Warning: This story contains details readers might find disturbing. A Vancouver family is searching for answers after their 21-month-old sheepadoodle was killed in what they describe as a brutal attack involving two other dogs before a scheduled group walk. Katie Bertram and Ryan Mullins say their dog, Boomer, was attacked Tuesday while in the care of a professional dog-walking company. The couple describes Boomer as a gentle, loving dog. “He was full of love—he was the best, most innocent, joyful creature,” said Bertram. “He loved everything he met,” added Mullins. According to the family, Boomer was a regular participant in group walks organized by Vancouver company Scamps Inclusive Pet Care. A witness who spoke with CTV News said Boomer had been brought outside by the dog walker and tied to a fence where two other dogs were waiting before the group walk. The witness described a chaotic scene as the dogs became tangled and the attack unfolded. He said he tried to free Boomer but was unable to stop it. Bertram said she rushed outside after hearing screams. “I run out, and Boomer is being pulled from one side of his foot and yanked by the neck on the other side,” she said, fighting back tears. “And these dogs are attacking him and he can’t get free. And his body is at that point just limp.” Boomer was rushed to a nearby animal hospital but did not survive the attack. The family is now questioning how the situation was allowed to occur. “I’m personally outraged that our dog was even allowed out of our gate to two barking pit bulls in the first place,” Mullins said. “It’s so lackadaisical on so many levels and it’s not going to change unless something happens,” Bertram added. Dog-walking company responds Talia Erickson, owner of Scamps Inclusive Pet Care, said all three dogs had walked together before and she was unaware of any violent history involving the two pit bull mixes. When asked whether she takes responsibility for what happened, Erickson said: “We were trying to walk the dogs as we were asked to do. We communicated with the owners, as we always say we will.” “I’m feeling shocked. I’m feeling sad,” she added. Erickson said the dog walker involved has been left traumatized and is currently on leave. She also said the company is co-operating with an investigation and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the attack. “I am trying to …..count back and see if there was something we could’ve done differently,” she said. “It is part of our training to try to make sure that the dogs are calm and ready to meet.” Potential legal consequences Animal lawyer Victoria Shroff says professional dog walkers assume significant responsibilities when caring for clients’ pets. “A person acting as a dog walker or pet sitter comes with legal risk,” Shroff said. “A dog can get into a fight with other dogs, go missing, get killed by a car. There are many things that can happen. A dog walker could be sued in negligence or under contract and could have to pay damages to the owner for harm done.” Shroff said the consequences can extend beyond civil liability in some situations. “In more extreme circumstances, a dog walker could even be charged with animal cruelty,” she said. “The 2015 (B.C. Supreme Court) case of Paulsen illustrated this. Paulsen was sentenced to six months in jail.” Investigation underway The City of Vancouver confirmed animal control officers have identified the two dogs involved in the incident. However, officials said privacy rules prevent the city from disclosing the dogs’ history or discussing any potential enforcement action while the investigation remains ongoing. Meanwhile, Boomer’s family says it is exploring legal options as it continues to grieve. “He didn’t deserve it,” said Bertram. “He was so, so sweet.”
