Bertrand Borg
Mother’s warning after dog scars baby
A mother has warned parents never to leave their children alone with their pets unattended after her one-year-old daughter was scarred by a family dog.
The baby girl was at her grandparents’ home last Sunday when she was attacked by the dog, a cross-breed between a pit bull and a hunting dog (tal-kaċċa).
She suffered grievious facial injuries and significant scarring but should make a full recovery.
“Not in a hundred years would I have expected something like this to happen,” said the mother”, who asked not to be named.
The dog’s been in the family for years and was never aggressive. My daughter used to play with her all the time.”
Expressing relief that her daughter was not more seriously hurt, she added: “If nothing else, perhaps this can serve as a warning to other parents. No matter how sweet the pet, a dog is an animal and you can’t predict its behaviour.”
Her warning was echoed by Dogs Trust campaigns manager Sarah De Cesare.
Expressing her dismay at the attack, Ms De Cesare said: “We advise pet-owners to never leave dogs alone with children, no matter how friendly the dog is with people. We also advise parents keep their children well away from the dog’s food bowl, bed and toys.”
Initial reports attributed the attack to a pit bull but the mother confirmed it was in fact a cross breed.
Maltese legislation prohibits the importation of four dog breeds, including the American pit bull terrier.
Sunday’s incident will raise concerns about dog breeds which are considered to be “dangerous” but dog experts insist the perception of certain breeds being overly aggressive is a myth.
“No dog is born aggressive,” dog trainer Robert Spiteri said. “They either turn out that way because of bad experiences or else they are made to be aggressive through selective breeding.”
Animal welfare officer Janice Chetcuti spoke in similar terms. “Poodles are just as likely to bite you as pit bulls or Rottweilers. One is not more likely to be aggressive than the other.”
Some countries have introduced breed-specific legislation, making it obligatory for owners to leash and muzzle certain breeds when out in public. Proposals in the UK also seek to make muzzling obligatory for certain breeds in households. But according to the three experts, pet education is more effective in controlling aggressive behaviour than breed-specific legislation.
Stressing that she was speaking in general terms and not of Sunday’s incident, Ms Chetcuti said: “Before owning a dog, owners need to educate themselves as to what owning different breeds entails.
“Many people get dogs without taking their character or lifestyle into account.”
“Legislation needs to deal with aggressive dogs based on the actions of a dog rather than its breed,” Ms De Cesare said.
She suggested introducing “a more effective anti-social behaviour control system” which monitored owners of dogs with a history of aggressive behaviour, whatever the breed of dog.
It would be helpful, Mr Spiteri said, if dog owners were required to complete a basic pet ownership training course before being allowed to own a pet.
But although Ms Chetcuti agreed, describing such a requirement as “a utopia”, Ms De Cesare was somewhat more reticent, saying that a licensing scheme would make dog ownership harder for the financially disadvantaged and simply encourage owners who mistreated their pets from registering them.
The mother of the mauled child, meanwhile, sighed with relief at what could have been.
“I’ve heard of dogs abroad killing children. My daughter is a toddler and God willing the scars will fade as she grows older. All I want is for parents to know that it only takes a second for a dog to attack. It could have been so much worse.”
Not man’s best friend
A 1998 legal notice forbids the importation of four dog breeds – pit bull terriers, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero.
Some countries and US states have enacted breed-specific legislation, essentially prohibiting or restricting the ownership of certain dog breeds which they consider to be “dangerous” or “vicious”.
In some countries, owners of such dogs are required to muzzle and leash their pets when in public spaces.
A 2000 report published in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association analysed US-based deaths caused by dog bites between 1979 and 1979 and 1998.
It found that although around 50 per cent of dog-bite related deaths were attributed to pit bulls and Rottweilers, “fatal attacks represent a small proportion of dog bite injuries to humans and, therefore, should not be the primary factor driving public policy concerning dangerous dogs”.
What is it that makes a dog bite?
• Male dogs are 6.2 times more likely to bite than females.
• Sexually intact dogs are 2.6 times more likely to bite than neutered dogs.
• Chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite than unchained dogs.
Source: Gershman & Sacks, Which dogs bite? A case-control study of risk factors (1994)
Reality postmen face every single day
Getting attacked by a vicious dog is many people’s worst nightmare, but for some postal workers, it is a reality they face every single day.
“We get numerous incidents of dogs attacking our postal workers and there have been occasions when police reports have been filed.
“Some of our workers have had to receive medical attention following dog attacks,” a spokesman said.
In some cases, dogs lie in wait for postal workers right behind the letterbox, ready to pounce the moment a hand reaches in to deliver the post.
“As Maltapost, we would like to see some form of legislation or regulation which would protect our workers from all domestic animals,” the spokesman concluded.
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Victor Laiviera
Nov 16th 2011, 13:48
"n recent years, the dogs responsible for the bulk of the homicides are pit bulls and Rottweilers:
"Studies indicate that pit bull-type dogs were involved in approximately a third of human DBRF (i.e., dog bite related fatalities) reported during the 12-year period from 1981 through1992, and Rottweilers were responsible for about half of human DBRF reported during the 4 years from 1993 through 1996....[T]he data indicate that Rottweilers and pit bull-type dogs accounted for 67% of human DBRF in the United States between 1997 and 1998. It is extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities." (Sacks JJ, Sinclair L, Gilchrist J, Golab GC, Lockwood R. Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998. JAVMA 2000;217:836-840.) "
http://dogbitelaw.com/dog-bite-statistics/the-breeds-most-likely-to-kill.html
Stephanie Mejlak
Nov 16th 2011, 12:36
First of all Pitbulls are not more aggressive or less then any other dog can be. IT IS just a myth.
2nd Yes its important that around younger children you need to be more attentive, younger children don't know that if you pull a dog's tail or ear.. might hurt him or bother him.. they don't know that if you touch his food he might not like it.. Its not the dog's fault, and its not the child's fault.. ITS THE OWNER.. that must at all times be supervising the child.. and the dog..
Neil Zammit
Nov 16th 2011, 10:10
And another thing, MS Sarah De Cesare. instead of telling people to keep children away from dogs, YOU as a Dogs Trust campaigns manager should teach dog owners how to control their Dog.
Keeping the kids away from the dog isn't really helping the dog be in a calm, submissive state of mind. The PACK should never be separated and the dog has to know that the PACK LEADERS are us humans.
Loving our dog doesn't mean shower him with cuddles all the time. It means help the dog be calm and only praise when he is. I know lots of people who pet their dog when he's angry, thinking it will calm him down, when all it does is encourage the dog.
EDUCATE DOG OWNERS PLEASE!
Sharon Linwood
Nov 16th 2011, 16:54
Mr. Zammit,
Had you read the comment correctly, you would have noticed that Ms. De Cesare did not tell people to keep children away from dogs, but to never leave dogs alone with children.
“We advise pet-owners to never leave dogs alone with children, no matter how friendly the dog is with people. We also advise parents keep their children well away from the dog’s food bowl, bed and toys.”
Dogs Trust has had an education programme in place since September 2009, holding free workshops by a fully trained education officer in all schools in Malta and Gozo. Education in responsible ownership is highest on its list of importance.
Neil Zammit
Nov 17th 2011, 11:08
Sharon the dog should always now it's place in the pack. If a child wants to play with the dogs toys, the dog isn't the one that should stop him from doing it. The dog should know that the human is his pack leader and no dog follower who knows the human is his pack leader ever attacks a human. Just like in the wild, the Alpha Pack Leader is never challenged by his followers.
But on the other hand leaving a child alone should never be an option relevant if there's a dog, cat, bird or just nothing. I've all been children and we know at that age we get in trouble as soon as no one is looking.
Rocco Camilleri
Nov 16th 2011, 08:21
What a nice dog. It looks like a heavy weight boxer. Never give a chance to any animal, thats why they are called so. Hopefully the child will get well soon.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 16th 2011, 10:13
A dog lover will look at that picture and think the dog is cute. I, for starters, think so. You can see the power in the build of his skull but you can also see a playful and mischevious look in his eye.
Gerry Cowie
Nov 15th 2011, 22:53
I am disgusted by this attack by a vicious dog upon an innocent child.
I am also disgusted by the lack of at least 200 further comments from animal lovers who are always very quick to comment as to how people who hurt them should be hanged, drawn and quartered! Why are those same people not flooding the comments here?
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 16th 2011, 19:26
And I am disgusted by YOU!
Kurt Mifsud
Nov 17th 2011, 08:11
I'm with Reinhard
Mr Kevin Zammit
Nov 15th 2011, 21:02
I sincerely doubt this picture is that of a pitbull-tal kacca mix. This looks like a pure breed bull terrier. The pitbull/kacca I have seen almost all looked more like tal kacca with the same sized head ad mouth. Chances are its bite would not have been any stronger than that of any other tal kacca minus its temperament plus its body weight and strength.
Alex Buds
Nov 15th 2011, 20:00
"“Not in a hundred years would I have expected something like this to happen,” said the mother”, who asked not to be named."
It's a cross breed between a PIT BULL and a HUNTING DOG, hanini. Wake up and smell the coffee...
Chris vella
Nov 15th 2011, 17:41
the dog should be put down ASAP
victor bonello
Nov 15th 2011, 20:12
@ Chris Vella.. how can you be judge and jury, without knowing what happened? did the child poke its finger in the dogs' eyes? did she bite or hurt the dog? dogs are a man best friend, I have had them since a child for over 50 years and never a bad expeirnce, which is much more then I can say for my 2 legged friends!!!
l vella
Nov 15th 2011, 21:16
@victor bonello
did you ever have pit bulls ?
these dogs are breed for fighting, no two ways about it.
i breed dogs, i could pull their ears and poke them and pull their tails............nothing ever happened but they werent pitbulls
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 16th 2011, 08:05
Mr. Vella, Let's just for the sake of the argument bring up a typical scenario. Kids playing in a playground and get into a friendly fight. One of them visciously scratches the other in the face and scars him badly (very common occurance). Does the kid get put down?
Douglas Mathias
Nov 15th 2011, 17:03
“No dog is born aggressive,” dog trainer Robert Spiteri said. “They either turn out that way because of bad experiences or else they are made to be aggressive through selective breeding.”
I think you should pick your experts so they can at least be somewhat logical. According to the dog trainer Robert Spitieri (quoted above), dogs CAN be aggressive at birth (because they are bred to be so), or else selective breeding acts on the dog only after birth, which I somehow doubt. You'd want this man training your dog? I can only hope for his sake he was mis-quoted.
Robert Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 17:26
Sorry, but you have no clue what you are taking about! Robert is an expert and a wonderful dog trainer at that and yes in the vast majority of cases it is man to blame for acts of violence on behalf of dogs. He trained a lot of dogs and helped many owners and pets alike. Moreover I personally know of a lot of cases of individuals who should never have been allowed to raise particular dogs because they have no clue how to train them nor how to handle them. Some dog breeds are more demanding than others or require a particular kind of handling which not everyone is capable of delivering.
Mr Alfred Baldacchino
Nov 15th 2011, 16:45
Along the years I and my family owned various types of dogs and cats.We still do. But we always
managed to keep our distance from them.- both for safety and hygiene purposes.
Robert Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 17:33
You keep your distance??? What is the purpose of keeping a pet if you keep your safe distance from him? By any chance? Are you one of those who keep their pet on the roof or in a yard 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week?
T Gauci
Nov 15th 2011, 15:56
"Male dogs are 6.2 times more likely to bite than females."
BS
R. Mazzitelli
Nov 16th 2011, 07:41
i really thought it was the other way round!!
Zagroma Savrene
Nov 15th 2011, 15:53
The child is most likely at complete fault here, it is very likely the child made obscene gestures at the dog, or perhaps provoked the dog in other manners, to which the dog responded aggressively.
Lydia Pace Workman
Nov 15th 2011, 15:51
All animals can be temperamental, actually, no different than human beings. Some dogs are bred to be aggressive purposely, however, all breeds can be vicious if either threatened, disturbed or simply for no reason whatsoever. Various family members or friends have had negative experiences with domestic animals for no apparent cause. My daughter was bitten by a dachsund who had been in our family forever and had never showed any predisposition for being dangerous. No one was disturbing him, he was asleep and my daughter just nonchalantly walked in the room. I also had a Labrador who buried a bone in the garden weeks earlier and when my five-year-old was playing in the vicinity of the bone he jumped up and went for her jugular, had I not been right there our lives would be destroyed forever.
Mr Christian Muscat
Nov 15th 2011, 15:33
Dogs have accompanied humans since the early times. The dogs were bred in order to satisfy the human needs and this was shown through the selective breeding for specific jobs forming more or less the different dog breeds we find in our age. The Siberian Husky was bred as sled dogs, the Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve birds, Scent hounds to follow smells, the Chihuahua to catch the indoor mice and every breed had its explicit job. The dogs are born with their instinct based on genetics from their parents. The stronger the parents instincts the more professional the offspring will be on that behavioral instinct. Today we are breeding our dogs to be apartment dogs that live with today human needs, but they are still born with their natural instinct although reduced. Unfortunately like the American Pit Bull Terrier was bred to bait bulls and bears. This is all based on my personal theory from dog ownership experience and reading on dogs. Fortunately, all dogs give the most affectionate love to their owner.
Wilfred Camilleri
Nov 15th 2011, 14:39
Many jurisdictions in North America are banning the breeding of Pit Bulls and similar aggressive breeds of dogs. In Ontario for example, In Ontario for example, the Pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and the American pit bull terrier cannot be bred. Those that already have such dogs must leash and muzzle them and must spay or neuter them. These breed of dogs are often very friendly but are very unpredictable. Many owners train them to be agressive and use them as guard dogs but they are dangerous.
selwyn marock
Nov 15th 2011, 15:29
Wilfred you are correct,dogs are unpredictable a little like that Korean that walked into the Columbine University armed to hilt ,killed 38 students,wounding many others,OOPS he is not a dog.
You refer to Ontario,the Illustrious McGuinty,his advisor was a fellow Michael Bryant who got bored of Murdering Dogs,got into to his car one night and went after Cyclists,only managed to kill one Cyclist before he was stopped by the cops what bad sports they are.
Times of Malta Reader
Nov 15th 2011, 14:32
Poor baby :(
Albert Farrugia
Nov 15th 2011, 14:28
Maybe my opinion might seem very distant from what most people think, but I never really understood why people complicate their lives unnecessarily by keeping animals at home. The owner has to go through so much inconvenience...taking the dog to walk at 5 am, cleaning after it, having to find it a temporary home when the owner goes on holiday..the list is endless. And now that a mentality against animal cruelty is growing, I hope I would see the day when keeping an animal as a pet would be considered cruelty to animals, and banned. I love animals, but in their natural environment. Keeping an animal caged, or in an enclosed garden or room, is cruelty, and the animal will sometimes hit back, as in this case.
selwyn marock
Nov 15th 2011, 15:08
Yeah I had 6 Maltese-Poodles I released them into the Forest where I live,worked out well they hunt Buffalo,my one Maltese mated with an Elephant,very keen to see the off-spring.
I also want to talk Rubbish.
Mr F J Brincat
Nov 15th 2011, 15:11
Well, yes, it is your opinion.
Joseph Galea
Nov 15th 2011, 15:36
What utter poppycock!
I wonder what the natural environment for a small Yorkshire terrier is? The Yorkshire moors?
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 15th 2011, 16:38
Keeping a pet is not very different to raising children Mr. Farrugia. On the contrary, children are rarely grateful whereas a dog is always happy to be with you.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 15th 2011, 16:39
@Selwyn Marock
hahahah this is one of the funniest posts I've ever read! keep 'em coming! :-)
Ms Samantha Debono
Nov 15th 2011, 17:47
Hilarious! Please Mr. Farrugia, pray tell, what is a domestic dog's natural environment?!?! You should definately continue to share these pearls of wisdom with the rest of the Maltese population since we are definately at a loss without your divine intellect!!! Utter RUBBISH!
Accidents happen! Moral of the story.... However sweet the dog might be, you should never leave such young children unattended with the animal! I own a pitbull terrier myself, she is the sweetest most loving dog on the planet! So NO, these dogs are NOT born aggressive! They are NOT innately vicious! They are loyal and loving and friendly animals. Even so one must remember that they are ANIMALS, some of which might have stronger predatory instincts than others. So leaving a child unattended with a large dog is never a good idea, however friendly the dog may be...
Rachel Agius
Nov 15th 2011, 14:05
Since the child was left alone in another room, I guess no one will know what really happened. When I was about 2 or 3 years old, I was in the same room as about 4 other people and accidentally fell over on top of the family dog, who was asleep at the time. He panicked and bit my face before realizing what happened and letting go. This was the same dog who would not leave my side when I was asleep and patiently played with a toddler who could not have been an entirely gentle and careful playmate. A dog does not necessarily have to have a bad temperament or 'bad breeding' to show what we perceive as aggressive behaviour. Sometimes it's a natural reaction to being hurt or startled, which simply emphasizes why small children [and even some older children, if they are not familiar with dogs] should not be left unattended with even the best behaved family pets.
E Schembri
Nov 15th 2011, 13:37
Dogs should be banned from public spaces all together.
It is quite clear that the majority of dog owners don't give a damn about other citizens. Just look at the mess found in every single road. Nobody cleans up after their dog. They only carry a plastic bag just in case they meet a warden, otherwise it is the same clean plastic bad day after day. They also expect us to tolerate their dogs running around our children freely off the leash. If they love their dogs so much, they should keep them at home all for themselves. If they don't have their own garden for the dog to exercise and relieve its self, then simply DON't own a dog!
Get a cat, bird or something else that you can keep inside you home. The public roads are not a dog loo or dog playground!
George Smith
Nov 15th 2011, 14:10
@ E Schembri … Dogs should be banned from public spaces all together.
Why because you are not animal lover? I agree with you those who responsible have to clean before the dog.
Lots of people throw rubbish outside the skips and outside their house. Lokk around the country side and in public area. What is your comment about this?
Ms Sylvia Zammit
Nov 15th 2011, 14:21
E.Schembri - are you serious? Obviously, you have never experienced the richness a pet can add to life.You have probably never heard of the work that dogs do when it comes to helping locate and rescue people, sniff out drugs and explosives, working as Therapy dogs etc etc,I'm sorry for you - you may be rich in money and possessions for all I know, but I consider you poor if you were never allowed to bond with a pet!
This incident is very regrettable - I hope the child gets over the emotional scars as well as the physical scars-quickly.My symphaties to the adults involved - I can imagine how guilty they must feel. The fact is, both children and dogs can be unpreidictable! There is no reason to get rid of the family pet just because you have a new baby.However - ALL children and ALL pets (not just dogs!) must never be left unsupervised for a single minute. Personally, I feel it's unfair for a pet to be killed just because of 1 mistake, but it would be irresponsible to leave a dog with a small child-particularly a toddler. For a young child, pulling a pet's ear or tail is no different than pulling their mother's hair or earrings. Most dogs will put up with such treatment anyway-but there are always the exceptions, so it pays to supervise always.
Mr F J Brincat
Nov 15th 2011, 14:40
Sorry no. Don't agree. What you are saying is ban all cars since a couple of drivers are morons and cause havoc on the street. You generilse and tar everyone with the same brush - always a serious mistake.
In this country, since we are lazy bastards, we prefer to ban something altogether instead of ensuring that the law is upheld.
Joseph Galea
Nov 15th 2011, 15:44
E. Schembri your dogmatic "Nobody clean up after their dog" is pathetically absurd.
I pick up after my dog, every time, as do many other dog lovers that I observe. I agree that there are some idiots who don't, and they should be made to suffer the full penaties under the law. And these penalties must be made much, much stronger. Whenever I see someone who does not clean up after their dog I tell them to do so. It is indeed a pity that there is no stronger enforcement. Also, most dogs I see with their owners are always on the leash.
John Brown
Nov 15th 2011, 18:53
I have a plastic bag tied to my dog's leash but I also carry four more bags in my pocket..A dog normally messes more than once during a walk.
George Smith
Nov 15th 2011, 13:26
@ Malta Poast ... “Some of our workers have had to receive medical attention following dog attacks,” a spokesman said.
In some cases, dogs lie in wait for postal workers right behind the letterbox, ready to pounce the moment a hand reaches in to deliver the post.
“As Maltapost, we would like to see some form of legislation or regulation which would protect our workers from all domestic animals,” the spokesman concluded.
For the safety of the postman, they should ask the owner to pick up his letters from the post office. Simple as that!! Why always point our finger to every one?
M Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 13:25
Aggressive dogs are also a threat for anyone waking their own dog on a leash. In our 14 years of owning dogs we have been attacked more than once while out with our dog. No dog should be allowed to roam the streets unmuzzled and off leash. I pity mothers who pass by with their children in strollers only to see dogs slam into its house's front porch railings and scaring the mother and child silly.
I would not call 'training' utopia I would call it sensible!
ALFRED BRIFFA
Nov 15th 2011, 13:24
Visit this link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2061332/Jack-Ayton-2-rushed-emergency-surgery-mauled-Alsatian.html..... to read almost a true copy of incident in TOM. This time in UK
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 15th 2011, 13:20
Off Topic:
My feeling is that Malta has way-too-many irresponsible dog owners who do not even enjoy the company of their dog. They keep them as a warning... "Here lives a dog so don't even think of breaking in when my owner is not at home".
They inflict them on the community, usually early in the morning or late at night, so they can foul the pavement to their heart's content. You can't walk safely in Bugibba because of the dog-mess on every side-walk of every street. Even the rocky front is fouled including the man-made beach now known as the cat-litter.
That's how responsible dog-owners can be.
selwyn marock
Nov 15th 2011, 15:17
Yeah I agree,"DOWN WITH DOGS" us PERFECT HUMANS do not RAPE,MURDER,do acts of PAEDIAPHILIA yes we are being Persecuted by all these Dogs.
By the way this filthy beach called Cat-Litter was this messed by the Dogs or are we not sure the difference between a Cat and a Dog.
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 16th 2011, 20:03
@ Selwyn Marock::
Which part of "way-too-many irresponsible dog owners" don't you understand?
Are you by any chance familiar with Bugibba?
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 15th 2011, 13:18
I think this report is self-contradictory; in one instance it speaks of a"myth" but later says "certain dog breeds which they consider to be “dangerous” or “vicious”. Let us face facts... the Dangerous Dogs Act was not made for nothing.
Dogs will attack a human (even within the same home) in order to protect its owner from a perceived threat. An individual dog can only be understood by its individual owner and only if that owner spends lots and lots of time with that dog.
George Smith
Nov 15th 2011, 13:12
Il kelp ihoss daqs bniedem . Jaf jilab, jibki, ihoss, jifrah, jirrabja ..... l-unika haga li manduwx huwa jitkellem. Tfal dejjem ghandom joqodu il boghod mhux minn kelp biss ghanke qattuws jekk ma kunemx is sid tal annimal ma gembom. Mela kemm ghanna nibzaw minn huwa bzewg saqajn ? Kelb huwa wens fid dar l-iktar ghall minnu wahdu. Kelp issawtu u ittih b'issieq wara ftit xorta tarah gew jifrah bijk. Bniedem tamel dak kollu mieghu wara itijk bis-sieq . Hemm differenza kbira bejn kelp u bniedem. Jien naqbel li klieb ikunu bic cinqa meta ikunu barra u sidom ikun risponsabli inaddaf warajjom.
Marlene Hills
Nov 15th 2011, 13:10
This poor dog most probably had to be put down just for thinking it was doing its duty ,guarding its pack leader ie its owner and attacking anything it thinks is invading the space between its master and itself. That type of dog is bred as either a fighter dog or a guard dog and it is more of a bulldog than anything else. We had several cases like this in the UK and each time the owner was to blame even though the dog was always put down. When will people learn that there dogs suitable as tame pets and other breeds that aren't .
Alfred Fenech
Nov 15th 2011, 14:11
A cross breed between tal cacca and a pitbull is a very dangerous and temperimental dog.
People should think very carefully about mixed breeding , it can bring out the worst in animals.
The owner is asking for trouble !!! I am sure that there are more suitable family dogs for pets.
James Tyrrell
Nov 15th 2011, 12:45
It's amazing the number of people who have jumped to the defence of the dog in this case. If you people care so much about dogs where were you when Star was being tortured, tied up, shot in the face and buried alive? Where were you when the dog was being dumped in the skip? Where were you when numerous dogs were dumped in the sea to die? Where were you when the young dog was being nailed to a door? I'm an animal lover and in fact in most cases I prefer animals to people but if this dog had harmed anyone close to me especially a baby for God's sake I would have killed it on the spot.
The fact that it is not a full bred pit bull means nothing. The pit bull was specifically bred for fighting and even a cross will retain that innate instinct not to mention the innate link to its ancestor the wolf from which every dog on earth is descended. This dog was dangerous to begin with but now that it has tasted blood it is ten times more dangerous. As for this rubbish about not leaving a dog with a child it is just that, rubbish. There have been numerous cases in the UK alone of dogs attacking children and indeed adults whilst under the supervision of their owners. If you think you can separate a pit bull, cross or otherwise, from its target before it has its face ripped off you are crazy.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 15th 2011, 13:38
Quote: 'I would have killed it on the spot'.
And that is what I call having a civic sense, in today's day and age. You are nothing but a troglodyte! Repeat after me: 'I am a troglodyte'. You, that is.
Christina Pace
Nov 15th 2011, 13:49
If you were really an animal lover you would, like me, have volunteered at shelters around the island and you would have met a few pitbulls and changed your mind about their temperamant and aggressive tendencies. Powerful they are but no more prone than any dog to aggressive behavior. All dogs can and will bite influenced by certain factors, mainly; lack of training, restraint and discipline, being disturbed while playing, eating or sleeping. Of all the dogs I've had to wrk with
When Star was shot and buried alive, Gaia thrown in a skin, the 3 pharoah hounds, the dog burnt with no legs, the 3 pharaoh hounds found hanged in 2007, the little terrier with its nose sawed off in 2007, when that puppy was crucified upside down in Mosta, another 2 pharaoh hounds found floating in 2007 I was doing all in my power to educate people about responsable dog ownership, while helping out at local shelters where numerous dogs come in after suffering cluelty beyond reported cases, such as the dog that came in with all the skin on its back removed. I was also training my dog to receive the good citizen certificate. You on the other hand, I know, were sitting warmly in front of your computer criticising Malta on TOM for these cases and forgot to smell your own behind for a stink as you know as well as we all do that animal cruewlty cases are not limited to Malta.
Carmel Grima
Nov 15th 2011, 12:41
' No dog is born aggressive' Janice Chetcuti says. Pull the other one Janice, it has got bells on it.
Carmel Grima
W Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 12:55
@Carmel Grima
Just shows how much you don't know Carmel, just ask any dog trainer worth his salt.
Ignorance is bliss!
M Farrugia
Nov 15th 2011, 12:10
The baby girl was at her grandparents’ home last Sunday when she was attacked by the dog, a cross-breed between a pit bull and a hunting dog (tal-kaċċa). M tezisti ebda razza tal-klieb li hija marghufa bhala "tal-kacca" dan huwa titlu biss li jinghata lil certa klieb li jintuzaw fil-kacca.
j dough
Nov 15th 2011, 11:57
if someone feels they trust their dog and want to keep it as a family pet, they know the risks (or they should) and it is their decision. what irks me is that so many pet owners let their dogs out unleashed and unmuzzled where they are in close proximity to unknow humans, adults and children, who they may take it into their heads to attack for some reason or other.
dogs running in the street should be collected. owners walking their unleashed dogs should be fined.
j dough
Nov 15th 2011, 11:56
in malta we are notorious for letting our pets do whatever they like. we hardly discipline our children, let alone out pets. it certainly takes many long hours, days, weeks and months to train a dog and not many dog owners put in the required effort. i am sure some do but these are unfortunately in the minority.
so should not society be protected from these out-of-control animals??
i would like to suggest to the post office, rather than lament that their officials get attacked and bitten, they stop delivering mail to those households whose pets pose a safety hazard. having to go to the post office to collect their letters themselves will incite owners to restrain their pets since compassion and empathy does not.
certain breeds are illegal in malta - mixed or not, these animals should be put down. dangerous animals and irresponsible owners are an accident waiting to happen. we have seen horrendous attacks in other countries. no matter how sorry we are for the animal who is only reacting according to nature, now matter how much blame we pour on the owners, THE VICTIM is the innocent and aggrieved party. society has to be protected
Charles Sammut
Nov 15th 2011, 11:50
Has the dog been put down yet...or will he be given a suspended sentence??
LOUIS JOSEPH BORG
Nov 15th 2011, 12:13
a dog is a dog and parents should be more responsible not to allow any type of dog let alone a big dog near a toddler!
well i do not think the dog should be put down but must be kept away from children!
M Abdilla
Nov 15th 2011, 12:34
Putting the dog down would be a very unjust decision!
Charlene Schembri
Nov 15th 2011, 12:37
I agree with Mr Borg her.... the parents should be responsible enough to guard their dog, and most importantly their child!
Why should it been put down just because of theowners?! I have a very loving rottweiler myself, but still I don't even try to trust her with toddlers. she's muscled and can hurt toddlers easily
Charles Sammut
Nov 15th 2011, 13:03
In any civilised country...once a dog attacks a human being...that dog is put down!
If a dog attacks your toddler.....would YOU trust that dog with your child again??
I agree, the parents also are at fault for that incident. However, I'm sure the parents cannot be put down...there certainly should be legislation to charge the parents with negligence.
But once a dog gets taste of human blood..that dog has to be put down...
By the way..I love dogs, in fact we have one in our family and her name is Sally......so please do NOT label me as an animal hater!
..and the beat goes on...and the beat goes on......
selwyn marock
Nov 15th 2011, 15:01
Charles Sammut Please do not like me.You appear to want to put all the things you love to death.For the record it is understandable us the Perfect Humans are undoubtably are the most Dangerous and Vicious Creatures on this Planet and we love to to Kill something,anything,makes us HAPPY.
Charles Sammut
Nov 15th 2011, 17:05
@ Selwyn Marock
after reading your infantile comments,I not only will find it hard to like you....but I won't even bother to reply to your reply!..woof..woof...
...and the beat goes on...and the bat goes on......
Franco Farrugia
Nov 15th 2011, 18:00
@ Charles Sammut: Just because you have a dog at home does not mean automatically that you are an animal-lover.
Charles Sammut
Nov 15th 2011, 19:18
@ Franco Farrugia
as T.Camilleri so rightfully stated..."ignorance is bliss"....
..and the beat goes on...and the beat goes on...
Victor Laiviera
Nov 15th 2011, 11:24
As I have already said in another news item, people who keep large and dangerous animals, especially in a heavily populated place like Malta, are selfish and anti-social.
T Camilleri
Nov 15th 2011, 12:18
Ignorance is bliss
Charlene Schembri
Nov 15th 2011, 12:51
talking about being selfish.....
Patrick Bellia
Nov 15th 2011, 15:37
can you mention which are the large and dangerous animals, Elephant? Lion? Giraffe? I like your comment it changed my, maked me smile
Victor Laiviera
Nov 15th 2011, 16:53
@ Mr Patrick Bellia
Read and learn:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090901/local/bengal-tiger-in-mosta-warehouse.271757
Franco Abela
Nov 15th 2011, 11:12
@ G Portelli
But still a poodle can scar you for life.
All dogs CAN be dangerous... ANYONE and ANYTHING can have a bad day.... just don't let our children be easy victims.
It's our responsibility as parents. FULL STOP.
Charlene Schembri
Nov 15th 2011, 12:45
well said!
Stanley Colombo
Nov 15th 2011, 11:07
My father was bitten by a Yorkshire terrier without any provocation whatsoever. He required antibiotics and bandages, which the policeman whe spoke to urged him to recover costwise from the dog owner. When my father contacted her about this (she knew her dog had bit him) she irresponsibly refused, but at least her husband had the decency to refund him in full. All the way she kept swearing and saying that it's not fair!!!!
As I said in a previous post, an animal is an animal. It is not fair to impose a law on 'certain' breeds - it's like having the landlord case in 'The Times' who claims that 'no arabs or blacks are allowed to rent the property'. I fully agree with Mr. C Camilleri re the extent of damage a poodle can cause vis-a-vis that by a pit-bull, but we should not risk being bitten by any dog, whatever the size.
According to the penultimate paragraph of this article, getting 'unchained neutered bitches' should keep us practically risk-free....good to ponder upon....I say.....
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 15th 2011, 14:32
In your father's shoes Stanley, I would have sued them for the pain and distress if they were negligent with the dog. He didn't only suffer the cost of antibiotics and bandages. What he could have done ws, ask for compensation of €xxx and once refused, take it to a small claims tribunal. I believe that would have been possible.
About your final tongue-in-cheek remark/joke... do you know if that applies to wives as well? LOL!
Thomas Borg
Nov 15th 2011, 11:07
Wow i dont think i need someone to tell me not to leave my 1 year old child alone.....
Mark Vassallo
Nov 15th 2011, 11:06
In my front gatden I have a dog which is kept on a chain and can't reach the main entrance or the letter box, but she always barks for the postman. Onetime my wife saw the postman teasing the dog and when she confronted him all he sad was "niehu pjacir ninkija naqra". She told him that he should be aware and he should be responsabile for his action. surprisingly his reaction was just laughing.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 15th 2011, 13:07
Why in heaven's name do you keep her on a chain poor thing?
Joe Galea
Nov 15th 2011, 11:00
A best man's friend maiming youngsters and babies.Go figure.
Thanks to the TOM for this informative news article.
Frank Cachia
Nov 15th 2011, 10:48
I have nothing against animals, but I much prefer humans than animals.
To be on the safe side keep humans at home and animals at the farm, especially when there are children at home. When animals see that their usual attention that they receive is being diverted to someone else, they get jealous too.
D Bald
Nov 15th 2011, 12:09
"When animals see that their usual attention that they receive is being diverted to someone else, they get jealous too." -> you can easily replace animals by "human" in that statement...
Joanne Falzon
Nov 15th 2011, 13:03
i would say the opposite mr cachia..keep animals at home and humans in a farm... dogs get jealous and you have 2 give them the attention they need. i cant judge as i wasnt ther when it happened but i can imagine the dog got jealous for some reason. it is the peoples fault that things like these happen and the poor dogs always get the blame.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 15th 2011, 16:48
You have yet to experience life Mr. Cachia. Animals know no hate. Humans, on the other hand thrive on it!
Mr andreas bone
Nov 16th 2011, 03:38
@ Reinhard Azzopardi, spot on!
John Zammit-Spiteri
Nov 15th 2011, 10:47
Why dare leave a girl with such a dog? Do we have to state over and over again that such dogs are dangerous?
And what about other illegal pets like very dangerous snakes which were supposed to be banned from our islands? I hope that it is not true but there are rumours that there are people who own snakes like cobras and other very dangerous deadly snakes. What happens when these snakes escape and breed? Who can be sure as to how many are on our islands?
I think we are causing this with our own bare hands
Albert Farrugia
Nov 15th 2011, 10:45
I know my opinion is shared by very few, if anyone at all, but I have never understood the point of complicating one's life so much, and so unnecessarily, by keeping animals at home. Just like today there is so much awareness against animal cruelty, I wish for the day when the keeping of pets, in itself, would be considered as cruelty and so banned. Animals should live only where they belong, that is, in nature. Keeping animals trapped in cages, houses, enclosed gardens, or bound to a leash, is also a maltreatment, and so an act of cruelty. So much so that, sometimes, as in this unfortunate incident, the animals strike back.
Mr andreas bone
Nov 16th 2011, 03:51
If you call sleeping the majority of the day (in a big warm cot), eating 3-4 times daily, 3 long strolls, being cuddled regularly and live a care free life maltreatment, than Mr. Farrugia i want to be a dog and maltreated as much as possible :)
Adrian Schembri
Nov 15th 2011, 10:45
oh sure it's the dog's fault, it is perfectly acceptable to leave 1yr olds unattended... /sarcasm
Kurt Galea Pace
Nov 15th 2011, 10:23
You lost me at baby girl left alone with cross breed PIT BULL with Kelb tal kacca...... How intelligent!!! Pffftt
Charlene Schembri
Nov 15th 2011, 12:55
being left alone is already unacceptable :)
Yaz Tabone
Nov 15th 2011, 10:22
the owners are lucky it wasn't my child.. my son is not allowed to touch any dog, n when he keeps persisting i just let him touch his back whilst i hold the dogs head.. it's a risk i'm not willing to take. i am against animal cruelty but dont think it'll matter if my son was to be attacked
Joanne Falzon
Nov 15th 2011, 13:08
that is the worst thing you can do!!!! the dog has to smell the person whos going to touch him especially when your touching his back... you better be careful!!!!
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 15th 2011, 13:09
allow him to touch dogs. By doing what you're doing, you're only making him afraid of them. I am still afraid of rodents after hearing my mother scream when i was 5 years old.
Roderick Zammit
Nov 15th 2011, 10:18
The usual anti-terriers saga....long time ago there was a mail shot running about a terrier has bitten a poodle...now scars on a toddler... what else?!?! now the postal operators....if i'm not mistaken never saw a postman with a torn shorts....wait it was in home alone i last saw these things happens....:)
On a more serious note...dog owners know what are the risks when buying a terrier puppy and i know that dogs can be possesive in territories,even at home. But these can be protective to the owners and attackers to the strangers.
Peter Gatt
Nov 15th 2011, 10:14
There are quite a few dog owners who keep their dog precisely because it is agggressive and not because it is harmless. They use dogs as a form of securty protection for their property. However, in urban areas this practice is bound to result in problems with neighbours who have to endure hearing agressive dogs barking all day and the danger of bite attacks when the dogs are taken out in public. The standard excuse used by these owners (usually males in their 30s who project their insecurity by keeping an aggressive dog) is that the dog is harmless when in fact it growls at anyone who comes near it. I am sure we will be hearing more of such dog attacks in the future where children are the victims. I hope we get some legislation to protect decent people from rogues who keep aggressive dogs public display primarliy because they are agressive and not because they need or love their dog.
Mr C Camilleri
Nov 15th 2011, 10:12
Sorry to say and correct me if i am wrong but i stopped at the second paragraph when i read the words PIT BULL !!!!
Pitbull + Kelb Tal-Kacca = Large unpredictable dog definitely too dangerous even just the size, for such a small sized human being.
GENERAL SIDE NOTE : PAY ATTENTION TO ANY ALCOHOL OR STRONG SMELLS AS THEY CAN MAKE A DOG NERVOUS.
G. Portelli
Nov 15th 2011, 10:02
"Animal welfare officer Janice Chetcuti spoke in similar terms. “Poodles are just as likely to bite you as pit bulls or Rottweilers. One is not more likely to be aggressive than the other.”"
Funny enough as if a poodle will crush your bones as a pitbull or rottweiler. This is a ridiculous comparison. A poodle will bite you for sure but will not cause such harm as a pit bull. I've seen people walking their pit bull on the St. Julians pavement where children are running by. There should be a number were people can phone and report the existence of banned dogs. They are banned for a reason.
Christina Pace
Nov 15th 2011, 10:52
G. Porterlli have you never seen a standard poodle. Its head can reach your waist standing on 4 legs. And FYI pitbulls are not banned, their importation is only. FYI in a study oif thousands of dogs it was found that pitbulls are only more likely to bite other dogs and border collies exhibit more aggressive behavior to people than a bitbull especially to children running loose. Would you suggest that the lovely endeeringly named sheep dog also be eradicated?
Would you suggest that an anilmal who simply has a strong bite is more aggressive than a dog like the Dachsund (sausage dog) of which 1 in 5 have bitten starngers and 1 in 12 have bitten their owner? You think the size will make a difference if the teeth bit down on a baby's face. Statistically a poodle or a chihuahua or a dachsund is 6 times more likely to attack a human than a pitbull. If prevention is any measure of safety its should be the aggressive tendencies of the dog that count not the strenght.
The only reason pitbull importation is actually prohibited is the prevention of dog fighting. Many pitbulls have been abandoned at dog shelters precisely because they were not aggressive enough for the owner's likes. That speaks volumes about the owners and the dogs.
Jason Falzon
Nov 15th 2011, 11:23
Some poodles can be even larger then a pitbull, and I wouldn't bet my smallest finger on it not being able to inflict the same damage.
I am a dog lover, whatever the dog, but dogs have characters as well. Some of them recognise the owner as the leader of the pack. Similarly the kids could be mistaken as forming part of the pack and as such source of competition. Therefore pets yes should be loved and respected, but also monitored at all times especially around children.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 15th 2011, 11:28
You're right in sayin that a poodle's bite will not crush your bones however, I can vouch from experience that a miniature dog's bite can cause damage too. I have been bitten countless times by dogs. The only bite that drew blood was from a yappy little chihuahua.
j dough
Nov 15th 2011, 12:03
i totally agree - some dogs have exceptionally strong jaws. they are a danger to adults as well as children.
Unfortunately we have owners who persistently show their irresponsability by allowing their pets to roam unleashed and/or unmuzzled. The public expects protection from such. it is the law for ALL dogs to be kept on a leash, certain breeds to be muzzled and the illegal breeds to be put down.
do we learn nothing from the savage attacks in other countries that we read about ?
Hans Maerker
Nov 15th 2011, 12:38
@Christina Pace ... Your argument about the ban existing on the "import" of a Pitbull only and not on owning one lacks logic and is actually stupid. Pitbulls don't grow on trees here in Malta and the only way they can be possessed here is through an import in the first place. Since the import is banned, the logical consequence is that Pitbull Terriers are held here illegally by their owners.
selwyn marock
Nov 15th 2011, 10:02
Before a panic starts let me give you some stats,in the whole USA there less than 20 dog fatalities per year,all breeds.
Murder Human upon Human there are around 20000 per year.
Drowning there are around 3000 per annum,mostly children.
There 3 children per day being murdered by their own parents.
We have established there is no Pandemic of Pitbull attacks
Having said that I agree you do not leave a young baby with a dog nor a child under lets say 10,
reason,the baby might poke the dog in the eye and the dog or a child does not fully understand babies.
Christina Pace
Nov 15th 2011, 09:45
I agree there should be legislation that requires an education for all dog owners and the whole family. And not only large breeds that are considered dangerous. If a small dog is not disciplined then do not be shocked if it is bitten and killed by a large dog for pissing it off. Small dogs tend to be very sneaky. I know if I don't discipline my 6kg bitch she will get in trouble.
W Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 09:34
The dog is never usually the problem, its usually something the owner has done.
Jennifer Styevens
Nov 15th 2011, 10:47
I feel very sad for the child but I thought that everyone knew you should never every leave a child and a dog alone , that is common sense , however good and calm you might think your dog is it is after all an animal, sometimes though I would never say it is the case in this matter children can do very spiteful things to animals and obviously the dog will retaliate if its hurt
maria borg
Nov 15th 2011, 12:04
i fully agree with you, small children can poke dogs,and said the dog wasn`t a puppy it`s more likely that it gets bored and nervouse with a child`s kind of play.
dogs are a blessing with children but no parent should leave a child unattended with a dog cause small children can`t understand what is good or bad or what makes a dog nervouse.