Quebec woman awarded $460K after attack by three dogs; owner and municipality liable

A woman in Quebec’s Eastern Townships has been awarded nearly $460,000 in damages after she was attacked five years ago by a trio of dogs.

In a May 15 decision, a Quebec Superior Court judge ruled that the dogs’ owner, Alan Barnes, and the municipality of Potton were jointly liable.

The court said the municipality failed to enforce a bylaw concerning dangerous animals even though the town was made aware of the dogs’ history of attacks.


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In March 2019 Dominique Alain was mauled in Potton by three dogs belonging to Barnes, leaving her with life-threatening injuries to her arms and legs.

Alain, an active jogger and skier, was hospitalized for three months and underwent a dozen hours of surgery.

Barnes offered no defence and received a lifetime ban on owning dogs.

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