A woman in Grand Forks, B.C., aged 60, is recuperating from severe injuries following a dog attack on October 14th. Kim Godidek was in her backyard when a neighbor’s dog breached three fence boards and launched the assault. She sustained a significant fracture in her right wrist, necessitating surgical intervention. Her attorney, Tim Delaney, mentioned that Godidek, being right-handed, might face several months off work due to the injury. The surgeon characterized the wrist fracture as one of the most severe seen in years, in addition to puncture wounds and bruising suffered by Godidek.
Although no legal action has been taken yet, the City of Grand Forks confirmed that the dog responsible for the attack was euthanized following input from a veterinary clinic. The incident has sparked concerns within Godidek’s Riverside neighborhood. Neighbor Kathy Moslin recounted receiving a message from Godidek after the attack, who was awaiting an ambulance in her backyard. Moslin rushed over to stay with her until paramedics arrived, expressing her worry and hope for Godidek’s well-being.
Moslin highlighted the popularity of the Riverside area among walkers due to its scenic trails along the river and adjacent dike. She noted a shift in people’s attitudes towards taking walks they once enjoyed. The city’s bylaw and animal control team conducted an investigation into the attack, collaborating with witnesses and the RCMP.
Mayor Everett Baker, who personally knows Godidek, condemned the incident as appalling and emphasized the severity of the injury. The city initially ruled that the dog should be removed from the premises, either voluntarily or through a seizure warrant. However, the owner chose to euthanize the dog instead. The male Cane Corso involved in the attack was one of the owner’s two dogs, while the female dog was uninvolved and faced no municipal repercussions.
Baker expressed regret over the unfortunate turn of events, emphasizing the community’s love for animals and the desire to prevent such incidents. The city pledged to reassess its animal control protocols, aiming to address potentially dangerous dog situations more swiftly. Moslin highlighted Grand Forks’ tradition of supporting residents in distress, noting the increasing assistance for Godidek post-attack. She and her husband initiated an online fundraiser, garnering over $7,000 in contributions to date.
