Toronto dog attack victim says it's 'just painful'

A Toronto woman who suffered life-changing injuries in a dog attack earlier this week says she is in pain but thankful to be alive.

In an interview with CP24, Anita Brown recounted the attack, saying she first heard the dogs at a bus stop near Martin Grove Road and John Garland Boulevard on her way home Wednesday evening.

“When I was there, I heard growling behind me, and then I turned my head and saw two dogs behind me,” Brown said. “I don't know where they came from. I looked and there was no one around.”

According to Brown, the two dogs surrounded him and urged him to pray.

“I, please, Lord, do not tell me that these two dogs are going to attack me,” he said.

At the time, Brown had his own shopping cart. He remembers holding the dogs when they started barking.

“This is my only help, the cart,” he said, so when the dogs began to attack him, he swung the cart toward them to defend himself.

But this did not stop the dogs. According to Brown, one of the dogs jumped on him and knocked him to the ground. The fall broke his arm.

“They're still attacking me when I'm on the ground,” said Brown, who was bitten on one arm and another bitten on the head.

Anita Brown (left) suffered life-changing injuries after being attacked by two dogs (right) on February 7, 2024 in Rexdale.

He said a driver passed by and helped him. According to police, the driver opened the back door of his car to let the woman inside. He was eventually taken to hospital with serious life-changing injuries.

Brown said he received several stitches as a result of the attack. His right hand, which he shares with his working hand, is bandaged, as well as one side of his face.

“I can't do anything now. I'm just sick,” he said. “I don't know what will happen next, but I pray to God.”

Meanwhile, police said another passerby followed the dogs and witnessed them attacking a nearby cyclist.

The dogs also tried to attack another resident in his yard and a TTC Wheel-trans operator who managed to close his doors in time, police said.

It is not known how injured the cyclist was.

Speaking to CP24 on Friday afternoon, Toronto Police Const. Victor Kwong said the incidents were a “common story” for people in the area.

“We saw these dogs and we saw them roaming around without owners,” Kwong said.

Police have released a photo of the dogs and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

“Due to public safety concerns, investigators are asking for the public's help in identifying the dogs and their owner,” police said in a statement.

Both dogs are described as black and white in color. Police said they may be Pit Bull Terriers or a similar breed.