A two-year-old girl has been hospitalised following a dog attack during a family outing at Foini waterfalls in Limassol province, with police and veterinary services investigating the circumstances of the incident.
The unleashed dog belongs to a 24-year-old woman who was present at the scene and was subsequently arrested by authorities. The animal was confiscated and placed under supervision at a private facility pending completion of veterinary examinations.
Dog owner arrested as authorities investigate breed classification
Police have requested veterinary services to provide expert opinion on the dog’s breed and whether it displays aggressive tendencies.
Initial indications show the dog carries a microchip and is registered with veterinary services as an American Staffordshire, a breed sharing common origins and similarities with Pit Bulls, which are classified among prohibited breeds.
A veterinary services source stated that if the dog is determined to be a prohibited breed falsely registered as another, procedures outlined in legislation for such cases will be activated.
The 24-year-old dog owner was detained to facilitate investigations and released yesterday afternoon after being formally charged to appear before court for negligent reckless acts under Article 236 of the Criminal Code and for an unsupervised dog under Article 18(3) of the Dogs Law.
Additional charges may be added if the veterinary examination determines the dog belongs to a prohibited breed or other issues emerge.
Child remains hospitalised with multiple leg wounds requiring stitches
The incident occurred around 11am on Sunday (31 August) when police received information about a dog attack on a minor. Officers who rushed to the scene found the two-year-old girl had suffered bite wounds to her lower limbs.
She was initially transferred to Limassol General Hospital and subsequently to Makarios Hospital in Nicosia. Doctors identified multiple leg wounds requiring stitches, whilst the child remains hospitalised receiving antibiotic treatment.
Her health condition is considered stable and out of danger, according to treating physicians.