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After getting attacked twice by a dog in 2023, Kwasi Adu hopes to see revisions to Regina’s animal bylaws.
Adu, who was bitten by an unleashed pitbull, spoke as a delegate at a Jan. 29th council meeting where Regina City Council unanimously passed a recommendation to review the city’s animal bylaw.
He was one of several delegates who spoke about the importance of updating the bylaw to better protect residents from attack and hold irresponsible dog owners more accountable.
The motion to review the bylaw originally came from Ward 8 councillor Shanon Zachidniak and former Ward 7 councillor Terina Nelson.
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In May 2023, Adu says he was waiting for a bus at Fifth Avenue and Robinson Street when he was attacked twice by an unleashed pitbull that appeared to belong to a woman.
“It lunged at me and attacked me viciously as I screamed helplessly to fend it off,” he said.
“The dog used its sharp teeth to bite me and my inner triceps of my right arm, which is my dominant (hand).”
Adu said he suffered severe headaches after being knocked down by the dog and was eventually diagnosed with occipital neuralgia, a painful condition that affects someone’s head and neck.
“I’m not able to have a sound sleep and (the pain) usually comes at night, not during the day,” he said.
Adu also said he’s had back problems as well.
Under the city’s current bylaw, it is up to a judge to designate an animal as dangerous and compel an owner to muzzle and leash it.
“Dogs that are known to be vicious should have a muzzle with their leash and I also propose that those dogs shouldn’t be allowed to go near where there are daycare centres because, in my case, if it had been a minor or a child (they) might have been mauled to death.”
Nelson also spoke as a delegate at the meeting.
“Our current animal bylaws are outdated and no longer reflect best practices for animals — care, safety and responsible ownership,” Nelson said.
“With evolving understanding of animal behaviour and the community safety concerns, it’s crucial that we modernize these regulations to better serve both our animals and our citizens.”
Nelson spoke out against the practice of tethering animals for extended periods of time. She said doing so, especially in unsafe conditions poses a risk to people and animals.
“Prolonged tethering can lead to frustration, aggression and anxiety in dogs — increasing the likelihood to attack or other dangerous behaviours. Children and citizens are particularly vulnerable to these interactions,” Nelson said.
Lisa Koch of the Regina Humane Society said the organization expressed “strong support” for a comprehensive review, especially given that a full animal bylaw review hadn’t happened since 2011.
“This initiative is both timely and necessary,” Koch said.
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