A Langley family is grieving after their dog was killed by another dog in Stanley Park.
A.J. Tay and his family were relaxing near Second Beach on Monday, Aug. 5 around 5:30 p.m. when their Maltipoo, Sky, was attacked by a larger dog.
After the attack, the unidentified owner fled with her dog while several people followed behind. Videos have been shared on social media showing the woman exiting the area on a trail with her dog.
"Our beloved Sky passed away after being mauled by an off-leash pitbull at Second Beach this evening," wrote Tay in a Facebook post following the event. V.I.A. was unable to confirm the attacking dog's breed.
Sky was alive following the attack but passed away during the ride to the animal hospital.
Tay wrote that the beloved dog would have turned three this year and "she was taken from us too soon," adding that he "can already feel her energy around us watching over us."
Dog owners called Vancouver police following the attack
Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Const. Tania Visintin told V.I.A. that officers responded to calls at Second Beach for a dog that had bitten another dog.
"Animal Services are investigating as the lead and will contact us if they need assistance as they move forward," she said.
Animal Services told V.I.A. that a suspect hasn't come forward yet but they are reviewing numerous submitted tips.
"We appreciate the public’s assistance, as these tips are crucial to our investigation," it said.
Animal Services noted that dog owners play a crucial role in preventing canine violence by following by-law regulations.
Dogs are welcome in all city parks but must be on a leash unless they are in one of the 36 designated dog off-leash areas. The area surrounding Second Beach is not one of these areas.
Pets are only allowed at beaches with designated off-leash areas.
Dogs must also be leashed with a leash no longer than 2.5 meters (8 feet), and the owner must hold onto the leash. Tethering dogs to poles or bike racks is prohibited.
Members of the public who observe any concerning behaviours involving dogs, such as aggressive behaviour, injured dogs, dogs off-leash outside designated areas, or unlicensed dogs, should report the issue through Animal Services online.
The incident has sparked an outcry on social media, with scores of locals expressing anger toward the dog owner who fled. Many of them have shared stories of previous incidents, while others are trying to identify the suspect.
"If you were a witness or know of any witnesses with videos of the owner and the dog please connect with us," Tay added on Facebook.
Anyone with additional information that could help identify the individual should contact the VPD on their non-emergency line at 604-717-3321, referencing file number 24-135707.
V.I.A. has contacted Animal Services and the Tay family and will add additional information as it becomes available.
