Dog trainer on Carnikava attack: these animals can no longer be safe for the public
After two unsupervised dogs attacked a group of children in Carnikava, dog trainer Laura Blumberga says responsibility lies with the owner and argues the animals should likely be euthanized. She also criticizes municipal police for being slow to respond to reports of stray dogs.
On September 4, a serious incident occurred in Carnikava when two unsupervised dogs attacked a group of 19 children from the preschool "Riekstiņš," who were on a pre-arranged walk accompanied by a teacher and a teaching assistant. Six children were injured, two of whom required hospitalization and surgery. One of the accompanying teachers was also hurt. A criminal case has been opened, and following police procedures the dogs were returned to their owner; the Food and Veterinary Service will assess the animals further.
Owner bears responsibility
Dog trainer Laura Blumberga stresses that regardless of how the dogs got out of their owner's control, responsibility rests entirely with the person keeping them — even if it was the first time the dogs had escaped. She rejects the notion that loose dogs roaming in rural areas are normal, explaining that an unsupervised dog can act like a predator, instinctively chasing anything it might be able to catch. Blumberga suggests that in the Carnikava case, the group of children may have triggered a hunting-like chase response in the dogs, leading to tragic consequences.
Possible euthanasia
The trainer believes that, given the severity of the attack, the dogs should likely be euthanized, since there is no reliable way to ensure such behavior won't happen again. She notes, however, that the final decision rests with the relevant authorities, not with dog trainers, and distinguishes this case from situations where a dog bites in self-defense.
Criticism of municipalities
Blumberga says municipal police often fail to adequately respond to residents' reports about stray animals, which over time discourages people from reporting at all. She also points to a broader problem of people acquiring dogs they are unable to properly handle, which can result in poorly socialized and uncontrolled animals. The trainer expresses particular concern for the injured children, noting that psychological trauma may last longer than physical wounds. A final decision on the dogs' fate has not yet been made.
