Owners who let their pets run free face a minimum fine of $167.71. CBC

The owner of a pit bull that attacked a woman at a beach on Monday has been fined $680, but one dog advocate says fines should differ depending on the nature of the offence.

The dog's owner received two fines, each worth $340 dollars — one was for having a dog running at large and the other related to the dog's attack.

Janet Chernin of Advocates for Responsible Dog Ownership wants the Halifax Regional Municipality to change the way it fines dog owners who commit offences.

The unleashed pit bull attacked a woman earlier this week. The victim suffered wounds to her throat, face and neck.

"Clearly it's not logical to have that fine structure. I'm glad the owner is being held accountable," Chernin said. "I do hope in future HRM council will revisit this issue and strengthen our animal services law so fines reflect the seriousness of an offence."

Owners who let their pets run free face a minimum fine of $167.71.

There have been nearly 100 reported dog attacks in HRM this summer.