Latest update November 18th, 2024 1:00 AM
Latest News
- ExxonMobil eyeing 8th project despite Jagdeo says 7th ‘iffy’
- City Mayor slams govt. for favouring foreign companies over locals for tax concessions
- Pope Francis urges inquiry into Gaza genocide allegations
- New aircraft for GDF commissioned
- Importing truck drivers from Bangladesh, a disrespect to Guyanese – Norton
Berbice pit bull attack…Dr. Roy Nandkumar to be charged for Pitbull attack
It has been confirmed that the owner of the pit bull which was killed in an effort to free a 10-year-old girl from its grip, will have to face charges. It is however, unclear at this time as to what those charges will be, since the police are still awaiting a statement from the child, and a medical report from the hospital.
The 10-year-old victim, Amanda Phillips
It was reported that on Sunday evening last, the child, Amanda Phillips, was on her way to a shop at Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice, to run an errand for her parents, when the dog jumped the fence and attacked her.
Phillips who is also known as “Manda”, of Sookhu Street No. 2 village, East Canje, is a student of Sheet Anchor Primary, and is scheduled to sit the National Grade Six Assessment in just a matter of days.
The dog belongs to Dr. Roy Nandkumar who has been living at the residence for about six months.
Residents attested that “the dog jumping the fence” scenario is a usual one, which, despite constant complaints to the doctor to secure his animal behind the “low” fence, had fallen on deaf ears.
An eyewitness had told media operatives that shortly after the incident, he was at home on his verandah about 19:45 hrs when he noticed the girl passing through the street. She had a bag in one hand, and a torchlight in the other.
He explained that when the girl was just about to pass the doctor’s yard, he took his eyes away for a brief moment, only to hear the girl’s frantic screams.
The resident added that upon looking back, he realized that the dog had already pounced on the child, resulting in her falling to the ground.
An alarm was raised and neighbours rushed to lend assistance. But despite the use of sticks and other materials, the residents were unable to free the girl from the jaws of the dog.
This forced one resident to use his cutlass to chop the ferocious animal which continued to bite into the child’s head.
It was only after the dog was chopped on the back, almost severing it, that the girl was freed of the anguish.
The child’s nightmare lasted several minutes. The doctor was not at home.
Another resident said that the girl was picked up, wrapped in a sheet, and rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital where she was admitted and taken for emergency treatment.
The matter was reported, and the police subsequently arrived on the scene. The doctor was arrested, and later released
Meanwhile, when contacted yesterday, President of the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), Oliver Insanally in his response, wrote a letter to the editor on behalf of the GSPCA.
The letter stated that the GSPCA has tried repeatedly to engage the Guyana Police Force, with the intention of working with its Service and Protection Unit in enforcing the country’s animal welfare laws which, the statement made clear, does exist in Guyana.
The letter added that while efforts are underway to improve these laws, the current laws are enforceable, and do address many of the numerous cases of animal abuse which take place in our society.
Insanally explained that “about a year ago, Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell had arranged for members of the GSPCA’s Executive Committee to meet with another senior member of the GPF; regrettably, the GSPCA’s attempts at follow up action proved frustratingly futile.”
Insanally noted however, that “the GSPCA remains willing and able to work with the Guyana Police Force”.
He made particular reference to the reported case of a man sexually harassing a woman’s puppy, and added that these incidents present an opportunity for the GPF, and by extension, the judiciary, to send a message to irresponsible animal owners and abusers alike, that if found guilty, their actions will not be tolerated.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Traditional media is still king
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News-Election campaigns are a battle for attention, persuasion, and votes. In this digital age,... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
