Saanich Police and BC Conservation Service are reminding pet owners of the potential dangers from wild animals following a cougar attack on Saturday evening that has left a medium sized dog with injuries.
Shortly before 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, a resident in the 5900 block of Wallace Drive, around the area of Heals Rifle Range, was in the yard with their dog. The dog wandered into a thick bush area on the property and a short time later the dog was heard in distress.
The home owner observed that a cougar had injured the dog and was attempting to leave the property with the family pet. Thankfully, as the cougar was negotiating its way from the property, the dog was able to get free, and was recovered by its owners.
The dog has undergone at least one surgery to date to repair puncture wounds to its head and neck. Although the dog may require further medical care, it is expected to survive.
The cougar in question was last seen heading in the direction of the Heals Rifle Range which is in close proximity to Gowland Tod Provincial Park and the Mount Work Regional Park (Durrance Lake).
The BC Conservation Service has been advised and are aware of the circumstances of this incident. No other similar incidents have been noted and there have been no recent reports of livestock being affected.
“It does not appear that the animal in question was actively hunting ” Sgt. Steve Eassie said.
“Instead, it would appear that the cougar was confronted by the dog, and simply attempted to seize the opportunity of a relatively simple food source”.
