3-Pound Canadian Chihuahua Deemed ‘Dangerous’

Molly, a teacup Chihuahua who’s not much bigger or heavier than a shoe, allegedly bit a letter carrier’s ankle outside her home in Windsor, Ontario.

The letter carrier’s manager filed a police report. City and health officials arrived at Molly’s home and quarantined the dog.

Since their petite pup has been declared “dangerous” based on the city’s dog bylaw, Molly’s pet parents, Mitzie and Jason Scott, must now keep her muzzled when she’s outdoors; have her implanted with a microchip identifying her as being dangerous; obtain a $1 million insurance policy; and display a “Dangerous Dog on Premises” warning sign on their property.

“We don’t even know if we can find a muzzle, because her mouth is so tiny,” Mitzie told CBC News. “We have to warn people upon coming onto our premises that we have a vicious dog on site.”

Mitzie admitted that it was her fault that Molly escaped from the yard through an open gate, but feels that a simple warning would be a much more appropriate punishment for Molly’s first alleged offense.

Molly has never bitten anyone before. The Scotts are not even convinced their dog actually bit the letter carrier, since they saw no bite marks or any medical reports. However, the Windsor Licensing Commission rejected the Scotts’ appeal to reverse its decision.

Ron Jones, a member of the commission, insisted to CBC News that Molly’s “dangerous dog” designation is not as silly as it seems.

“Nowhere in the bylaw does it indicate that a dog has to be 50 pounds to be designated as a dangerous dog,” Jones said.

But even the mayor of Windsor thinks the case is a bit ridiculous. “Unfortunately, the owner of the dog, in my opinion, based on the information that has been shared with me, demonstrated mitigating factors that would have given the licensing commission opportunity to consider other options,” Eddie Francis told CBC News.

“It just seems so severe to me,” Mitzie told CBC News. “We love the dog and we can’t get rid of the dog, but also that’s a very expensive monthly expense.”

PHOTO: Facebook

Laura Goldman

Laura Goldman is senior social media writer for i Love Dogs, Inc. She does love dogs. And elephants and turtles. Along with writing about the loves of her life, Laura likes to play with her two pound pups and tell anyone who’ll listen just how awesome Pit Bulls are.