SWAKOPMUND – An unvaccinated Staffordshire bull terrier that attacked a four-year-old girl in Mondesa, Swakopmund, will be put down.

The mauling, according to the Namibian Police, occurred on Friday in Olivia Haufiku street near the Mondesa clinic. 

Inspector Ileni Shapumba yesterday told New Era the owner of the dog was not home when someone known to him was seen removing the dogs from his yard.

The person allegedly lost control over the dogs.

“This caused the dogs to run in separate directions. The bull terrier then attacked the little girl,” said Shapumba. 

According to him, the victim sustained serious injuries, including open wounds on her right leg.

Owner warned 

Spokesperson for the Swakopmund Municipality Linda Mupupa yesterday told New Era that although the dog was removed without consent, the owner was warned two days before the attack.

“This is the third incident reported against this dog. He received a warning from the Animal Control Department two days before the incident,” she said. 

According to her, municipal laws indicate dogs have to be on a leash when out of the yard or in any public space. Residents are also only permitted to have four registered dogs per household.

“This dog owner is known to have five unregistered dogs on his property. However, only the dog responsible for the attack was seized by the police on Friday. It was confirmed yesterday that the dog will be euthanized, as there is no proof of vaccination,” Mupupa said.

According to her, the dog owner has since visited the girl in the hospital and pledged to fully support the victim and the family.

- edeklerk@nepc.com.na