A man was tackled and punched on the beach at Cadboro Bay last week as he walked away after speaking to an owner about his off-leash dog, Oak Bay police say.
Dogs on all beaches from Cadboro Bay to Portage Inlet must be leashed when they are below the high-tide line because the area is within the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
The two men were on the beach between the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and Gyro Park when the incident occurred about 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 7, police said.
The victim suffered minor injuries in the attack. The dog owner, who had a large white dog, fled in the direction of the Gyro Park parking lot, police said.
The dog owner is described as white, 40- to 45-years old and five-foot-11 with a slim build and dark hair.
Disobeying federal regulation governing dogs an beaches can result in a fine of $400, rising as high as $1,600 for repeat offenders.
Last March, an off-leash dog attacked a chihuahua mix on Willows Beach that later had to be put down.
The dog that attacked the other animal was euthanized.
Call Oak Bay police at 250-592-2424 with any information on the Jan. 7 assault.
