B.C. dog owner rallies supporters in fight to save pit bull from euthanasia

A B.C. dog owner is in a heated battle to get her dog off death row.

A B.C. dog owner is fighting to save her pit bull from being put down, after the animal was deemed dangerous and ordered to be euthanized.

Amardeep Haer, who lives in the Township of Langley, says her dog Enzo was wrongly seized by bylaw officers in April 2024 after a contractor was bitten at her home.

Township officials say Enzo was responsible for the attack, the second biting incident involving the dog, but Haer insists it was her family’s other pit bull, not Enzo, who bit the man.

“Honestly, we just want our dog back,” Haer told CTV News. “And I won’t stop until we do. Because I know my family was wronged.”

Enzo has been held at the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) ever since the seizure and is slated to be euthanized. Haer has hired legal counsel, gone public with her story, and launched a petition that has garnered more than 14,000 signatures.

“It’s an amazing amount of support,” she said.

On Wednesday, Haer and supporters rallied outside Township of Langley City Hall, protesting the euthanasia order.

While Haer is taking legal action, she’s also facing a lawsuit of her own. Brandon Fox, the contractor involved in the 2024 incident, has filed a claim against Haer — alleging both pit bulls “viciously attacked” him, causing injuries requiring multiple surgeries. He declined to be interviewed and none of his claims have been tested in court.

Haer also declined to comment on the lawsuit.

According to court documents, Fox is seeking damages for pain, suffering, lost income, and permanent scarring. His lawsuit claims Haer “failed to adequately secure her animals” and knew they posed a risk.

“After entering the backyard to bring fencing materials, a rear door of the residence was opened – allowing two dogs, Enzo and a female pit bull, to enter the backyard. The dogs were uncontrolled and viciously attacked the plaintiff, repeatedly biting him,” read the claim.

The Township of Langley says Enzo was involved in two separate attacks before his seizure including on a 16-year-old girl who was bitten and treated in hospital. The second attack resulted in serious injuries and lengthy hospitalization, according to the Township.

An independent behavioural assessment reportedly determined Enzo posed an ongoing threat to public safety. The Township also confirmed Enzo sustained minor injuries during the seizure, caused by biting a catch pole, and was treated immediately by LAPS, the non-profit animal control service contracted by the Township.

Haer alleges LAPS committed animal abuse during the seizure, which the non-profit denies. Haer also claims Enzo wasn’t treated by vets for nearly 24 hours.

The seizure and euthanasia application were carried out under the Community Charter and Township’s Animal Control Bylaw. The decision on Enzo’s future rests with the provincial court.

The Township launched a “For the Record” website to clarify public information about the case.

“There are two different versions of what happened, and this is why the matter is before the courts,” said Township Mayor Eric Woodward. “It’s a pretty tragic incident from top to bottom – for both Enzo and the individual that was injured in the attack, which no one denies occurred.”

Woodward confirmed council can intervene legally but only through formal direction and with consideration of liability.

“If council wanted to change direction and give legal direction to staff, it would have the option to do that,” he said. “That would be subject to legal advice and a healthy debate about what future liability that may put the Township in.”

Woodward has reviewed court filings and is reserving judgment.

“It’s difficult to render an opinion on something that’s before the courts, given the role that I have,” he said. “But I’ve read everything, and I think it’s important that people base their opinions on all the facts – not just one media report or social post.”

A decision on Enzo’s fate is expected to be handed down by a judge by September.