Pitbulls attack San Juan mom

(Trinidad Express) – A 38-year-old mother of three is seeking legal action and calling on the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate an incident on Wednesday in which she was bitten about the body by two pitbulls.

Jill-ann Jerome, who resides at Bushe Street, San Juan, said around 6.45 pm, she was walking along her street on the way to a nearby shop when the dogs ran out of their owner’s yard and attacked her.

Jerome said she sustained bites to her hands, chest and breast during the attack. Several passers-by attempted to intervene, but the dogs did not let go.

“They (dogs) refused to release me despite people pelting them,” Jerome said. A driver passing by attempted to ‘bounce’ one of the dogs and it was only then, the dogs ran back into their owner’s yard.

“I was rushed to the hospital by someone driving, and my wounds treated at the Mt Hope General Hospital,” Jerome said.

Jerome said a report was lodged at the San Juan Police Station, but the owner of the dogs is yet to visit her and offer any assistance where medical bills may arise.

Contacted about the incident president of the Pitbulls Association Keino O’Neil said owners needed to exercise caution where their dogs are concerned. O’Neil, who has been training pitbulls for the past 25 years, said owners should ensure there is proper fencing and housing for their dogs and use muzzles when the dogs are in a public domain.

Noting there are owners who are negligent, O’Neil said proper rules and regulations need to be established. The organisation, he said, is looking forward to working alongside the newly formed government to ensure rules are adhered to regarding all dogs.

According to the Dogs Act of 1918, it is an offence for a dog owner to allow a dog to venture into public without proper protection (muzzle). In default, the offence carries a fine of $200 or one month’s imprisonment.