The City of Windsor faces legal action after a greyhound that was attacked by another dog last Friday died.
Joe McParland's lawyer, Richard Pollack, served the city clerk with the notice of claim on Wednesday.
McParland said other parties would be served too in the coming days.
The action in small claims court does not seek monetary damages, but if the judge were to award McParland financially, he has plans for that money.
"I want to use that money to repay all the very, very kind people throughout the community of Windsor-Essex for their donations for Vici's care," he said.
A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $5,000 before Vici succumbed to her injuries at a Windsor veterinary hospital early Wednesday morning.
The attack happened while McParland walked Vici and his other dog, Tessie along Ouellette Avenue Friday afternoon. He said the dog crossed five lanes of busy traffic to reach Vici after the owner allegedly fell asleep on a park bench.
McParland alleged it was the second time that day the dog attacked another dog. The first attack involving a Labrador mix happened just hours before.
McParland said he hopes the legal action resolves two issues: how the dog was returned to someone unable to care for it and improve enforcement of provincial laws and municipal bylaws governing so-called dangerous dogs.
"Had the police seized that dog Friday morning after its first attack, Vici would be alive today," said McParland. "I just want to get the message out there, folks. We have laws. We have legislation in place, and we need not just oversight but enforcement."
McParland admitted he is not sure if the attacking animal was a pit bull, but insisted it was a dangerous dog.
"I don't want this dog put down," he continued. "I want to see the dog put into the custody of somebody who is going to be responsible."
In the meantime, McParland said the community has been leaving small gifts to commemorate Vici and leaving messages of condolences for his loss.
