A WOMAN was bitten by two dogs yesterday, reportedly pitbulls, while exercising along Lady Chancellor Hill off the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain. Police said that while they were aware of the incident, which reportedly occurred around 6 a.m., they also said that the woman is yet to make an official report to the Belmont Police Station.
The Express also spoke to the head of the Port of Spain Division, Supt Raymond Thom, who reported that following the incident he had instructed that there be increased patrols along the popular jogging spot. He also promised heightened patrols in other areas in Port of Spain used for exercise such as Nelson Mandela Park and the Queen’s Park Savannah, as there had been complaints from users about unmuzzled and untethered dogs on the loose in those areas as well.
The Express visited Lady Chancellor Hill yesterday afternoon and spoke to joggers and several responded that, while they were aware about what happened, they would continue using the popular spot as it remains one of the safer areas to exercise.
A couple who were walking down Lady Chancellor Hill said that they heard of the attack and drove through the area to ensure that the dogs had been tied.
“At the time we were worried so we drove up before to ensure that the dog wasn’t there and make sure everything was safe; but there will always be a concern on our part, because it could always happen to anybody,” said the woman.
A man who wanted to be identified only as TC said he loved dogs but owners should keep the dangerous ones leashed.
“It is nice to have dogs but the owners of the property and the dogs must be able to be with them and have them on a leash to control it,” he said.
“They are really and truly man’s best friends, but we have to make sure that the owners of these pets have them under control,” he added.
Aspects of the Dog Control Act 2013/2014:
• The identified breeds which include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordsghire Terrier, American Bully, Dogo Argentinto, Japanese Tosa and Fila Brasileiro have to be licensed and must also be insured ($250,000 per dog) and be muzzled/leashed when these dogs are in public.
• Unlicensed/unsecured dangerous dogs can lead to fines of $50,000 to $100,000 and imprisonment for one year.
• If the dog injures or kills a person, the owner can be liable.
• Police officers have the power to seize and impound dogs not kept in accordance with the Act. The dog may be given to someone to care for, to an establishment for the reception of stray dogs or destroyed in a manner to cause as little pain as possible by a veterinary surgeon.
