Four-year-old dog attack victim faces deep wounds and trauma

Seven days after two aggressive dogs attacked six preschool children and a teacher during a walk in Carnikava, one four-year-old girl remains in hospital with deep wounds and severe psychological trauma, LSM reported. Her father said she cannot currently manage without pain medication.

The girl is expected to be discharged from hospital soon. Her father agreed to speak to Latvian Television on condition that the family remain anonymous.

“It is difficult for the child. We give her pain medication, but she cannot stand on her leg. It is painful and frightening,” he said. He added that his daughter repeatedly recalls how the dogs dragged her along the ground and asks why it happened.

The girl has wounds across her legs and in the groin area. One deep wound has resulted in tissue necrosis, leaving a black mark where the skin was. Doctors say the injuries are beginning to heal, but the family remains concerned about scarring, the length of her recovery and the future appearance of her legs.

The supervising prosecutor, Dainis Krasts, said the investigation was progressing without delay. The dogs are being observed for 10 days, after which authorities will decide what happens next.

To avoid further traumatising the children, a forensic medical assessment of the severity of their injuries will be based on emergency medical service and hospital records. All injuries were documented when the children were admitted to hospital, Krasts said.

Cynologist and dog-owner trainer Ivars Lielpēteris said nobody could guarantee that dogs that had attacked once would not attack again. He said responsibility rested entirely with the owner and warned that failing to train and socialise a dog could lead to similar behaviour.