Dear Editor,

Dubbed a man’s best friend, the experience was the worst for the St Richards’ Primary School grade six teacher that was mauled by four pit bulls in her community last Thursday.

The account of the incident was given by a resident who heard the desperate cries for help and came to the teacher’s aid. Unfortunately, the good Samaritan and his friend was no match for the fierce canines. The teacher was said to have been new to the Cooper’s Hill community and was doing her regular evening exercise along Woodland Way. It is reported that the police, who came long after, had to use lethal weapon to separate the little monster from the teacher.

The incident has left more questions than answers:

1. Are pit bulls legal animals to have in Jamaica?

2. What are the stipulations that govern the ownership of vicious animal?

3. What are the safety procedures to be employed when travelling with them in public?

4. What are the actions that can be taken in light of injuries to people or damage to property by animals?

These questions are important as it has become a popular occurrence to see people walking in communities, parading with pit bulls they are hardly able to control even on a leash.

The issue of pit bulls and other ferocious dogs attacking humans in the public is becoming a great cause for concern. This, as more and more people, in a bid to secure their homes from hoodlums, are acquiring fearless dogs like pit bulls. The relevant authorities need to take this opportunity to address the situation to protect people going about their lawful business within the public space.

Our prayers go up for the teacher and the St Richard’s Primary School family for the full recovery of one of their own.

Hezekan Bolton

h_e_z_e@hotmail.com