Dogs that bit children at Carnikava kindergarten test negative for rabies
Lab tests confirm that dogs which attacked children at a Carnikava kindergarten have sufficient rabies antibodies, though monitoring continues until September 17. A criminal investigation into the September 4 attack is ongoing.
The Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR" has released laboratory test results for the dogs that attacked children at a kindergarten in Carnikava on September 4. The results show the animals have sufficient antibody levels in their blood, effectively ruling out the possibility that they are infected with rabies.
Despite this, the Food and Veterinary Service has decided to continue isolating and monitoring the dogs until September 17, when a veterinarian will conduct a follow-up assessment. The heightened safety measures, including blood sampling, were ordered after it emerged that the dogs involved in the attack had not received their rabies booster vaccination on time.
Criminal investigation continues
The State Police opened a criminal case on the very day of the incident, and the investigation continues under close supervision by the Pieriga Prosecutor's Office. Six children were injured in the attack, two of whom were hospitalized. The case has been classified under the Criminal Law chapter covering offenses against public safety and order.
According to prosecutor Dainis Krasts, the investigation is paying particular attention to protecting the interests and psychological wellbeing of the injured children while still ensuring a thorough and objective inquiry. To avoid re-traumatizing the children, the severity of their injuries was determined using documentation from emergency medical services and treatment facilities, rather than through repeated involvement of the children in procedural actions.
Since the incident, several procedural steps have been carried out, including work with the dogs' owner, who, according to the prosecutor's office, is cooperating with investigators. The dogs are no longer with their owner — they have been isolated and pose no threat to the public. A decision on the animals' future will be made based on the results of the investigation and expert examinations.
The prosecutor's office has asked the public not to judge the investigation's progress solely on the basis of currently available public information, and urged respect for the privacy of the affected children and their families. Further details will be released once doing so no longer risks harming the investigation.
