Police shed light on law relating to dog attacks in public places |19 January 2018

Following recent complaints of repeated dog attacks in public places, particularly in the north of Mahé, the police have shed light on the law relating to such offences.

Police spokesperson Jean Toussaint said for offences related to dogs, the law refers to criminal recklessness and negligence and this law can be found in the Penal Code Chapter XXIII 229 (d) which refers to animals in general.

“The offence most common in relation to dogs is when they bite a person or roaming around to cause a danger to others. Under the Seychelles Penal Code it states that if a person fails or omits to take necessary precaution against any probable danger from any animal in his possession is a contravention to the law,” he said.

He is advising members of the public to have their dogs on a leash and ensure that they have complete control over the animal so that it does not cause any danger to the public.

“There is nothing which stops a dog owner from walking their dog but as long as the dog can be fully controlled on a leash and is not causing any danger to any members of public,” he said.

He said in cases where dog owners do not take the necessary action to control their dog, the police can approach the owner and give the person a warning and the person can be prosecuted.

The punishment for breaking this law is six months’ imprisonment.

He said there are currently three cases in the courts and another pending investigation in relation to dog attacks.

“This comes to show that the police are taking action against these types of nuisances and offences,” he said.

In reference to dog attacks whereby tourists are bitten, Mr Toussaint said that in any circumstance where a tourist or visitor is a victim to a criminal act the police try their uttermost to have the victim give their evidence to the court before they leave Seychelles.

“Unfortunately we have numerous cases where a tourist or foreigner is victim to a criminal act but leaves the country on the same day or the next and they do not get the chance to appear in court. This causes certain complications where the court cannot proceed any further with the case. However there are some of these victims where their properties are recovered and being satisfied with having their belongings back they chose not to proceed with a case and this deals a blow to justice and the image of Seychelles,” he said.