Woman left with life-altering injuries after reported dog attacks in Etobicoke

Toronto police are trying to identify the owner of two dogs after a series of animal attacks in Etobicoke earlier this week, including one that left a woman with life-altering injuries.

Police say officers were called to the area of Martin Grove Road and John Garland Boulevard in Etobicoke around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday for an animal complaint.

It is alleged that a woman was waiting at a bus stop in the area when two dogs without leashes came up to her and started attacking. Police say the woman attempted to defend herself with a personal shopping cart and then the dogs dragged the woman to the ground and kept attacking her.

The woman was able to get inside a passerby’s vehicle to stop the attack.

The woman was rushed to hospital with serious and life-altering injuries, including a broken forearm and facial wounds.

“I’m a single mother, I’m alone and my hand here is my bread and butter – this is what I work with, so now I cannot work,” Anita Brown tells CityNews.

Police allege a witness followed the dogs and saw the pair attack a cyclist, try to attack someone in the yard of their home, and try to attack a TTC Wheel-trans operator who closed the doors of the vehicle in time.

Police are trying to identify the two dogs and their owner and say there is a concern for public safety. Investigators released updated photos of the suspect and the dogs on Friday night. He’s described as between 20 and 30 years of age with a dark moustache and beard. He was last seen wearing a black toque, black hooded vest, green sweater, beige or white pants, and hiking shoes or boots. The dogs are described as black and white with larger builds, possibly pit bull terriers or a similar breed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.