Dog was attacked, owner gave false info. What to do?

Question

So here's the situation:

First of all this is all happening in Ontario

My friend's dog was attacked recently by a 6 month old boxer, which despite its age, was strong. She (the attacked dog's owner) was mildly injured as well. The boxer's owner then gave her false info most likely to avoid paying vet bills. The boxer's owner then entered a home in the area.

Afterwards:

The vet bill totaled to over $1000 (CAD). My friend was forced to pay out of her own pocket as she had been given false contact information. She also had to be vaccinated as no one knew whether or not the boxer had its rabies vaccine or not.

She called the police, and reported the house mentioned earlier. The police questioned the homeowner, and they allegedly told them they barely know the boxer owner, and that she was just coming in to get water (not even a name was given). This is presumably a lie because its unlikely someone would let a complete stranger and their dog into their house. Also it seems suspicious that the homeowner did not give any helpful info at all, they were clearly withholding info.

The only info we currently have is the dog and the owner's descriptions.

What can we do in this situation? We are certain the homeowner is withholding information.

Answer 1

If the victim is unable to prove who the culprit was, then it will be impossible to prosecute that person criminally or sue them for civil damages. Incidents like these are rarely enough to cause a police department to throw sufficient investigative resources at it to crack the case without some reason to believe that it is part of something bigger.

An unfortunate fact of life is that most perpetrators of crimes and torts get away with it and are not caught. And, if the only available witness is willing to lie to cover up the name of the guilty party (probably out of a desire to not have the dog put down), it is that much harder.

A private investigator might be able to solve the case, but the cost of hiring a PI would probably exceed the benefit that could be obtained if the PI was successful.