Saanich Police are searching for a man who allegedly assaulted another man after being confronted about how he was treating his dog.
In a statement on Wednesday, Saanich Police say they responded to reports of the assault at around 4:15 p.m. on July 7 in Brydon Park.
The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim when he confronted him about the way he was treating his dog.
“The man was yelling at the dog and—this is unconfirmed right now as we’re still speaking to other witnesses about what exactly happened—but it sounds like he pinned the dog down in the field,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades in a phone call with Victoria Buzz.
He reiterates that the nature of the suspect’s treatment of his animal is unconfirmed and that there are methods of dog training that involve pinning the animal.
When the victim approached the man and confronted him about his treatment of the dog, Anastasiades said the dog owner attempted to punch him.
While the punch did not connect, the victim fell to the ground while dodging the hit, after which the suspect kicked him, resulting in minor injuries.
In the aftermath of the assault, the suspect picked up his dog and fled. Several witnesses at the park reported seeing the man get into his car and drive away, before heading back to collect his other dog.
“We’re still investigating anything to do with the animal. We take anything to do with animal abuse seriously,” said Anastasiades, adding that police are not ruling out contacting BC SPCA in relation to this file.
For now, officers are searching for the suspect and plan to recommend assault charges.
He is described as a 5’10” heavyset Caucasian man with short, dark hair and a tattoo on his right bicep who, at the time of the incident, was wearing a grey T-shirt, jeans, and black shoes.
The vehicle is a dark blue Volkswagen Golf four door sedan, and the dog involved is described as medium-sized with a black spot on one eye.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Saanich Police Department directly at 250-475-4321 or report anonymously through Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
