Lewis Smith was left with roughly 40 stitches after being mauled by a large dog at Invermere Beach in May. Submitted/Laura Smith)

By Spencer Sterritt

DOG ATTACK

Top Stories of 2019: Invermere Beach dog attack leaves young child shaken

Dec 19, 2019 | 8:30 AM

NANAIMO — An unfortunate and vicious attack against a vulnerable three-year-old boy highlighted the need for proper dog training.

Lewis Smith was enjoying a day at Invermere Beach in north Nanaimo on May 2 when he was suddenly attacked by a large husky and wolf mixed breed dog. The dog mauled the young boy, leaving deep injuries requiring roughly 40 stitches.

The dog was pulled off and the owner helped take Lewis to the hospital.

His mother Laura Smith said it was “unimaginable” to see her son at the hospital wrapped in bloody bandages. She was also seriously concerned about the deeper mental scars which might be left behind.

“I don’t want him having fears of dogs and beaches,” she said. “He’s a pretty hyper kid who likes to play and run and jump.”

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Smith said Lewis’s wounds have healed but “the trauma part is a work in progress.”

“He questions what happened and naturally has a big fear of any dog big or small. We are working on this and we hope and are confident this unfortunate event will be a distant memory for him as he grows older.”

The story was an unfortunate reminder on the importance of proper dog training.

Senior animal control officer Ian Fraser said dog owners must never forget being in an off-leash area doesn’t mean it’s an out-of-control area.

“Your dog can be off-leash but it still has to be in your command. Certainly if you can’t see your dog, arguably you don’t have control over it.”

There are 12 off-leash dog parks in Nanaimo.

Fraser said dog owners need to have serious conversations with themselves about if their dog is ready for unrestrained play and not take any risks when going to a park.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit