Experts: a dog's attack on a person is not automatic grounds for euthanasia

On the TV24 programme “Nedēļa. Post scriptum”, dog attacks on people and euthanasia as a possible response were discussed by veterinary medicine doctor and president of the Latvian Veterinary Association Ilmārs Dūrītis, together with Ilze Pētersone–Godmane, vice-president of the Latvian Kennel Federation.

Dūrītis said that any decision to euthanize a dog after it has attacked a person must be carefully justified, taking into account the severity of the injuries caused and the specific circumstances. In his view, not every injury caused by a dog automatically means the animal must be euthanized. As an example, he cited cases where a dog bites its own owner or a veterinary assistant inside a vet's office, which he considers a different kind of situation.

Dūrītis noted that bite-severity scales have been developed internationally, allowing a more objective assessment of each incident. At the same time, he stressed that in cases where a dog has caused a person serious bodily harm, it would be unacceptable to deny the possibility of a lawful response. He said a balance must be found between public and individual safety on one hand and animal protection on the other.

Pētersone–Godmane agreed that each situation should be assessed individually, but pointed to the risk of a repeat attack. In her view, after an attack it must be assessed whether the particular dog could continue to pose a danger to people, and whether keeping it isolated or under strict control would genuinely serve the public interest. She added that a dog that has once tasted blood and felt a sense of dominance over a person may repeat the attack.