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Aurora, Ontario 

'This should never happen again,' says woman who wants accountability and changes to how animal control officers handle distressed animals

Warning… Graphic photo in article.
A routine call about two dogs running loose in East Gwillimbury ended in tragedy this week when a Rottweiler died during an interaction with Aurora Animal Services officers, leaving witnesses traumatized and a grieving family demanding accountability.

The incident happened May 4 at a home on Yonge Street in Holland Landing.

Michelle Sanders said her family helped secure two wandering dogs after her daughter spotted them running near their property.

“We thought we were doing the right thing,” Michelle said. “We gave them water, kept them calm and called animal control for help.”

According to Michelle and her daughter, Bailey, the male Rottweiler was initially calm and friendly. They said the dog accepted treats, allowed himself to be leashed and was eventually guided into an animal services vehicle.

But the situation changed after an officer reopened the enclosure to photograph the dog and he jumped back out, they allege.  (Why didn't they just photograph Heuinei in the carry cage and then remove the cage digitally using AI?). “He lost trust after that,” Bailey said. “He was scared and confused because he couldn’t see the other dog anymore.”

The mother and daughter allege officers, Hailey MacGillvray and Noemi Viszmeg, spent more than an hour attempting to force the dog back into the vehicle using catch poles with tightening loops around the dog’s neck.

Witnesses described the scene as increasingly distressing, claiming the dog began bleeding from the mouth and nose while struggling against the restraints. A graphic video posted on social media highlights the incident.

“He was fighting for his life,” Bailey said. “He wasn’t vicious. He was terrified.”

Michelle said neighbours watching the incident became upset and some began filming.

“There was blood everywhere,” she said. “My children witnessed this in our driveway. It was horrific.”

Dog owner Emma Ge said she arrived minutes after her dog, Heiniu, died.

“My dog died four minutes before I arrived,” Ge said. “We were so shocked and saddened. My children were traumatized.”

Ge said the three-year-old Rottweiler and another farm dog had previously wandered from their large rural property but had always been safely returned. But this time it turned out to be tragic.

"Officer Hailey said the dog bit her and caused an injury, and claimed the dog later bit his own tongue and died. My concern is why the professional animal services officers did not try to save the dog when they saw the dog was dying,” she said. “They are supposed to respect, protect and help animals.”

“I have filed a complaint with animal services because I never want to see a tragedy like this happen again,” said the mother of two young children, adding a necropsy is being conducted at the University of Guelph.

In a statement, the Town of Aurora confirmed animal services staff responded to a report of two dogs at large and said an officer suffered a bite injury requiring medical attention.

“Due to escalating safety concerns and the presence of bystanders, Animal Services Officers contacted York Regional Police for assistance. Throughout the incident, staff attempted to safely calm, care for, and secure the dog while protecting public safety,” the town said. “The dog later became medically unresponsive and transported to a veterinary clinic.”

"This was a difficult and upsetting incident for everyone involved, including staff, witnesses, and the owners," said the town, adding it is reviewing the incident and investigating in accordance with standard procedures.

A social media statement from animal advocacy group Humane Initiative has further amplified calls for transparency and an independent investigation. The group alleges witnesses repeatedly pleaded with officers to stop tightening the restraints as the dog struggled.

The incident has sparked outrage online and prompted a peaceful protest planned outside Aurora Town Hall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Michelle said she wants accountability and changes to how animal control officers handle distressed animals.

“This should never happen again,” she said. “A family lost their dog, and an entire neighbourhood witnessed it.”

On May 4th, in East Gwillimbury, Ontario, a heartbreaking incident unfolded that has left an indelible impact on our community—a routine call about two dogs running loose ended with a tragic death. A Rottweiler lost his life during the interaction with Aurora Animal Services, under circumstances that demand accountability. Witnesses were left traumatized, and a grieving family is asking for change. This heartbreaking event has exposed a critical gap in how animal control officers handle distressed animals.

We believe that no pet parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing a beloved animal in such a preventable manner. The training and protocols that Aurora Animal Services employ must be urgently evaluated and redefined to ensure humane handling is at the forefront of all interactions with animals in distress. There is an urgent need to equip animal control officers with specialized training that emphasizes empathy, safety, and the well-being of all involved—both animal and human.

According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, humane animal handling is not just about physical restraint, but also involves understanding animal behavior, effective communication, and patience. By implementing this kind of comprehensive training, we can ensure that no more families have to endure such unnecessary heartache. It is imperative that our animal services staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to approach distressed animals with care and compassion.

We call on local Aurora officials and the management of Aurora Animal Services to take this matter seriously. Initiating regular, mandatory training sessions focused on humane and effective animal handling will not only enhance the safety of our community but also uphold the dignity and respect animals deserve.

Join us in this crucial call for change to prevent further tragedies. Sign this petition to demand that humane handling training becomes a priority for Aurora Animal Services. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every animal is treated with the care and compassion they deserve.