Vicious dogs put down by villagers

TWO DOGS which attacked three people in a Nicosia village on Wednesday were put down yesterday after being tracked down by villagers.

Residents of Kapedes used shotguns to eliminate the two Caucasian Shepherds or Ovcharkas, with the community leader of the village stating that they were probably strays as no ownership records could be found.

Commenting, Doctor Pierides of The Veterinary Services told the Mail: “According to the Canine Law, in exceptional cases where a dog is considered to be a threat to public health and security and a threat to itself, it must be put down.”

The vet added that if the animal in question can be captured, “it will then be euthanised, using methods designed to cause minimal pain and distress.”

This is normally done via intravenous injection, typically a very high dose of an anaesthetic.

This process can only be carried out by a veterinarian or relevant, qualified personnel.

Some veterinarians perform a two-stage process: An initial injection that simply renders the pet unconscious and a second shot that induces death.

“In a case such as this where the animals cannot be captured, they will be shot with a firearm,” he added

Thedoros Tenizis, 80, his wife Nitsa and their domestic helper were injured by the two large dogs in the yard of their restaurant.

The couple’s granddaughter escaped injury when the domestic helper managed to throw the child in the car while one of the vicious canines jumped on her back.

Tenizis, 80, was admitted to hospital in Nicosia and is recovering after suffering from a mild cerebral contusion when he fell over after one of the dogs jumped on him. His wife Nitsa was bitten on the leg by the one of the dogs and received First Aid, along with the domestic helper.

Ovcharka can weigh as much as 70 kilos.