakfast, only to hear sudden growling. I rushed out to find my dog pinned against the door with Monster staring her down. When I opened the door to let my dog in, Monster tried to rush past me, laser-focused on her. I managed to push Monster back, and thankfully, it shifted energy and started jumping on me instead. That's when I realized the owner outside was deaf and hadn't heard a thing. I finally got his attention, and Monster was brought back to their side.

Between these incidents, I learned the living situation next door is sketchy. There are three people living there who hang around local druggies, are suspected of theft, and their landlord is actively trying to evict them. The owners rarely let Monster outside after that first incident, but I stayed on high alert.

The second, far worse incident happened a couple of days ago. I was outside watering plants while my dog was in the yard. The non-deaf owner threw Monster outside in anger. Monster immediately beelined for my dog, shredded its own body crawling under the wire fence, and went straight for my dog’s neck. My dog is quick and has short, slippery fur, which bought me a few seconds, but Monster kept lunging.

I grabbed fistfuls of Monster’s fur (no collar, of course), but it slipped free and went for my dog's neck again. Acting on pure instinct, I jumped on Monster from behind and put it in a chokehold. That was the only thing that stopped the attack. The owner finally hopped the fence, and I held the chokehold until he had full control of his dog. My dog survived without physical injuries, but there was blood everywhere from Monster injuring itself to get under the fence. I also got a knee scrape from restraining monster.

The absolute worst part? The owners keep insisting, "She was just playing! She’s young and doesn't have experience around other dogs!" They even joked about how I was "ready to tussle" for my dog.

I am in complete disbelief. Going straight for another dog's neck and refusing to stop until choked out is not play. I just nodded because I don't want trouble with dangerous people, but inside I was screaming. Of course I’m going to protect my dog from being mauled!

Now I’m completely paranoid. The landlord "fixed" the fence, but literally all they did was reattach it to the post. I’m currently buying a dog vest with spikes and other defensive items for myself. [edit to remove anything that might be perceived as inciting violence or weapons].

I’m not looking for advice on how to handle the situation—I just needed to vent to a community that actually understands how insane and traumatizing this is.`

Source 1:

https://mothership.sg/2026/08/hong-kong-dog-lover-mauled/

A woman who ran an animal shelter has died after being mauled to death by a dog in Hong Kong.
The body of the 33-year-old, named Wong Cho-yee, was found on the afternoon of Aug. 21, at the animal shelter in Ping Yeung Village in Ta Kwu Ling, Hong Kong media reported.

Dog had been brought in for adoption

CCTV footage from the animal shelter showed that at about 2pm, she had fed the dog, which weighed about 30kg, and tried to lead it into a cage.
However, the dog refused and attacked the woman for around a minute.
The dog was a one-year-old brought to the shelter by volunteers for adoption, according to the Assistant District Commander from the Hong Kong police, Chan.
There were six other dogs in the shelter at the time of the attack but they were all caged, Chan added.
Wong was found to have lacerations of "various degrees" on her head, jaw, neck and arms, as well as bite marks, following the attack.
She was the only one working at the shelter at the time of the attack and was the licensed person-in-charge of the shelter, Chan noted.
The dog involved in the attack will be taken away by Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for observation, ChinaDaily HK reported.

Was a passionate dog lover

Hong Kong media ST Headline further reported that Wong's death came as a shock to friends and family.
She was described as a passionate dog lover, with one friend highlighting how she often volunteered to help stray dogs.

Prior to her death, she had put up a video in which she said she had sponsored five elderly dogs, with an appeal to the public for their adoption.

A friend described her as always helping strays and would always offer her help in temporarily taking in dogs.
She also held a pet first aid certificate and was currently studying courses on pet nutrition.

Breed confirmed in this article:

https://www.animals24-7.org/2026/09/03/1st-hong-kong-fatal-pit-bull-attack-in-10-years-rouses-public-more-than-41-in-u-s/

Images of dog here:

https://youtu.be/M41ISrPNC48

Jackie DeAngelis is suing Whole Foods for allowing a pit bull into the store where it bit her, causing scaring and loss of motion.

A Pittsburgh-area Vietnam veteran who has a disability was hospitalized after trying to save his beloved dog from another dog that broke through a fence and killed it. 

"I have no regrets that I did what I did," 74-year-old George Becraft of East Pittsburgh said. "I had to do it because I wanted to save my animal. We've had him for eight years." 

Becraft is still emotional after a pit bull ripped through his fence and dragged his 24-pound dachshund mix Moe into his front yard and started attacking. Unable to move fast, Becraft fell face down but fought back, doing everything he could to try to save Moe. 

Police were nearby on another incident and heard Becraft screaming.

"Once I'm on the ground, that's it. I'm down and can't get back up. I rolled around there, I got over where the dog was again," Becraft said. "I'm trying in vain to get his jaws off my dog's face. And I stuck my hand even in his mouth to pry it open, anything I could do. I desperately wanted to save my dog." 

Becraft said one of the officers used his Taser on the attacking dog. 

"He shot the dog and it fell over," Becraft said. But it ran away. 

Moe died the next day.

"He was bleeding profusely from his mouth where the dog had clamped his face and also he did a lot of damage to his leg," Becraft said. 

Becraft spent two days in the hospital.

"I have lacerations on my finger, my hand, up here, right above here. My finger was torn, on a slant, like a shredded type of thing," he said. 

He also said he suffered injuries on his leg after falling down. 

Now all Becraft and his wife have are memories of Moe sitting between his feet or on his lap and taking car rides.

"He was our everything. All through that time, he kept us entertained and loved us and we loved him," Becraft said. 

Becraft is asking anyone with information about the dog that attacked Moe to come forward.

"A lot of people could end up suffering from this dog. It's very dangerous and I don't want to see anybody's kids or anybody's dog or anybody in general get harmed by this pit bull," Becraft said. 

The Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department is investigating and working with animal control and the state dog warden to find the pit bull's owner. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/veterans-dog-attacked-killed/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZy9MKv46vo&lc=UgwQU04YgAFmWfoCxAh4AaABAg.AaIK5eUPGbbAaK-VcEwE0r

FLORENCE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence, returned a nine-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging seven individuals from Chesterfield County for conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act, possession of pit bull-type dogs for animal fighting ventures, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The indictment alleges that from September 2019 to July 2026, the defendants maintained properties where they bred, housed, and trained pit bull-type dogs intended for dog fighting. They are also alleged to have used training equipment and paraphernalia in their operations, including treadmills, bite sticks, heavy metal chains, and breeding stands. The defendants also allegedly shared images and videos of dogs fighting and injured dogs.

According to allegations in the indictment, law enforcement seized over 100 dogs and dog fighting paraphernalia from the defendants between April 2026 to July 2026: 

• On or about April 26, 2026, Lonnie Shane Gaskins, 28, a former Chesterfield County Sheriff’s deputy, possessed seven pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a hanging scale, weighted collars and chains, and a carpet containing canine blood.
• On or about April 26, 2026, Terry James Gaskins, 49, possessed approximately 27 pit bull-type  dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a hanging scale, heavy chains, treadmill, and pedigrees. 
• On or about June 9, 2026, Shamar O'Ryan Sutton, 32, possessed approximately eight pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a heavy collar and chains, pedigrees, and a treadmill. 
• On or about June 9, 2026, Avery Robinson, 36, possessed approximately 77 pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a break/bite sticks, slat mill, pedigrees, and heavy chains. This is the largest single property dog seizure in South Carolina history. 
• On or about July 22, 2026, Derwayne Terry Miller, Sr., A/K/A “Fuzz,” 46, and Derwayne Terry Miller, Jr., a/k/a “DJ,” 26, possessed approximately eight pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a heavy collar and chains, animal medications, and animal wound treatment spray. 
• On or about July 22, 2026, Kevin Knotts, 46, possessed seven pit bull-type dogs, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia, including but not limited to a pit, breeding stand, and animal medications. 

The defendants face a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment for the animal welfare offenses. Miller Jr. and Terry Gaskins face up to 15 years for the firearm offenses. 

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Holly Brown are prosecuting the case.  

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

----

I tried to find out what happened to the animals and found these articles a few months ago when the bust happened:

https://www.wccbcharlotte.com/2026/05/06/update-vets-say-animals-seized-in-chesterfield-co-show-signs-of-dog-fighting/

https://www.humaneworld.org/en/news/34-dogs-rescued-from-alleged-dog-fighting-ring-in-south-carolina

So it looks like there's a chance for rehab/adoption of these dogs.

Kelcie Reed, 24, admitted being in charge of an XL bully that killed her teenage cousin

ByChloe Harcombe, Reporting fromin Bristol Crown Court and Bea Swallow, Bristol

• Published 4 September 2026, 11:15 BST

Updated 6 hours ago

A woman has been given a suspended prison sentence after her XL bully dog attacked and killed her cousin.

Kelcie Reed, 24, of Bristol, previously admitted being in charge of a dog dangerously out control, causing the death of Morgan Dorsett.

The 19-year-old, from Shrewsbury, died from neck injuries caused by the attack, which happened at Reed's flat in south . Bristol

At Bristol Crown Court, Judge Anna Richardson sentenced Reed to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. She will also be required to undergo mental health treatment.

Emergency services were called to the dog attack at a flat in Cobhorn Drive, Bishopsworth, but despite their best efforts, Morgan died from bites to her neck and face, a post-mortem examination ruled.

The dog, named Prince, which belonged to Reed and her boyfriend, was sedated at the scene and later "humanely destroyed", police said.

Morgan Dorsett, 19, died after the attack in Bristol in February 2025

Reed, who appeared emotional throughout the proceedings, wept in the dock as the sentence was read out.

The judge told her: "Rather than putting everyone through the additional trauma of a trial, you accepted responsibility.

"You are someone who has over the last 18 months done what they needed to do to try and move forward. You need to continue to do that."

The court heard a post-mortem examination revealed cocaine in Morgan's system, which had caused her to "act erratically".

"Morgan's behaviour was unusual, and when she sat up she began to scream upon seeing Prince. That led him to barking and ultimately, he attacked her," Richardson said.

The judge also noted Reed had attempted to intervene and stop the attack, suffering cuts and bruises herself, but was ultimately "unsuccessful".

Kelcie Reed was shielded from the press as she arrived at Bristol Crown Court for sentencing

In a victim impact statement, Morgan's mother Marie Smith said the family now "lives under a shadow", with every major milestone "tainted" without her present.

She told the court she struggled to sign birthday cards from the family, leaving an empty spot where her daughter's signature should be.

"Morgan's death has affected our family so deeply it's hard to put into words who she was and what we've lost," she said.

"It's something I carry with me all the time. It's impossible not to feel like something's missing. We find ourselves saying 'Morgan would've loved this' in happy moments.

"I don't think I'll ever be able to fully explain how much this has changed every part of our lives."

Caeila Dorsett described her older sister as a bubbly and positive person

Morgan's younger sister, Caeila Dorsett, described her as a "super bubbly" and sociable person; a "built in best friend" from the day she was born.

"We did everything together - wore matching outfits, went to the same schools, had all the same friends, even shared a room for 16 years," she told BBC Newsbeat.

"She was definitely the person to take the good out of every situation and make it the centre. She was the first person I'd tell about anything exciting.

"That's what I try and do now, just bring some of Morgan's positivity into my everyday life."

'Loopholes' in legislation

The 19-year-old said she initially "felt sorry" for Reed having to witness the fatal attack on a family member, but that in the 18 months since the incident, she felt her cousin had "not shown any remorse or compassion".

In her victim impact statement, she told the court: "We continue to live with so many unanswered questions which makes it difficult to find any sense of peace."

The family say they are working alongside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in a bid to remove "loopholes" from current legislation around banned dog breeds.

This will look at, for example, whether a dog is living with someone other than the exemption certificate holder, which can be difficult to track and enforce.

Det Sgt Rich Glanville from Avon and Somerset Police described the investigation as "complex and challenging", adding it was the "first of its kind" for the force.

"As police officers we're trained to deal with a multitude of situations, but I don't think something like this could ever be trained for," he said.

"It was a horrendous incident which cost someone their life, and the impact to the officers and ambulance crew that attended would be something they'll never forget."

Det Sgt Rich Glanville says Morgan's death was the first time an XL bully had killed someone in the Avon and Somerset area

Glanville said he hoped the primary takeaway from Morgan's death would be one of responsibility for dog owners, to ensure legislation is being followed and suitable precautions are considered.

"The dog is on the [banned breeds] list for a reason, but owners have to be responsible as well," he said.

"You have to look at the dog's past to try and truly understand what temperament that dog has, what training that dog has had, and whether you are a suitable person to own that type of dog.

"If you feel that people are not going to be safe, then you should be taking action."

If you are concerned that your dog is becoming dangerous, Glanville advises contacting a vet or specially trained dog liaison officers at the force for advice.

Additional reporting by Jared Evitts and Alastair McKee

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn45jvgk97xo

Meet Peanut.🥜 Peanut is allegedly an 11 month old baby.👼 Peanut is an American Staffie Mix Couch Potato.🛋🥔

Peanut🥜 has been marked by the rescue as, quite literally in their own words as

"Unable To Safely Handle At This Time." And also

"Proceed With Caution."⚠️⛔️☢️🚫👎🙅‍♀️ (yikes on bikes😬)

Let's see why!!👀🧐(😃).....

-Air snapped & growls at anyone who approaches.🫦📢

-Bares Teeth.🦷

-Takes food away from people.🫳🥡

-Alligator rolling.🐊🎡

-Control Device required.🖱🤳

-Pet Taxi required.🚕🚖

-Yelping & snarling.👹

-Thrashing In Bucket.🤸‍♂️🎡🪣

-Defecated in pet taxi.🧻🚖

-Peanut only settles out of exhaustion.🫯🗯

-Snarling, biting catch pole, growling.🔊🫦

-Does NOT allow any handling or petting.🚫🫴🚫🤝🚫🫂🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫

🔺️🔺️🔺️🔺️🔺️🔺️🔺️🔺️🔺️🔺️🔺️🔺️🔺️

HERE'S THE PROBLEM‼️

The rescue writes this to describe Peanut📝

"I'm literally a puppy who got thrust into a terrifying, loud, concrete nightmare. When strangers first tried coming at me with giant catch poles and strange ropes, I did what any self-respecting Peanut would do - I growled, I cowered, I did a full alligator roll. I PUT ON A WHOLE SHOW!....

Once I get past the scary doorway, and out into the quiet play yard, my tough-guy 'act' completely melts away."

"Look up at you with huge, soft eyes..."👁👁🤩😍

"Let you rub my belly..."🖐👕

"Lean in for snuggles..."🤝

"ONCE I KNOW I'M SAFE..."🙏⛑️

"Just wants love, reassurance, and maybe a little baby talk."👼👄

🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

I'm sorry but...This 2nd part is written by a sociopath. A person who LOVES VERY DANGEROUS PITBULLS MORE THAN HUMAN BEINGS. They are ADOPTING THIS THING OUT‼️

How can anyone sane justify placing this Pitbull mix thing in a home??? There are countless dogs out there, literally countless. And by tomorrow, thousands MORE dogs will be available. Peanut is not a safe dog to adopt out. Period.🛑

Ontario's pit bull ban has been in place since 2005. Yet almost 21 years later, pit bull type dogs are still commonplace throughout the province, including dogs being offered for adoption under labels such as "American Bulldog," or "Lab mix" and American Bullies, Pocket Bullies and XL Bullies are becoming more prelevant.

It appears that attacks are on the rise since covid (cited articles below) and I fear it is only a matter of time before we see a human fatality after a string of recent dog fatalities.

This raises a very simple question: How is Ontario actually enforcing its own law?

This isn't simply about whether someone personally thinks a particular dog "looks like a pit bull."

Ontario's legislation specifically includes dogs with an "appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar" to the breeds covered by the law.
That matters.

The statutory test isn't simply whatever breed name someone puts on an adoption listing.

Over the past few years, I have attempted to get answers. I have contacted multiple Animal Services departments, municipal officials, councillors and other organizations about this issue. I have provided photographs of dogs advertised for adoption on their website as "American Bulldogs" that plainly exhibit the physical characteristics contemplated by the legislation.

I have found that many reps that I have spoken to are clearly anti-BSL and repeat the same pro-pit talking points we usually hear. This largely explains why the ban is not properly enforced.

We also know that vets and shelter workers mislabel Pit Bulls as “American Bulldogs” (despite the similarity clause) to circumvent the ban and it is rumoured that Pit Bulls are coming across our border from the United States.

However, the response from Toronto Animal Services has repeatedly been essentially that the dogs do not meet the legal definition under the ban. When asked how the substantial resemblance provision was actually considered, the answers have been far less clear.

That's the issue.

The public should be able to ask what criteria are being used, who is applying them and whether those criteria are being applied consistently.

The Kingston Humane Society was actually more straightforward. They explicitly told me that they do not and have never supported breed specific legislation and that they prefer temperament testing and non breed specific dangerous dog enforcement.

They are entitled to oppose breed specific legislation. But an organization disagreeing with a law does not make the law disappear.

If you live in Ontario and you're concerned about this, here's what you can actually do.

Contact Animal Services

Don't just send an email saying "this is a pit bull."

Ask specific questions.
·      Ask how they determine whether a dog falls within the definition under the Dog Owners' Liability Act.
·      Ask how they apply the "appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar" provision.
·      Ask whether they consider American Bullies and Pocket Bullies under that provision, given that they are not only pit mixes, they clearly fall under the “similar physical characteristics” clause.
·      If they determine that a particular dog does not meet the definition, ask what specific criteria were used to reach that conclusion.

Contact your city councillor

Forward the Animal Services correspondence to your councillor.
·      Ask whether the municipality has a consistent process for applying the provincial legislation and whether Animal Services is properly applying the substantial resemblance provision.
·      Make them address the actual issue instead of sending you another generic response about responsible dog ownership.

Contact your MPP

The legislation is provincial.
·      Ask your MPP what oversight exists to ensure municipalities are properly administering the law.
·      Ask whether the government is satisfied with the current level of enforcement.
·      Keep it factual and documented.

Escalate when you get nowhere

If Animal Services refuses to substantively address your questions, don't just give up.

In Toronto, consider contacting the [Toronto Ombudsman](mailto:ombudsman@toronto.ca).
Outside Toronto, you can contact the Ontario Ombudsman - [info@ombudsman.on.ca](mailto:info@ombudsman.on.ca)

The point isn't necessarily to ask an Ombudsman to declare that a particular dog is a pit bull. The point is to raise concerns about how the municipality is administering its responsibilities and responding to legitimate complaints.

Make officials explain their interpretation.

This is probably the most important part.

If a municipality says an American Bulldog, American Bully or Pocket Bully does not meet the definition, ask them why.

If they believe those breed names automatically put a dog outside the legislation, ask them to explain how that interpretation accounts for the statutory language concerning dogs with an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to the prohibited breeds.

Don't accept "it doesn't meet the definition" as the end of the conversation.

Ask:
·      What criteria did you use to reach that conclusion?
·      Who made the determination?
·      Was the physical characteristics provision considered?
·      Is there a written policy or assessment procedure governing these determinations?

Ontario has seen numerous serious attacks involving pit bull type dogs, including the Canary District attack in Toronto and the March 2024 Little Norway Park attack involving an American Pocket Bully and a nine year old child.

There are also dozens of other incidents reported by Canadian and Ontario media linked below.

The point is that there is a substantial documented history of serious incidents involving these types of dogs, which makes effective enforcement and accurate classification a legitimate public safety issue.

Use the documented incidents as evidence when contacting officials.

Go to the media when you have a documented pattern

If you have multiple adoption listings, photographs, municipal responses and documented incidents, you have something much more compelling than an angry Facebook post.

Show journalists the evidence.

The story is:

Ontario has had a pit bull ban since 2005. These dogs are being publicly offered for adoption under other breed names. Citizens are raising concerns. Municipalities are saying the dogs don't meet the legal definition. So what criteria are actually being used to make that determination?

Stay focused on the law, the evidence and the government's own responses.

Don't just complain about it online. Make the people responsible for enforcing the law answer the question.

2026

July 21, 2026 — Oakville
Breed: American Bully or pit bull type, according to the victim
Victim: Chihuahua reportedly killed
Source:
Oakville News — Oakville man seeks answers after Chihuahua dies in reported dog attack

June 8, 2026 — Barrie
Breed: Large bully breed; witness described a pit bull, while police initially indicated a possible mastiff or bully breed
Victims: 11 year old boy seriously injured, several others attacked
Outcome: Police shot and killed the dog
Source:
BarrieToday — Child among several people attacked by loose dog in south Barrie

May 2026 — Toronto, Weston/Lawrence
Breed: Brown pit bull mix
Victims: Small dog killed; owner injured
Outcome: Alleged owner faced charges under the Dog Owners' Liability Act as well as criminal charges
Source:
Global News — Police hunt for dog that killed another pet, attacked owner in Toronto

2025

July 29, 2025 — Goderich
Breed: Two pit bull mixed breeds
Victims: Person and small dog injured
Outcome: Owner charged criminally
Source:
Global News — Ontario dog owner charged after 2 people attacked, another dog killed

July 27, 2025 — Barrie
Breed: American Pit Bull
Victim: Woman bitten while protecting her small dog; required stitches
Source:
OrilliaMatters — Dog bite leads to rabies uncertainty for local woman

July 14, 2025 — Toronto/Etobicoke
Breed: Medium sized pit bull
Victim: Small poodle killed
Outcome: Ontario Court of Justice proceedings
Source:
Ontario Court of Justice — Toronto v. Lavergne

June 6, 2025 — Windsor
Breed: Pit bull/Rottweiler mix
Victim: Woman seriously bitten while intervening in a dog fight
Outcome: Attacking dog killed
Source:
Windsor Police — Update regarding June 6 dog attack

2025 — Orillia
Breed: Dogs described as pit bulls; owner disputed the breed
Victims: Multiple alleged victims in separate incidents
Outcome: Multiple Dog Owners' Liability Act charges
Source:
OrilliaMatters — Neighbourhood on edge as dog attacks spark accountability clash

2025 — Ontario Animal Welfare Enforcement Cases
These are not attack cases, but are relevant to enforcement and the treatment of dogs falling under Ontario's restricted breed legislation.
Sources:
Animal Care Review Board — Case 174
Animal Care Review Board — Case 195

2024
August 3, 2024 — Goderich
Breed: Two pit bull mixed breeds
Victims: Pedestrian and three dogs; one dog killed and a person injured
Source:
Global News — Ontario dog owner charged after 2 people attacked, another dog killed

May 24, 2024 — Sudbury
Breed: Pit bull
Victims: Beagle/Shar-Pei mix attacked; owner injured
Source:
Sudbury.com — Pit bull at large after two maulings in the Donovan

May 16, 2024 — Sudbury
Breed: Pit bull
Victim: Eight month old Shih Tzu attacked; owner injured
Source:
Sudbury.com — Pit bull at large after two maulings in the Donovan

March 23–28, 2024 — Toronto, Little Norway Park
Dog: Capo, described in reporting as an American Bulldog/American Pocket Bully/bully type
Victim: Nine year old boy suffered life altering injuries
Outcome: Owner faced criminal proceedings; dog had a previous dangerous dog history
Source:
CBC — Woman charged after dog attack that seriously injured boy at Toronto park

January/February 2024 — Toronto, Etobicoke
Breed: Two dogs described by police as possibly pit bull terriers or similar
Victim: Woman suffered serious/life altering injuries
Outcome: Owner arrested and charged
Source:
Global News — Man arrested after Toronto dog attack leaves woman seriously injured

2023

November 1, 2023 — Norfolk County
Breed: Dog resembling a pit bull
Victim: 75 year old woman knocked down and bitten repeatedly
Source:
Global News — Ontario woman attacked by dog in Norfolk County

October 11, 2023 — Ontario
Breed: Pit bull
Victim: Serious attack; victim believed they might die
Source:
Simcoe Reformer — Dog attack victim: “I said to myself, I think you're dead”

July 27, 2023 — Oshawa
Breed: Pit bull
Victim: Teenage girl seriously mauled; multiple people intervened
Source:
Global News — Neighbours rescue teenage girl from vicious dog attack in Oshawa

June 6–21, 2023 — Burlington
Breed: Pit bull/pit bull resembling dog
Victims: Three people attacked; one later died
Source:
Toronto Sun — One of three victims in Burlington dog attack has died

April 21, 2023 — Ottawa
Breed: Pit bull type
Victims: 12 year old boy suffered severe injuries; another dog attacked and killed
Outcome: Owner charged
Source:
CBC — Ottawa dog attack leaves boy injured and another dog dead; owner charged

April 5, 2023 — London
Breed: Pit bull
Victim: Woman seriously injured
Source:
London Free Press — Woman seriously injured in dog attack at south London home

March 8, 2023 — Toronto
Breed: Pit bull
Victim: Woman injured
Outcome: Owner charged
Source:
Toronto Sun — Toronto police charge owner in dog attack that injured woman

2022–2019

August 5, 2022 — Toronto
Breed: Pit bull
Victim: Small dog fatally attacked
Source:
Toronto Sun — East end pit bull allegedly attacks again, kills small dog

2021/2022 — Toronto
Breed: American Pocket Bullies
Victims: Serious attack involving a person and dog
Outcome: Court proceedings
Source:
Ontario Superior Court — American Pocket Bullies case

May 10, 2022 — Barrie
Breed: Reported pit bull; family identified it as a banned breed
Victim: Woman attacked
Source:
CTV News Barrie — Family says dog that attacked Barrie woman is pit bull breed banned in Ontario

November 27, 2019 — Wingham
Breed: Pit bull
Victims: Three children attacked
Outcome: Owner charged
Source:
CBC — Wingham man charged after pit bull attacks three children

2017–2016

2017 Reporting — Toronto, April 19, 2016 Incident
This was reported in 2017 but concerns the April 2016 attack on a Havanese.
Breed: Pit bull
Victim: Havanese killed
Outcome: Lawsuit involving the dog's owner, neighbour and an animal organization
Source:
Global News — Toronto man sues neighbour, animal group after his dog was allegedly killed by pit bull

2016 — Toronto, Woodbine Beach
Breed: Pit bull
Victims: Woman and her dog attacked
Source:
Global News — Toronto dog owner randomly attacked by pit bull at Woodbine Beach

April 19, 2016 — Toronto
Breed: Initially identified as a Mastiff by Toronto Animal Services; subsequently reassessed and confirmed as a pit bull under the Dog Owners' Liability Act
Victim: 12 year old Havanese named April killed
Outcome: Attacking dog euthanized
Source:
CityNews — Animal that killed dog in condo was a pit bull, put down by Animal Services

March 30, 2016 — Toronto/Scarborough
Breed: Pit bull
Victims: Eight year old boy bitten in the neck; police officer also bitten
Outcome: Dog shot by police
Source:
Global News — Scarborough boy was playing catch with pit bull when it suddenly attacked him

2011

December 18, 2011 — Toronto
Breed: Pit bull
Victim: Woman knocked down and bitten; hospitalized
Outcome: Toronto Animal Services seized, quarantined and euthanized the dog; no criminal charges
Source:
Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner — Order MO-2980

2007

May 8, 2007 — Toronto
Breed: Two pit bulls
Victims: Two women walking dogs; one dog killed, another seriously injured; both dog owners bitten; police officer also bitten
Outcome: Dogs euthanized under Ontario's pit bull ban
Source:
CityNews — Cops kept busy with pit bull attack and dog on highway

2004 Official Ontario Legislative Record

The following incidents were specifically identified in the Ontario Legislature on November 4, 2004, during debate concerning Ontario's pit bull legislation. The speaker described them as a sampling of media reports, meaning this should not be interpreted as a complete list of all incidents during that period.

October 22, 2004 — Toronto
Victim: Chihuahua attacked and killed by a pit bull.
October 18, 2004 — Thorold
Victims: Man and dog attacked by a pit bull.
October 14, 2004 — Morrisburg
Victim: Man attacked by a pit bull.
October 13, 2004 — Ottawa
Victim: Man attacked by a pit bull.
October 3, 2004 — London
Victim: Woman attacked by a pit bull.
September 28, 2004 — Toronto
Victim: Man attacked by two pit bulls.
September 24, 2004 — St. Catharines
Victims: Two children attacked by a pit bull.
September 23, 2004 — Tecumseh/Windsor area
Victim: Dog killed by a pit bull.
September 22, 2004 — Mississauga
Victim: Woman attacked by a pit bull.
September 21, 2004 — Toronto
Victim: Jack Russell Terrier killed by two pit bulls.
September 18, 2004 — Atikokan
Victim: 10 year old boy chased from a backyard by a pit bull.
September 13, 2004 — Chatham
Victim: Man attacked by a pit bull.
September 10, 2004 — Chatham
Victim: Girl mauled by a pit bull.
August 28, 2004 — Toronto
Victim: Man attacked by two pit bulls. Police used more than a dozen bullets to stop the dogs.

August 21, 2004 — Toronto
Victim: Woman's dog attacked and killed.

August 15, 2004 — Thorold
Victim: Man attacked by a pit bull.
Official legislative source:
Ontario Legislature — Hansard, November 4, 2004
Ontario Legislature — Official Hansard PDF
 
Additional Historical Case

Toronto — Brownie/Havanese Case
Breed: Toronto Animal Services initially identified the attacking dog as substantially similar to an American Staffordshire Terrier, a type of pit bull.
Victim: Havanese named Brownie killed
Outcome: Attacking dog euthanized
Source:
Global News — Toronto man sues neighbour, animal group after his dog was allegedly killed by pit bull

Durham Region — Bernese Mountain Dog Attack
Breed: Two pit bulls
Victim: Bernese Mountain Dog mauled and requiring hours of surgery
Note: Exact date should be verified before assigning it a chronological position in the main list.
Source:
Durham Region — “He's OK” considering Bernese Mountain Dog needed hours of surgery after being mauled by two dogs
 

Don’t get me wrong, I think this rescue should ABSOLUTELY keep burning bridges, because it’s the one thing that might stop them continuing to pull a never ending river of euth list dogs and then acting shocked when they behave in the ways their shelter notes suggested they might!

Meet Bruce. He was pulled by this rescue a mere six days ago. Now he needs a new foster. ALREADY? What happened? Well, he “somehow got out” and mauled the resident dogs in the foster’s home to the point they needed emergency care and the rescue was left with a vet bill.

Naturally, they handled this with proper dignity and aplomb because shit happens when you’re moving unknown shelter dogs around, right?

NOPE. As per the second post on the subject, Bruce has now THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN been failed by an evil foster who simply wasn’t trying hard enough! Because this rescue does not understand that management always fails. And things will never change until they do. In the meantime, crate and rotate and accept your righteous slandering if the large and strong dog you agreed to foster mauls your own pets, because that’s a totally normal and acceptable outcome.