Court spares dangerous dogs

The owner of a number of dangerous dogs yesterday ended up in court for the second time in as many weeks, where he stood charged over another attack.

The incident took place in July last year, when one of the dogs owned by David Farrugia pounced on a pedestrian in Gżira. The victim suffered serious injuries to his hands and legs and needed to be treated in hospital. Mr Farrugia owns at least one Dogo Argentino – a breed which is considered to be dangerous.

The man told the court he had been set upon by a white mastiff but two other dogs then joined the attack.

His version was not contradicted by the owner of the dogs.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo, noted that Mr Farrugia has already been charged over similar incidents. The court handed down a six-month prison sentence, which was suspended for four years in view of the fact that the victim’s injuries were classified as slight.

The Magistrate also pointed out that the law states that dogs in similar situations should be put down. She said, however, that this measure was “too draconian.”

The court said dogs love and obey their owners and behave according to how they are taught. Animals, the court said, should not be punished for the mistakes of human owners.

Dr Farrugia Frendo ordered the rehoming of the dogs by the Animal Welfare Department. This was in line with the instructions of another court last week during another of Mr Farrugia’s arraignments.