In a tragic incident, a seven-year-old boy reportedly lost his life after being attacked by a Pit Bull at a residence in Anjuna where her mother was employed as a housekeeper. The dog viciously mauled the child, biting him on the cheek, neck, arms, and legs, leaving him severely injured and bleeding profusely. It must be said that it is not only stray dogs which pose a threat to the citizens but also ferocious breeds of pet dogs.
In August last year a Rottweiler had attacked two minor children in Taleigao. Last December a 10-year-old child in Camurlim was seriously injured after being bitten by a neighbor’s pet Rottweiler. A citizen was attacked at Cacra village near Dona Paula, when he had gone for an evening walk. In September last year the state government had considered banning certain aggressive breeds of dogs that posed danger to humans. However no concrete steps have been taken in this regard.
In cases involving pet dogs, the owner should be held liable and responsible if an attack takes place and necessary action should be taken for endangering lives. There needs to be guidelines in place for those keeping ferocious dogs as pets which have become a status symbol. Incidentally Pit Bull is considered as one of the most dangerous dog breeds in the U.S. and internationally. They are a very strong and aggressive breed and have been known to attack and kill people by overpowering them.
