Lawyers for the City of Richmond and Prabjot and Raj Nijjer have come to an agreement whereby the Nijjer's Rottweilers, Axle and Paris, will be released back to the family after sitting in the city pound for close to six months. The out-of-court settlement still hinges on approval by a court judge, which is scheduled to occur today (Friday) at 1:30 p.m.
The Nijjer's lawyer Joe Peschisolido said the settlement terms are similar to the ones reported by the News on Wednesday. In order to be released the family must meet several conditions, which may include dog training, mandatory muzzles and an indemnity clause.
(Check www.richmond-news.com Friday afternoon for full details of the agreement)
The dogs were facing a destruction order. The city deemed them dangerous following two incidents where public safety was questioned. Then in October, 2013, Axle proceeded to bite or nip a construction worker. They have contentiously been held at the city pound for close to six months and have faced health problems since, according to veterinarian records.
Among the things the Nijjers would agree to in exchange for the dogs' release are:
- Have the dogs undergo intensive professional retraining by a city chosen animal behaviourist
- Have Prabjot Nijjer attend dog training classes
- Allow periodic checkups by the city for three years
- Muzzle the dogs at all times
- Sign an indemnity agreement, indemnifying the city for any possible future incidents.
- Visit Henry Anderson elementary (the Nijjer’s neighbours) to educate children about the dogs
- Agree to a financial penalty of $3,000 for not complying to the conditions.
Lawyer Sandy Sihota for the Peschisolido and Company law firm noted there is case law in B.C. that has set similar precedence for settlements.
"In sum, we feel that we have been extremely reasonable in attempting to find a solution here," wrote Sihota in a letter to the city.
She noted punitive damages could double if the offer is rejected by the city and the court finds in favour of the Nijjer's settlement.
The issue has been highly contentious in the city since protesters took to city hall.
