Criminal proceedings opened following dog attack at Carnikava kindergarten — six children injured
State police have opened criminal proceedings following an attack by two dogs on pupils at Carnikava kindergarten "Riekstiņš". Six children were injured, with two hospitalised and requiring surgery.
State police open criminal proceedings following dog attack on kindergarten children in Carnikava
State Police (VP) have opened criminal proceedings in connection with an attack by two dogs on pupils at Carnikava kindergarten "Riekstiņš" on Friday, as confirmed by VP. The incident has been reported by Google News LV — Crime (lv).
Criminal proceedings have been initiated under Chapter 20 of the Criminal Law concerning offences against public safety and public order. The investigation is currently ongoing, and the owner of the dogs has been identified.
Group of children attacked by two unsupervised dogs during walk
On Friday, a group of 19 children accompanied by a teacher and teaching assistant went on a pre-arranged walk outside the educational institution's territory, following an approved route. During the walk, two unsupervised dogs approached the group of children from the end of Laši Street.
Six children were injured in the incident — two of them were hospitalised and underwent surgery, whilst the others went home. One teacher was also injured whilst attempting to restrain the dogs to protect the children; he did not require serious medical intervention.
Ādažu Municipality Mayor Gatis Miglāns (ZZS) informed news agency LETA that a passing motorist came to the aid of the group of children and attempted to protect them by taking them in their vehicle.
Four administrative violation proceedings and Food and Veterinary Service involvement
In connection with the incident, four administrative violation proceedings have been initiated. The Emergency Medical Services will provide information regarding the hospitalised victims to State Police in accordance with established procedures.
The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) has also been notified of the incident and will take steps to assess the dogs. Following procedural actions taken by police, the dogs have been handed over to their owner — further assessment will be within the competence of the PVD.
Miglāns reported that he has requested reports from the kindergarten and municipal police regarding the incident. Municipal police officers arrived at the scene within three minutes.
Psychological support for children, families and staff
The municipality emphasises that the current priority is the health, safety and emotional wellbeing of the children. Parents of the children have been provided with information about available psychological support, including a crisis helpline. The Social Services have contacted the crisis team, which will provide the necessary support to staff and parents at "Riekstiņš".
"Such an incident is a serious trauma for the children and their families, as well as for the educators who were present at the scene, which is why it is essential to provide professional assistance in a timely manner to all those who need it," the municipality stated.
The authorities remind dog owners of their responsibility: owners must prevent situations in which an animal without supervision can endanger other people, and must comply with animal care requirements in public places. The municipality continues to cooperate with police, the PVD and other services to establish all the circumstances of the incident.
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)