Winnipeg mother speaks out after 5-year-old daughter was attacked by a pair of large dogs

A mother is speaking out and warning other parents to be on alert after her 5-year-old daughter was attacked by two dogs outside of this townhouse complex earlier this month.

The incident took place on Friday, inside a townhouse complex in north Winnipeg, where the family has lived for over 20 years.

The child’s mother, Judy Cymbalisty, says her daughter, Brooklynn, was walking through a common area to visit a friend, where two large American Bulldogs pushed through a storm door and attacked her from behind.

“She came in the door and said, ‘Daddy, I am never going outside again. Those dogs got me,’” said Cymbalisty.

“She was just around the other side of the bush when the dogs came out from a house and caught her from behind.”

She says one dog was restrained by a visitor at the home while the owner worked to pull the other dog away. She says her child has injuries to her head, ear, and lower body, and thankfully was treated immediately at Children’s Hospital. But Cymbalisty says mentally, the damage has been done.

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“She hears a dog barking and runs into the house crying because to her, any dog, unless she knows who they are, she’s scared they will come after her,” Cymbalisty explained.

She says a report was filed with Winnipeg Animal Services that same day, and while she witnessed one visit to the dog owner’s home, she claims there has been no follow-up since.

“The dogs are still here, so it terrifies her. Animal Services has had no contact with us whatsoever”.

While she is frustrated with what she feels is a lack of accountability and concern, she doesn’t necessarily want to see the dogs put down, but is hoping Animal Services will step in and learn from this incident.

“In the future it shouldn’t come to this, my understand is that dogs bite someone Animal Services take them away and decide if their viscous or not, I don’t think that’s happening, but it should especially in community with kids, because you don’t want another kid to be bit, this could have been a lot worse,” said Cymbalisty.

Under city bylaws, Animal Services can investigate dog bite complaints and, in some cases, may seize a dog if it’s deemed dangerous, but that process can take time and depends on the outcome of the investigation.

CityNews reached out to Winnipeg Animal Services, which responded by saying, “Animal Services Officers investigate all complaints received (via 311). We can confirm we are investigating a complaint about the case you mentioned. We are unable to share any additional details as it is an ongoing investigation.”