Dog owner David Ying says he witnessed his dog being hit by a vehicle over the weekend in a busy area in Markham, Ont.
The Toronto man says he was in the area of 16th Avenue and Ninth Line around 6 p.m. when his one-and-a-half-year-old husky, Honu, took off.
“I get out of the car as usual. Usually I open the back door and he waits for me to come out,” he told Global News.
Toronto man, 24, has been charged with murder in fatal hit-and-run case: police
Part of the Sun breaks apart and creates a strange vortex, scientists are amazed
This time was different. Honu left the car and ran towards 16th Avenue. By the time Ying is able to catch him, he says the dog has managed to cross to the other side of the road.
At first, he says he felt relieved, but when Honyu attempted to back off, Ying says his dog was hit by a white SUV.
His dog is currently receiving medical treatment at an emergency and specialty hospital in Toronto. Honu developed a pneumothorax, which means her lungs started leaking air into her chest, making it hard to breathe.
Dawn Crandell of Toronto Animal Health Partners, who is providing her with the care she needs, says her pelvis was separated from the vertebrae of her spine and her patella was shattered. She says she also suffered a dislocated hip.
“If you have a blanket or something you can swaddle them on, and then use the blanket as a stretcher to have someone with you to help get them to the car, that would be a good idea, she recommends.
However, Crandell cautions people to exercise caution when they try and handle an animal that has been injured. She says that the significant pain they are experiencing can sometimes cause pets to flinch to attempt to provide assistance.
“You just need to be cautious about moving them, move them as little as possible,” she explains.
David Ying, who didn’t have pet insurance at the time of the incident, says his medical bills total about $25,000. It’s a significant investment, he acknowledges, but he says he remains committed to helping Honu recover.
We asked York Regional Police about a driver’s duty in this type of scenario.
Man charged after hit-and-run in Toronto: police
Exclusive: Widow’s 911 call before James Smith Cree Nation killings reveals prior violence
“It does not appear that the driver was at fault in this situation,” acknowledged Sgt. Clint Whitney with York Regional Police. “It sounds like a sad situation really, what could the driver have done? The collision was caused by a dog walking in front of the car. So the driver doesn’t have to worry too much about being at fault.”
Whitney tells Global News that if you are directly or indirectly involved in a collision, and it results in personal injury or property damage that exceeds $2,000, it should be reported to the police.
In the eyes of the law, Whitney says pets are considered property.
“Every situation has to be assessed on its own merits,” he said. “So we would encourage anyone involved in this situation who doesn’t know what to do to contact us.”
In the meantime, David Ying is hoping that by sharing his story, drivers will show more compassion when faced with a situation like his.
“My Honu, she was wrong to run into the street,” he offered. “But you know, you could have offered some help.”
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.