The dog that attacked a two-year-old girl during a family outing at Foini waterfalls on Sunday morning has been confirmed as a Pit Bull, not an American Staffordshire, as registered with veterinary services.
The dog underwent examination twice by veterinary officials, who determined it belongs to a banned breed despite being falsely registered in official records. However, authorities have ruled out euthanasia after finding no aggressive tendencies during assessment.
Dog falsely registered as American Staffordshire breed
According to philenews sources, veterinary examination confirmed the animal is a Pit Bull rather than the American Staffordshire (American Staffordshire Terrier) listed in the veterinary services registry.
The misclassification means the dog belongs to a prohibited breed under Cyprus law.
Following this development, legal procedures are being activated, including placement under strict supervision, muzzling requirements and movement restrictions imposed by local authorities.
Owner faces additional charges for possessing banned breed
The 24-year-old woman responsible for the dog during the incident is expected to face additional charges for possessing a banned breed following the veterinary services determination.
Information indicates the dog is registered to another person, who also faces similar charges.
The woman was released Monday afternoon (1 September) after being formally charged. She will be summoned before court facing charges of negligent reckless acts under Article 236 of the Criminal Code and unsupervised dogs under Article 18(3) of the Dogs Law.
Amstaff Club issues clarification statement
The Amstaff Club issued a statement expressing regret over the incident and wishing the child a swift recovery.
The organisation emphasised that dogs without official pedigree certificates from recognised kennel clubs cannot be considered American Staffordshire Terriers despite external similarities.
“It is wrong to arbitrarily characterise any dog as Amstaff,” the statement underlined, clarifying that American Staffordshire Terriers should not be confused with Pit Bulls, as they are different breeds with distinct standards and characteristics.
The club noted that “each dog’s behaviour is shaped by upbringing, environment and training received – not exclusively by breed,” describing properly raised American Staffordshire Terriers as “balanced, social and devoted dogs”.
Child remains hospitalised following attack
The incident occurred around 11am Sunday (31 August) when police received information about a dog attack on a minor. Officers found the two-year-old girl had suffered bite wounds to her lower limbs.
She was initially transferred to Limassol General Hospital, then to Makarios Hospital in Nicosia.
Doctors identified multiple leg wounds requiring stitches, with the child remaining hospitalised and receiving antibiotic treatment.
Her condition is stable and out of danger, according to treating physicians.