Shelburne to review its dog bylaw following the death of a 13-year-old boy

CITYnews halifax/ By The Canadian Press

A southwestern Nova Scotia municipality says it will review its dog control bylaw after a 13-year-old boy died from an attack by three dogs.

Drew Nickerson was attacked by a Rottweiler and two cane corsos as he rode his bicycle by a property in the community of Welshtown, N.S., Jan. 3, and he died two days later in a Halifax hospital.

The Municipality of Shelburne says it’s launching the review of its bylaw in response to the concerns about the incident raised by residents.

The existing dog control bylaw includes a section that requires owners to take precautions if their dogs are considered to be fierce and dangerous.

It also allows the city to order an owner to surrender a dog or have it euthanized.

Related:

• Community mourns teenage dog attack victim this weekend
• Grade 8 student dies from injuries following dog attack in Shelburne County
• Youth suffers life-threatening injuries following dog attack in Shelburne

The city says it is awaiting the findings of an RCMP investigation to ensure any changes to the law will be based on a full and accurate understanding of the incident.

The three dogs involved in the incident have already been euthanized.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 12, 2026.