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Archive -Seychelles

Concerns raised over dog attack at Mare Anglaise |18 January 2018

Seychelles NATION was approached a few days ago on the issue of repeated dog attacks in the north of Mahé, particularly in the Mare Anglaise vicinity.

The concerned resident claimed that these incidents have been occurring since last year and involve four German Shepherds belonging another resident at Mare Anglaise.

He alleged that the first dog attack took place in February 2017 whereby a tourist was bitten, followed by a similar attack in October of the same year.

“I have written to the minister for tourism, the president’s office and the police force and explained that these dogs are a danger to public safety,” the resident revealed.

But it would seem that his letter had no effect as another person was attacked -- “a Russian” the resident insisted -- by the same dogs one week ago.

According to the principal secretary for tourism, Anne Lafortune, the ministry has been made aware of that particular situation and its complaints unit has taken up the task of investigating the issue.

“We often refer these incidents to the police for further investigation and to the veterinary services,” she stated.

PS Lafortune added that some of these incidents have appeared before court but have fallen short due to a lack of evidence and proper legislation in regards to the control of dogs.

Marc Naiken, the chief executive of the National Biosecurity Agency, said that a more effective Dog Control Act is expected to come into force and replace that of 1982 once the National Assembly approves the bill.

He said that the Act comes with various restrictions especially in regards to dogs that are considered as dangerous such as German Shepherds.

“The owner will have to make sure these dogs remain in their compound, the area will have to be boarded or fenced properly and a signage that indicates that there are dangerous dogs on the premises will also be a requirement,” he said.

Mr Naiken affirmed that these regulations may be altered during its approval process.

Until such an act is passed PS Lafortune encourages all dog owners to act responsibly and leash their dogs while on the beach and in public areas.

“We cannot continue getting complaints from tourists about dog attacks or nuisance. It has to stop,” she asserted.

Since 2017 until now the ministry of tourism has recorded 7 cases of dog attacks, 9 cases of bothersome barking and 6 other cases related to dogs.

The spokesperson for the police expects to make a statement on last week dog’s attack today.

 

 

 

 

 

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