Dog that attacked deer declared 'vicious animal' by Town of Banff

BANFF – A dog that attacked and bit a mule deer has been designated a vicious animal by the Town of Banff.

According to a statement by the Town of Banff posted on social media on Thursday morning (Feb. 27), the dog was designated a vicious animal under Banff's animal services bylaw.

“The owner has fully complied with the requirements, including muzzling to ensure public and wildlife safety,” according to the statement.

The Town of Banff is working with Parks Canada in the continuing investigation into the incident, which was caught on a 40-second video clip that was circulated on popular social media site Reddit and shows the off-leash dog attacking the mule deer outside the Moxy hotel on Banff Avenue last weekend.

The dog appears to be biting into the deer’s ear and grabbing it by an antler – and not letting go.

A woman tries to get the dog off the deer, and is knocked to the ground in the process. At one point, she grabs the deer by the antlers.

A witness can be heard saying: “What are you doing, you moron?”

In Banff National Park, the law requires dogs are to be on-leash at all times.

“The ongoing investigation examines further requirements under law which includes the need to maintain control of a domesticated animal to prevent harassment, chasing or biting an animal, even when on leash,” states the Town of Banff.

“The incident serves as a reminder that dogs must be kept on-leash at all times and they must remain under control when on-leash to prevent harassment of other animals, or danger to the public.”

Natalie Fay, external relations manager for Banff National Park, said Parks Canada hasn’t been able to confirm the status of the deer yet.

“The wildlife team is monitoring,” she said.

Parks Canada pointed residents and visitors to the Parks Canada website to help locals and visitors understand how to be a responsible park users: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/faune-wildlife/chiens-dogs.