Iqaluit woman accused of using pit bull in attack

A 29-year-old woman is in hospital with non-life threatening injuries after a dog attack in Iqaluit this weekend.

Early Sunday morning, the woman suffered numerous dog bites after a 23-year-old woman commanded her pit bull to attack.

"When they got there, it's quite evident that there was a pit bull dog actually being used, more or less, as a weapon against the victim. The owner of the dog was encouraging the dog to bite the victim," said RCMP Staff Sgt. Roger Tournier.

The attack happened in the 200 block of the city.

Police officers shot the dog after attempts to tranquilize it failed. They said they also feared the publics safety was at risk because the animal was free and continued to be aggressive.

The dog owner, Iqaluit resident Saata Koochiajuke, had been previously warned about the dogs aggressive behaviour.

Koochiajuke has been charged with one count of aggravated assault, uttering threats, resisting arrest and being unlawfully in a dwelling.

Police say alcohol was a factor in the incident.

RCMP who were at the scene say they saw witnesses with cell phones, and are asking them to come forward to police if they have any information, or photos or video of the attack.