After a 15-month-old child was fatally injured by two pit bulls in southern Italy on Monday, more checks on potentially dangerous dogs are needed. There is talk of introducing a permit for owners of fighting dogs such as pit bulls or rottweilers. In the meantime, more details about the tragic case are emerging. And the discussion around the subject of listed dogs also continues in Austria.
As Italian media reported, the dogs were usually in a kennel in another part of the property when the mother was there with the toddler. The two pit bulls belonged to the homeowner, a friend of the mother who rented the house from him.
Dogs were not locked up
However, on that fateful morning, the dogs were free on the property; the exact course of events has not yet been fully clarified. They had attacked little Francesco in his mother’s arms; the woman had also suffered serious injuries while trying to protect her child.
The woman’s two brothers, who visited the house, eventually managed to drag the dogs away and lock them up. The mother’s shocked sister told local media: “The dogs didn’t know the little one; when he was outside they were always locked up. My sister says they attacked him directly.”
“The veterinary office is now taking care of the animals”
The 15-month-old boy died from his injuries. The dogs were accepted by the veterinary authorities. According to the mayor of the town of Campolongo di Eboli, where the incident took place, they had not been noticeable beforehand: “The veterinary office will take care of the animals.” It is currently unclear what will happen to the dogs.
After the incident, stricter requirements for keeping such dogs are now being discussed. “We call for mandatory driving licenses for owners of particularly strong and dangerous dogs,” said the president of the consumer protection association Codacons, Carlo Renzi. In Italy, around 70,000 dog attacks on humans are reported every year.
Often used as guard dogs
Fighting dogs are often used, especially to keep an eye on houses and property. In 2007, a decree from the Ministry of Health published a list of 17 ‘dangerous’ dog breeds. These include breeds such as Rottweiler, American Bulldog, Argentine Dogo and Pit Bull.
The ‘blacklist’ of dog breeds was introduced following a series of incidents. However, from the beginning, criticism was expressed by various professional associations and experts. This led to the list being abolished in 2009.
There is no end to the debate in Austria either
A debate about dog breeds and private bite training also broke out in Austria last October after the tragic death of a jogger. Together with well-known animal protection organizations, the “Krone” is fighting to put an end to this harsh dog training. However, it currently appears that the upcoming amendment to the Animal Protection Act will only result in a new regulation of this critical training and not its abolition. “No dog of any breed is born bad, his environment makes him that way. You have to start at the other end of the line and oblige the owner to undergo training and in some cases also to obtain a driver’s license,” says Tierecke boss Maggie Entenfellner.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
