Ādaži municipality to introduce child safety measures after dog attack in Carnikava

After a severe dog attack last week in Carnikava, in which six children and a teacher from the "Riekstiņš" preschool were injured, Ādaži municipality convened an emergency meeting to discuss how to protect children and staff from similar incidents in the future.

On September 4, a group of 19 children, accompanied by a teacher and a teaching assistant, had gone on a pre-approved walk outside the kindergarten grounds when two unsupervised dogs approached them. Six children were injured, two of whom were hospitalized and underwent surgery, along with the teacher who tried to protect the children. A criminal case has been opened, while the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) is assessing the dogs' further fate. PVD reported today that neither dog had received its rabies revaccination on time, so both have been placed under isolation and observation, although they are currently clinically healthy.

Measures for child safety

The municipality plans to organize training led by a dog handler for teachers and their assistants on how to act when encountering an unsupervised or potentially aggressive dog. By Thursday, educational institutions, together with the municipality, will review children's walking routes, favoring urban areas with more foot traffic over secluded locations. Police patrols will be increased along the approved routes.

The municipality will also consider providing staff with self-defense equipment, though the need for and conditions of use will first be assessed in consultation with relevant authorities and parents.

Support for those affected

The affected group of children is already receiving professional assistance, and a crisis management team from the Children's Crisis Center will join the effort, with the group's situation monitored going forward.

The municipality again urged dog owners to comply with animal-keeping requirements and prevent unsupervised roaming, promising a stricter response to repeat violations and consideration of revising local regulations to impose harsher penalties.