B.C’s Civil Resolution Tribunal has ordered a man to pay $4,188 to a woman whose dog was attacked by three of his dogs.
In a June 5 decision, Heather East claimed her dog was attacked by two or three dogs owned by Ken Wong on Dec. 28, 2022.
Three days after that incident, animal control officials received a report that someone had shot and killed two dogs who attacked several goats on their farm.
“The dogs who were killed on Dec. 31 matched the description and photo of the dogs that attacked the applicant’s dog on Dec. 28,” tribunal vice-chair Andrea Ritchie said.
Officers decided it was likely Wong’s dogs that had attacked East’s pet, according to the ruling.
East sought $5,000 in compensation for vet bills, missed work, gas and mileage, and pain and suffering.
Wong said there was no evidence his dogs attacked East’s dog.
Ritchie, however, said a neighbour had witnessed the attack.
“I find it is more likely than not that it was (Wong’s) dogs that attacked (East’s) dog on Dec. 28, 2022,” said Ritchie.
The tribunal said East has paid $2,783.82 in vet bills, and that the vet quoted an additional $955 for the outstanding dental work.
“I find the respondent must pay the applicant these amounts,” Ritchie said, adding Wong was liable to East for $449.88 for lost wages as well as tribunal fees and interest.
