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Letter of the Day | Dog attacks a public-health concern

Published:Tuesday | September 24, 2019 | 12:00 AM
Pit bulls have been involved in bloody and sometimes deadly attacks in Jamaica.

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I read with great concern about the teacher who is currently battling for life after being mauled by several dogs, including pit bulls. They tried to attack the police who came to her rescue. The dogs were so ferocious that only the sound of the policeman’s gun made them retreat. It is assumed that these dogs will be euthanised quickly.

It is imperative that something be done to address this as a matter of public health and safety. This applies to any dog that is in public and not held by a leash – from the marauding mongrels in the streets to those ‘with pedigree’ in affluent neighbourhoods. Too often, innocent pedestrians become the main course for these blood-thirsty animals. Even a seemingly innocuous dog bite can transmit deadly infections.

It is hoped that the unfortunate victim in this recent attack survives. Even if her wounds heal, her psychological scars are likely to remain for a long time. It would also be of interest to know what consequences will be faced by the dogs’ owner for this tragic and avoidable incident.

CAROL MCDANIEL

macdee63@aol.com