Man charged after 9-year-old ‘mauled’ by dogs in Newmarket

York Regional Police have charged a dog owner with criminal negligence causing bodily harm after a nine-year-old girl was mauled and severely injured by three dogs. 

The incident took place at a residence in Newmarket on Jackson Court where a man and his nine-year-old daughter had attended to view puppies, police said.

When they arrived, three dogs “rushed” out of the house and attacked the girl unprovoked, according to police.

The victim suffered severe bite marks and was transported to a hospital with severe, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident took play July 27, and after investigation, York Regional Police charged Leslie Theodore Kovacs, 68, of Newmarket on Aug. 15 with criminal negligence causing bodily harm. He was also charged with three counts of dog bite a person under the Ontario Dog Owner’s Liability Act, according to police.

Kovacs has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on Sept. 12.

The child has since been released from hospital and continues her recovery at home, police said.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7141. Anyone wanting to provide information anonymously can call Crime

Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or provide a tip online at www. 1800222tips.com.