Boy in Chadwick Lakes fall was frightened by dog
Chadwick Lakes
The seven-year-old boy who fell a height of five metres at Chadwick Lakes on Sunday was trying to get away from a barking Chihuahua when he slipped into the empty watercourse.
The boy remains critical after he suffered serious head injuries from falling onto a pile of rocks.
The police have spoken to the owner of the small dog, which was on a leash at the time, but are treating the case as an accident, sources said.
The boy was with his parents at about 3.35 p.m. in the area near the bridge accessible from the Mtarfa side.
Members of the Civil Protection Department brought the boy up, with six officers involved in lifting him up on a stretcher before he was rushed to hospital.
CPD director Patrick Murgo said this was an “unfortunate incident” in terms of safety.
Having a higher wall or railings around the edges of the watercourse could have helped. But, he said, the reality was that the authorities could not wall up everywhere in Malta and Chadwick Lakes was a place of environmental value.
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Cynthia Micallef
Dec 1st 2010, 17:39
Dear Robert,
We are all shocked and saddened by this news- know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May Luke have a speedy recovery.
Kuragg!
your cousin Cynthia
Alan Abela-Wadge
Dec 1st 2010, 07:22
My prayers are with your boy and with your family Mr. Micallef. Keep strong!
eric mamo
Dec 1st 2010, 04:54
When my parents realised my elder sister was petriifiied of dogs, they had thought that if she crossed the road to flee a dog that could cost her her life, so they introduced a puppy to our family. I thank them every day as the saddest period of my life were the six years when I was without a dog. I hope most young families learn from this experience and adopt a mutt instead of abandoning the family pet when the first baby arrives.
A Vella
Nov 30th 2010, 22:26
@ those who just want to blabber
Rather than all this "paroli fil-vojt", would your time not be better spent by saying a prayer for this little boy, so that he may quickly go back home and without consequence?
Antoinette Pace
Nov 30th 2010, 17:39
dear Robert dear cousin,i wish to tell you that me and my family are with you in this sorrow moment.Will pray for Luke that he`ll recover as soon as possible.
A Chircop
Nov 30th 2010, 14:49
To Mr Robert Micallef:
I also am the father of a boy, who's about the same age as your son. I can only imagine what you are going through right now. I hope your son recovers fully as soon as possible. Stay strong.
Analise Spiteri
Nov 30th 2010, 14:18
I was luke's summer school teacher for a while. I keep thinking about him all the time. May he recover quickly. To his family, i promise you my prayers.
to the general public; certain comments do no good. please keep in mind the pain people go through in certain situations. let us all be a bit more caring and show some respect.
Chris Ebejer
Nov 30th 2010, 14:02
But, he said, the reality was that the authorities could not wall up everywhere in Malta and Chadwick Lakes was a place of environmental value.
SKUZA BANALI!
A wooden fence would have make a decent protection that blends with the surrounding environment!
V Cassar
Nov 30th 2010, 13:35
If a child or an adult is scared of dogs, owner of dogs should pick up their dogs and away from the person. It is useless trying to persuade the person that the dog is tame, friendly and what not. My daughters are terribly scared of dogs and this scene occurs every time they meet a dog. It is not a matter of not loving dogs. This accident could have been avoided should the owner grabbed the dog and simply walked away. It is not a question of big dog or little dog..if you are scared of a dog you are scared and let's not classify human beings being more dangerous than dogs or vice versa.
Robert micallef
Nov 30th 2010, 12:27
Kindly note that at home we have a german sheperd who luke adores plesae stop hurting us with your comments. We don't need them. Thank you. And do not blame the woman with the dogs. She is devastated to say the least
L Formosa
Nov 30th 2010, 14:24
I really hope that the boy recovers, unfortunately some people have nothing better to do than try to blame others. They should only hope that nothing ever happens to them, cause you should try to walk in other people's shoes before talking.
smuscat
Nov 30th 2010, 19:44
Keep strong Mr Robert Micallef keep praying,I hope your boy recovers quickly so he can come back home with you all.
Paula
Dec 1st 2010, 09:57
HI Last year i was your son's teacher. I am so sorry to hear about this. Unfortunately i am not living in Malta and just heard about this unfortunate accident. You are all in my prayers. I really hope he will get better soon.
Gerard Cassar
Nov 30th 2010, 12:17
Fencing dangerous places to avoid people from falling by mistake to a lower level or into the water does not involve the environment, it is a must. Where there are waterways, including the sea, in towns or in the country where roads pass by there is always a fence of whatever kind. This applies to contiguous streets that are at different levels Hence if Chedwick lakes, a water course is contiguous to a public passage there must be a protection fence for pedestriuans and vehicles. Low fencing does not affect the environment, on the contrary..
R. Azzopardi
Nov 30th 2010, 12:16
Let's get real people. The boy got frightened by a chihuahua, not a rabid, snarling pit bull. This was an unfortunate accident and no amount of care would have prevented it (apart from keeping the kid indoors (go bozza)! I hope he recovers.
Victor Vella
Nov 30th 2010, 11:48
Oh for the love of God , the kid is young the dog was under control, and an accident happened.Let's just hope that the boy will come out of hospital without anything serious or serious repercussions.
N. Pace
Nov 30th 2010, 11:24
This was just an unfortunate incident, let us not go around wailing and shouting that dogs are dangerous etc etc. Yes there are dangerous breeds and owners should always exercise caution but let us not get into hysterics.
Humans are far more dangerous than animals......
Franco Farrugia
Nov 30th 2010, 11:00
If I had been where the boy was exactly, and had seen a cockroach, most probably the same thing would have happened to me as the boy - would the Police have, then, spoken to the owner of the cockroach. Come on, let s get real!
T Aquilina
Nov 30th 2010, 11:20
Exactly. Unfortunately it is in our nature to see if we can blame everything and everyone else for anything that happens but sometimes accidents do happen and it might not be anyone's fault. I hope the witchhunt days are well and truly over.
John Brincat
Nov 30th 2010, 11:41
Franco, I live in Madliena and I cannot even walk to mass in Ibragg (|I have to go by car) due to dogs running around in the road and chasing me and any other pedestrian. I have nothing against animals but I am scared of them. Most of them are not stray and belong to people living there.
People who like animals should seek to keep them to themselves !
duncan Tanti
Nov 30th 2010, 10:10
@c hanselmaybe he wasnt afraid but maybe he got a fright which is totlay different.how many times we got a fright from simple things which we are not afraid of???
micallef a.
Nov 30th 2010, 09:54
What a joke ! Attend a course to get used to animals ! Its the owners who
should get a course how to make sure that their dog does not foul on the
streets and pavements and make sure that their dog does not attack
anyone. One has a right to defend himself by ALL MEANS against any threat
from a dog, or against any nuisance by a dog or against any fouling on ones
doorstep.
N. Pace
Nov 30th 2010, 11:22
You obviously are a person that unfortunately has not been exposed to the unconditional love and joy that animals bring about and probably this unfortunate boy is in the same predicament as you.
As the report stated the dog was on a leash. It is an unfortunate incident but don't blame the dog and go into the discussion of fouling - it has nothing to do with this.
JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Nov 30th 2010, 09:46
This is an unfortunate accident. May the boy recover and get over it the sooner the better. he is only 7 years old and contrary to comments, "getting afraid of a Chihuahua is not normal", there are many grown ups afraid of cockroaches and/or mice. However, it would do him much good psychologically that he gets animal therapy.
Fencing all Malta? Well, do you mean fencing Dingli cliffs? And cliffs at Mellieha ridge?
maria delicata
Nov 30th 2010, 09:45
I disagree with Mr. Murgo - walling up is not environmental friendly and not aesthetic, but placing railings and crash barriers and also signs will help. there are many places which are death-traps in Malta and I agree that il-Maqluba is one of them.
life is precious and we cannot keep on taking such risks at the expense of the citizens!
please take action. and while you're at it have a look at all the rubble walls that are either about to explode or fall onto the roads every time there's some heavy rain. the road of San Martin l/o Wardija is an example not to mention the police barriers that one intelligent farmer decided to put on the edge of his field with the result that these are rusted and slipping onto the road and also the cane stalks a bit further up which hinder vision and obstruc drivers many a times.
Robert micallef
Nov 30th 2010, 09:40
im the boys father. Sorry but if this is the attitude of civil protection then we know why we have these death traps. I suggest u get another job. So we do tarmac in a place of environmental value which has meant cars r driving faster forcing people to the side. But it never crossed any ones mind that a Person can fall down ? This " it cannot happen to me attitude" has to stop in this country
j grech
Nov 30th 2010, 21:09
sir,
i hope you and your family stay strong and that your son regains a speedy recovery.an unfortunate accident with no one at blame your son was being a normal healthy outgoing 7yr old enjoying the freedom and fresh air . get well soon little one
c. hansel
Nov 30th 2010, 09:00
I feel sorry for the boy, hope he will get well soon.
Maybe he should attend some kind of course where he gets used to animals, as getting afraid of a Chihuahua is not normal.
Anyway hope he recovers soon.
Peter Korsten
Nov 30th 2010, 09:30
My seven-year-old son (who has high-functioning autism) is afraid of most dogs, although he's 'just' uncomfortable with pocket dogs. It's difficult to say why a child gets frightened; it might just have been the noise. My son has run into the street without looking when he got frightened by a dog.
May this little boy make a quick and full recovery from his injuries.
D. Fenech
Nov 30th 2010, 09:32
What if I tell you that I'm afraid of a cockroach or a bee the size of a 1cent coin. Do you think this is not normal? Shall I go to a course to get used to bees? It's just an unfortunate accident, and that's it.
And to the authorities, if you're going to build any walls or railings, do not go for bricks and iron... go for rubble walls and wood!
David Cassar
Nov 30th 2010, 09:55
I think what is not normal is your understanding of dogs. I have a Chihuahua, and no matter how small they are, they have a temperament and a superiority complex which far exceeds their stature. When they start barking at someone and getting at your legs with their teeth bare, it is very NORMAL for a small child to be afraid and panic.
I suggest a course not for the boy but for irresponsible dog owners who leave their dogs wandering about in the countryside or else do not keep them close when doing their walks etc.
S Vella
Nov 30th 2010, 10:08
@C Hansel
Fear is something that one does not have control over, and everyone is afraid of something so it is not a matter of attending courses, because with dogs it is not always the same, you cant take them for granted no matter what. Small dogs are sometimes worse than big dogs.
I am not talking specifically about this case, and I do believe that dog lovers have a right to enjoy their pets, but I think they should keep them always on a leash because it remains an animal and you will never know how it may react in different circumstances. We heared of several cases were the most faithful dog turned against his master.
It is very rude to see people with dogs who let them run around pestering others who also have a right to keep themselves away from animals if they do not feel comfortable with animals around.
This seems like a very unfortunate accident and I sincerely wish this young boy a speedy recovery and pray for him and his family.
george mifsud
Nov 30th 2010, 10:19
''Maybe he should attend some kind of course where he gets used to animals, as getting afraid of a Chihuahua is not normal''
whats the big deal if the small dog frightened him with its barking............he just 7 and is very normal to move away from the barking dog although its a chihuahua.............this accident could happen anywhere as i saw a child that ended in the middle of the road with a fright from a small barking dog, but lucky for the child no cars were approaching at time of incident..............
wishing the kid quick recovery ..........
G.Mifsud
P. Theuma
Nov 30th 2010, 10:29
'Maybe he should attend some kind of course where he gets used to animals, as getting afraid of a Chihuahua is not normal.'
Please note that Chihuahas can tend to be very aggressive... I know as I own one.... so please do not state that this boy's behaviour is not normal....... alot of 'grown-ups' are afraid of much more less scary animals or insects.... like cochroaches so..... please.....
MT Caruana
Nov 30th 2010, 10:29
What do you mean he is not normal !!! I hope you are joking!
It may be that when he was younger he was bitten by a dog, any kind of dog so he gets scared from dogs, I have friends like that ,grown up friends I mean and they are normal trust me!!!!
Or could it be maybe he did not see the dog , he only heard it barking and he thought it was a bigger dog?? No one knows.
What matters is that this young boy recovers asap. I wish him well.
Marianne Tabone
Nov 30th 2010, 10:39
C. Hansel, I think people should not frighten little children of dogs! Most dogs do not attack people or other dogs!!! So excessive fear is not reasonable. And on top of it this minuscule dog was on a leash! It would cause great inconvenience if dog owners cannot take their dog for a walk even in such a place which is not so frequented by people. I think that big dogs should be muzzled when they are taken outside and should not be allowed to roam about free. The sight of a large dog may frighten not only children but also grown ups. But a small dog on a leash is as safe as can be. I am a dog lover and I take care never to take my small dog (or any dog I had in the past) outside without a lead. And she is friendly although rather noisy. May God be with this boy that he may recover soon and God give strength to his parents.
yaz tabone
Dec 1st 2010, 08:09
c. hansel - i do hope you're trying to wind people up, n not really so dumb
i am PETRIFIED of cockroaches, i will rather jump the 2 storeys than have one next to me. once i saw a cockroach and freaked out, pushed everything out of my way and closed myself in the shower room to cry and have a panic attack - n you know what - it was a dead one!
so if you think that it isn't normal for a lil boy to be scared of such an ugly dog, then maybe you should do a course in common sense. i hate those rat like dogs, n obviously he did too!
GET WELL SOON LUKE!! xx
Tonio Farrugia
Nov 30th 2010, 08:55
Mr. Murgo please go to inspect the "safety" measures at Il-Maqluba at Qrendi since at the moment the place is a death trap.
J Galea
Nov 30th 2010, 08:52
My prayers are with this boy's family.
I beg to disagree on the authorities not being able to wall up everywhere around the Maltese islands. Does a negligence action have to be brought in our courts for our safety culture to change? Chadwick lakes is a place of recreation known to be frequented by Maltese for decades. It is only reasonable and proper to wall up or put in fences in critical areas and a bridge's whereabouts would seem to be a critical area. The authorities could not very well argue that they had discharged their duty of care in this situation, although personally I am sure current officials have done their best. Over several years there have been endless letters and comments in the press about the lack of fencing in critical areas, e.g., some of the bastions in Valletta and in particular St Barbara Bastion, which is well below a safe level for residents and visitors alike and in particular small children, who could fall over any minute. Has anything been done there to erect an extra piece of railing of 140m that could save lives?
DVella
Nov 30th 2010, 09:46
Oh for crying out loud man, GET REAL ! You want safety fencing all around the coast?? Catch nets all along Dingli cliffs . . . ?? This was an unfortunate accident . . . it's not as though someone falls over the edge and seriously injures himself every day at Chadwick lakes . . . to be honest it is the first time I can recall such an incident ever happening . .
Someone really needs to look into why this child was terrified of such a small animal to the point of total blind panic . . . this is not normal behaviour, particularly since the dog was on a leash! Had it been a ferocious German Shepherd without a leash pursuing him it would have been understandable but a Chihuahua . . . on a leash . . . that's like running away in panic from a mouse with long legs when it's caught in a trap!
D Muscat
Nov 30th 2010, 10:52
I am very sorry for the boy but it doesn't make any sense to wall the whole area. Apart from being a recreational area, it is an almost unique natural environment on this island. Thus, walling the whole area would be quite foolish. Accidents do happen. What is not normal is the fact that a human being is afraid of a chihuahua. It may be true that they are unsightly as creaturs but surely not fearsome.
@ Tonio Farrugia
Walling Maqluba? Are you serious? It is very true that it is dangerous but on the other hand I'm sure that you don't take your kids there as I am sure that you don't allow your kids to cross Aldo Moro street in Marsa at half seven in the morning. Maqluba is a geological treasure and thus should be left un touched.