On Nov. 7 Justice Donna Cowan ordered Gary Beaulieu's two black Labradors be destroyed. The two animals have "terrorized" an east Port Colborne neighbourhood for the past three years, said Cowan during the sentencing last Friday.

"Destruction of these animals would be for the best," she said. "No lesser punishment would be warranted."

The judge came to her decision one week after the hearing in the case.

On Aug. 26 Beaulieu's dogs, Jasper and J.J., attacked and killed a miniature Yorkshire terrier named Gnocchi. It wasn't the first time the two animals had killed. Two years ago the animals attacked and killed a Pomeranian that was leashed on its own property; it was the second time the dogs had attacked it. A German shepherd was seriously injured by the same two dogs shortly after.

Beaulieu has also been banned from owning a dog for five years.

"Our key concern is safety to the community," said Sarah Premi, the city's solicitor. "For many years the owner has displayed a constant disobedience for the rules ... and safety of the community."

She said history speaks for itself when the two dogs, which were under a muzzle and leash order, were running at large and killed another dog.

"It is absolutely crucial he is prohibited from owning dogs," Premi told the judge. "For three years the neighbourhood has been terrorized by those dogs,"

Since the attacks didn't involve humans, Cowan said she could not justifiably give the maximum in this case and reduced the ban to five years. She said the owner, who pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to exercise reasonable caution for failing to prevent the dogs from attacking, did not perform due diligence in dealing with the animals.

"Three previous attacks warranted a higher level of responsibility over the animals," Cowan said. "It's not as if Mr. Beaulieau didn't know the dogs were vicious and had potential to injure other animals."

Beaulieau was fined $2,500 for the charge under the Dog Owner's Liability Act and $300 each for charges under the Port Colborne dog owners bylaw..

"This truly highlights irresponsible dog ownership," said Welland and District Humane Society manager Ted Bettle. "It's unfortunate these dogs had to pay the price of irresponsible ownership."

Jennifer Foster, who lives two doors down from Beaulieu, said she was relieved the two dogs won't be causing any more problems in her neighbourhood.

"I'm glad those dogs are being destroyed and I'm glad he is being banned from owning dogs," Foster told The Leader after the hearing adjourned. "The neighbourhood will be safe again, and that's what we wanted."

Police continue to investigate a break-in at the Port Colborne animal shelter where the two dogs were held. On Oct. 29 the two dogs were stolen from the shelter. They were found by police at a Port Colborne residence two weeks later.