The community San Pedro de Atacama, in Chile, has called for the euthanasia of stray dogs after a Brazilian citizen was seriously attacked by a pack of about ten animals. The city has approx 4,500 dogswith a mix of street and domestic dogs.
Request euthanasia
By submitting a protective appeal to the Ministry of Health, the town hall called for the euthanasia of stray dogs. They argue that at least three people were victims of violent bites. Public measures indicate that the measure will primarily affect aggressive animals, although the exact number of animals affected has not yet been confirmed.
Victims of the attacks
One of the victims was Daniela Gamboa, a young woman 27 years who tragically lost her life on October 15 last year after being attacked by a pack of dogs. The lawsuit also cites an incident in which a 3yearold child was bitten, resulting in the amputation of an ear.
The town hall defends the measure and describes it as essential to prevent new incidents. The accusation is that the situation represents a public health problem and that action is the extreme measure necessary in the face of an alarming crisis.
Between life and death
Last week, 25yearold Brazilian Clara de Oliveira had to undergo a blood transfusion and surgery after she was attacked by a pack of dogs in the city of San Pedro de Atacama. Clara was saved by a driver who intervened during the attack. She is currently in hospital being treated for her injuries and is in stable condition.
Note: The first version of this text stated that the number of dogs to be sacrificed would be 4,500. However, the city of San Pedro de Atacama clarified that this is the total number of dog population in the city. The number of dogs that will undergo euthanasia is not yet known. We apologize for the error.