Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin says Antigua and Barbuda’s current laws already regulate the ownership of dogs, including breeds considered dangerous or ferocious, and hold owners strictly liable for any injuries their animals cause.
Benjamin said victims are entitled to compensation for damages, but following last week’s pit bull attack in Skerritt’s Pasture that left 27-year-old Shabo Nedwell seriously injured, the government is examining whether criminal charges should also apply in similar cases.
He said studies are underway to assess the existing legal framework and determine if tougher penalties or new regulations are needed.
Nedwell, who had been preparing to celebrate her graduation from the UWI Five Islands Campus, suffered multiple bite wounds after being mauled by two pit bulls owned by a relative. The attack has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed debate about responsible pet ownership and public safety.
Benjamin said the findings of the government’s review will be made public once the assessment is complete, as officials work to strengthen legal protections for citizens while maintaining fairness for dog owners.
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Here we go again.
Another move after the horse has bolted out.
Why is our chief legal advisor so reactionary?
Why hasn’t he ever seen deficiencies in any legislation until after the fall out?
I want to believe that the bigger question is, what secret is he holding over Gaston’s head?
A man who told tou he knows where his chamber is on Nevis Street..
Yet he is untouchable.
What is it Gaston?
I cannot understand why a minister has never gotten anything correct yet remains the attorney general and acting prime minister whenever Gaston and Mel goes out to splurge.
That balloon will one day burst and the secret will be exposed!!!!!!!!
The leach law and the poopa scoopa law have to be either added or enforced to the existing laws governing ownership of dogs.
All stray dogs roaming the streets should be collected and impounded. After 72 hours and they’re not claimed the will be euthanized.
Dogs lovers save your breath.
I’m not a owner of any pets, but you cannot use a broad brush and say ” Breeds that are considered dangerous or ferocious”, that’s very discrimitorty to the owner of certain dogs and the dogs themselves.
If you are going to punish the negligence of the owner of those dogs who attacked that lady, fo that,but I do not agree that just because they are pitbulls, that they should be classified as dangerous or ferocious dogs. That classification should be looked at, the same like all the laws in Antigua needs to be looked at.
Some of these draconian laws needs to be revisited. So do your job Cutie.
But continue Cutie, because we all know you don’t have a clue anyway.
i can’t recall one news article regarding a stray attacking anyone. but i know of many incidents of dogs with owners who have attack people unprovoked.