The owner of a German shepherd that attacked three people in Vaughan Wednesday won't face criminal charges but could be hit with bylaw fines, police said a day after the frightening incident.
One victim, 66-year-old Tony Palazzolo, required more than 20 stitches to his face and arm after a close encounter with the 90-pound dog.
When he exited a variety store, the animal pounced, knocking out his dentures and biting him at least twice.
"First he got me here," said Palazzolo, pointing to his face. "I pushed him and when I pushed him with my arm that's when he cut me. I could see the bone, the bone was right there."
"It's painful but I thank God he didn't rip my face apart."
A 16-year-old girl also needed medical attention for minor injuries to her shoulder. Luckily, the third victim was able to avoid any injuries, although the dog sunk its teeth through her jacket, leaving marks in the lip gloss she had in her pocket.
Elina Shamaev explained how she stood statue-still to avoid the wrath of the animal.
"It helped me that I froze and didn't look at the dog," she said.
"It was a pretty scary experience and a sleepless night," said Elina Shamaev. It affected me, now I'm afraid to go outside."
Officers allege the owner went to a convenience store at 80 Glen Shields Ave. around 8:40am on January 19 and left the dog outside.
While he was inside, the unleashed dog attacked the individuals.
Palazzolo said the owner showed little sympathy for his injuries and fled with the dog once he realized what happened.
"I think that's a criminal charge, I think that's a weapon," Palazzolo, who will need shots for rabies, added.
Palazzolo's son, John, expressed his anger over the attack and the perceived nonchalance of the animal's owner.
"I liken it to a hit and run because that's exactly what it is," he said. "The guy could have had the common decency to maybe help out and face up to what happened. The dog lunged for his throat and we could be planning a funeral today."
A tip from the public led officers to a 41-year-old man on Thursday. The accused won't be charged, police said, but could face potential by-law fines.
The dog has been quarantined.