Coroner’s Report: DNA Tests Confirm Dogs, Not Bear, Responsible for BC Woman’s Death

A tragic incident occurred in August 2021 when a woman lost her life while picking blueberries on a farm near Vancouver. Initially believed to have been a bear attack, a recently released coroner’s report now reveals that she was actually mauled by dogs from a neighboring property.

These dogs, which were only identified through DNA testing after another person’s death at the adjacent residence 17 months later, were responsible for the death of 54-year-old Ping (Amy) Guo at the Pitt Meadows farm.

Following this devastating event, Ms. Guo’s husband and daughter have filed a lawsuit against the owners of the blueberry farm and the City of Pitt Meadows, alleging negligence in ensuring her safety.

Updated in June 2023, the lawsuit also names Baljit Haer as the dog owner, who is reported to be deceased but formerly lived on the property next to the farm.

The defendants have individually denied any negligence in their responses to the lawsuit, initially filed in February 2022.

The lawsuit seeks general and special damages for the loss of Ms. Guo’s care and guidance, as well as covering funeral expenses and other related costs.

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Mr. Haer and an unidentified woman are also listed as defendants. In a response filed by Mr. Haer’s lawyer in November, it is denied that he owned a dangerous dog, as claimed in the lawsuit. Instead, it is stated that Mr. Haer took proper precautions to supervise and control the dog and refutes any allegations of negligence.

The coroner’s report confirms that the dogs involved in Ms. Guo’s death were euthanized in January 2023. The investigation into the subsequent death at the property next to the farm is still ongoing.

During the time of Ms. Guo’s tragic passing, a social media post from the Conservation Officer Service suggested a bear might have been responsible, indicating the initial confusion surrounding the incident.