Terry Kruger
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 05/01) - A woman whose cat was killed by a pair of stray dogs Tuesday is worried for the safety of children around J.H. Sissons elementary school.

Diane Brookes' seven-year-old female cat, Spot, died from wounds received during an attack by two dogs on the balcony of the family home.

Her son rescued the cat, but not before it sustained fatal massive internal injuries.

Brookes described the two dogs as medium in size. One is light brown and the other has mottled fur.

"It worries me because they're pack hunting," she said. "There's a school right here."

The family lives at the corner of Burwash and Rycon drives. Spot was well-known to Sissons students.

Doug Gillard, manager of municipal enforcement, said a bylaw officer cruised through the area but was unable to locate the suspect animals Tuesday.

Because the cat was killed, bylaw officers will continue to search for the dogs and their owner.

He said children should never approach or try to pet a strange dog.

Under municipal bylaws, dogs must be kept under control, either on a leash or in a fenced yard. Those found wandering the streets is impounded and taken to Great Slave Animal Hospital.

So far this year, there have been more than 420 complaints about dogs and 21 dog bites.