Retiree sues neighbour over alleged dog attack

A Winnipeg man is suing his neighbour over an alleged dog attack he says occurred while he was helping him with a lawnmower.

Arthur Cabel, a retiree who lives on Selkirk Avenue, is seeking unspecified damages from neighbour Saisamone Saegone, according to a statement of claim filed in the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench last week.

Cabel claims he went to Saegone’s home in the afternoon on Sept. 23, 2024, to help him with his lawnmower.

According to the lawsuit, Saegone’s large dog, initially in a fenced backyard, escaped, approaching Cabel and “mauling, attacking and biting him.”

Cabel alleges he suffered several cuts, scrapes and bruises, including injuries to his right hand, left thigh and left ankle.

The lawsuit alleges Saegone was negligent by keeping a dangerous dog that posed a risk to the public, failing to adequately secure it, failing to restrain or control the dog once the attack began and failing to post adequate warnings on the property.

Cabel is also seeking to hold Saegone liable under Manitoba’s Animal Liability Act, which allows an animal owner to be held responsible for injuries caused by their animal without the injured person having to prove the owner knew it was dangerous or had been negligent. Damages can be reduced if the injured person is found to have contributed to the incident.

Cabel is seeking general and special damages, interest, legal costs and other relief the court considers appropriate. The lawsuit does not specify a dollar amount and says Cabel has incurred, and expects to continue incurring, expenses stemming from the alleged attack.

The Free Press was unable to reach Cabel or his lawyer for comment. Saegone could also not be reached.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and a statement of defence has not been filed.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca