Dog attack on toddler in Carmacks, Yukon, leads to new agreement on animal control

Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation (LSCFN) in the Yukon has entered into an animal control service agreement with the Village of Carmacks. The agreement comes thanks to a mother who pushed for accountability after her daughter suffered serious facial injuries in a dog attack. 

Courtney Kailek was out of town when she learned about the incident in late March, which happened in the house where her three-year-old daughter, Kaylee, was staying at the time. 

The attack put the young girl in the hospital for a week, where she required more than 50 stitches. 

"She will carry these scars for the rest of her life," said Kailek. "The incident was traumatic for Kaylee and our entire family." 

Kailek reported the attack to the RCMP and the Village of Carmacks. But because the attack happened on LSCFN settlement land, the village's animal control bylaw did not apply.

The village's bylaw requires dogs to be muzzled and securely leashed if they have attacked people. Should an owner fail to follow those requirements, the animal may be impounded and if a justice of the peace or a territorial court judge determines it would be in the public interest, the animal may be put down.

Because the village's animal control bylaw was not enforceable, the dog that attacked Kaylee was assessed by a Yukon Government inspector rather than a local bylaw officer.

According to Kailek, the territory's animal health unit representative never got out of their vehicle during their assessment of the animal. When CBC News asked the Yukon Government for comment, a spokesperson said animal protection investigations are confidential. 

CBC News also asked RCMP whether they were investigating the attack. A spokesperson referred CBC back to the Yukon Government's animal health unit. 

Weeks after the dog attack, Kailek told CBC News she was feeling hopeless and deeply concerned about what she felt was a lack of action and justice for Kaylee. 

"Nothing was being done," said Kailek. 

Finding a solution

LSCFN Chief Russell Blackjack says loose or aggressive dogs in the community have been an issue for some time, and the First Nation was already in talks with the village about what to do. He says the incident with Kaylee "helped speed up" the process as there was a new sense of urgency to get an agreement in place. 

"This is the first time we've ever had a serious incident like this," he said. "But we've had calls before about dogs running at large." 

The issue was brought before LCSFN's general assembly, where the new policy received widespread support from the community. 

On July 4, Blackjack announced on social media that the village and the First Nation had entered into an animal control service agreement. 

"We have taken this step to ensure that all our children and community are safe and can enjoy the community without fear of roaming or aggressive dogs," wrote Blackjack. 

Now, LSCFN citizens living on settlement lands who have concerns about dogs can call the village for help, which will work with the First Nation to locate and connect with the dog's owner. The First Nation will cover the costs associated with any bylaw officer calls. 

Still, she urged the community to remember that pet ownership is a responsibility, and to properly train dogs, leash them in public areas, and to watch them around children. 

"We hope that by sharing Kaylee's story, we can [prevent] other children from experiencing similar trauma," said Kailek.

Kailek says she's recently adopted a small puppy to try to help Kaylee overcome her fear of dogs. 

"I want her to love animals," Kailek said. "I don't want her to grow up afraid."