Owner says dogs involved in Carnikava attack will not return home

Following the tragedy in Carnikava, where two unsupervised dogs attacked a group of kindergarten children from the “Riekstiņš” kindergarten during a walk, it has emerged that the animals' rabies revaccination had not been carried out on schedule. Six children and a teacher were injured; two girls remain hospitalized at the Children's Hospital, reportedly in stable condition.

The dogs' owner, businessman Ivo Vasiļevskis, told TV3 Ziņas that workers repairing the sewage system at his property had accidentally left open a gate that should have stayed shut, allowing the dogs to escape. He maintained that the property had been properly secured and that the incident resulted from an unfortunate combination of circumstances. According to Vasiļevskis, the dogs were brought from Russia four years ago and had grown up alongside young children, with no prior signs of aggression.

Dogs to be separated and rehomed

The animals are currently being kept at a hotel in Baltezers. Vasiļevskis confirmed the dogs will not return to his family — new owners are being sought, and on a breeder's advice, the two dogs will be separated to reduce the risk of a similar incident happening again. He said a farm somewhere in the countryside is being considered as a possible new home.

Investigation and criticism

State Police confirmed the dogs are currently isolated and their location is known, but the final decision on their fate will depend on forensic results assessing the severity of the children's injuries. The Food and Veterinary Service said the dogs are currently clinically healthy with no signs of rabies, though they will be monitored for ten days as a precaution.

Lita Konopore of the Latvian Veterinary Association criticized the fact that the dogs were not immediately placed under state control after the attack and questioned whether such animals should be eligible for adoption at all. She also called for tougher penalties for irresponsible pet ownership. A lawyer representing the injured children's families accused police of negligence in communicating with parents and of delays in documenting the injuries.