Service Dog-to-Be Dies After Attack at Gatineau Daycare, Owner Seeks Justice

A Gatineau man is calling for the closure of Kaninou, a local dog daycare and boarding service, after his golden retriever, Austin, was fatally mauled by another dog on March 17, 2026. Félix Lanthier, a chiropractor, entrusted Austin to Kaninou while on a business trip.

Details of the Attack

Lanthier received a call from Kaninou on March 17th, informing him that Austin had been bitten and was receiving treatment at an emergency veterinary hospital in Ottawa. However, upon arriving at the hospital, Lanthier discovered the extent of Austin’s injuries was far more severe than initially reported.

“It was a lot more than just a bite. Like, my dog got attacked,” Lanthier stated, noting the veterinarian identified numerous bite wounds and muscle tears across Austin’s body. CBC News reviewed photos of Austin’s injuries but chose not to publish them out of respect for readers.

Investigation and Legal Action

Gatineau police have opened an investigation into the incident, according to a statement emailed to Radio-Canada. CBC News and Radio-Canada have been unable to reach Kaninou for comment.

Lanthier plans to file a lawsuit against Kaninou and has reported that he has been contacted by other former clients who allege similar incidents of injury or loss of their animals while under the care of the business. He is seeking to shut down the daycare, stating, “I’m not doing this for the money because there’s no money to get. I’m doing this just to shut down that place and make justice for Austin and for all the dogs before.”

Austin’s Potential and Legacy

Austin was a year-and-a-half-old golden retriever and was in the final stages of training to become a service dog. Lanthier shared that Austin was already making a positive impact in the community, accompanying him to his chiropractic clinic where he provided comfort to anxious patients, as well as visiting seniors’ centres and libraries with children.

“He was a very, very, very good dog. Very loved,” Lanthier said.

Business History

Kaninou was formerly known as Dogs Of All Breeds, as indicated by a Google Street View image from July 2023. GoFundMe details the history of the business.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Lanthier to seek justice for Austin.