Warning: This story contains details readers may find disturbing. A pit bull has been euthanized, and another dog is recovering after a violent attack in Maple Ridge that was captured on video. The incident happened last Thursday near the Centennial Motel, where Scott Podwinski says he was walking his 11-year-old dog Murphy. Podwinski alleges a pit bull attacked Murphy without warning. “To see something like that, that I couldn’t stop, I would rather that dog have bit me instead of Murphy,” said Podwinski. Video from the scene shows several people, including the apparent pit bull owner, trying to pull the attacking dog away as it bites Murphy and refuses to let go. “He had no leash on, no muzzle, no collar,” said Podwinski. “They were punching him, kicking him in the groin, poking his eyes, putting a finger in his rear end. Nothing would make that dog let go of Murphy.” He says one bystander even tried pouring hot water on the dog, to no avail. The attack lasted several minutes and moved toward a nearby hotel before the dogs were finally separated. Podwinski says he recorded part of the incident to provide evidence. “I wanted to make sure that police and SPCA and animal control had some proof,” he said. In a statement to CTV News, Maple Ridge bylaw officers said the attacking dog met the definition of an aggressive dog based on the circumstances of the May 28 incident, as well as a prior incident, and was surrendered for euthanasia. “There are no bad dogs, just bad owners,” said Podwinski. “It’s sad that it had to come to that.” Murphy suffered serious injuries and underwent emergency surgery. His veterinarian described the bite wounds as “horrific.” Podwinski says the vet bills are already in the thousands and growing, but members of the community have stepped in to help, offering donations to cover some of the costs. He believes the dog’s owner should face further consequences. “Hopefully he’s banned from owning any more animals,” he said. But one animal lawyer says that outcome is unlikely, and that criminal charges would also be difficult to pursue. “The only times that there can be a prohibition for an ownership of an animal is when it comes to animal cruelty,” said Rebeka Breder, a local animal lawyer. “I have never seen anyone charged criminally. It’s not to say it’s impossible, but it would be really hard to prove. You would have to prove criminal intent.” The video has been widely shared online, and Podwinski says the community response has been overwhelming as Murphy continues his recovery. “A few of Murphy’s dog friends have already come by and checked in on him and dropped off some treats and some donations and some things to help him get better,” he said. He says he’s sharing his story to thank those who helped save his dog’s life and as a reminder for dog owners to take proper precautions to help prevent a similar tragedy. Maple Ridge RCMP told CTV News it attended the incident, but said bylaw was leading the investigation.
