Guyana: Pit bull hacked to death to save 10-year-old being attacked

GUYANA -- A roaming pit bull has put a doctor of Sheet Anchor East Canje, Berbice in hot water after the animal mercilessly mauled a 10-year-old girl on Sunday evening as she was on her way to the shop to run an errand for her parents.

Amanda Phillips, called “Manda”, 10, of Sookhu Street, No.2 Village, East Canje Berbice, and a grade six student of the Sheet Anchor Primary school is in a stable but critical condition at the New Amsterdam hospital.

According to reports the child is scheduled to sit her Secondary School Entrance Examination (SSEE) in a matter of days. She was going to the shop to purchase some things for her mother when the dog scaled a fence and attacked her.

Residents complained that the dog which belongs to Dr Roy Nankumar of the same street, would usually jump the fence which is low and would rush at persons passing.  They stated that the pit bull was only brought at the residence about six months ago.  They stated that they have constantly complained to the doctor to secure his animal and to raise his fence all to no avail.

An eyewitness told the media that he was at home on his veranda about 19:45 hrs when he noticed the girl passing through the street. She had a bag and a torch light in her hands. When she was about to pass the Doctor’s yard, he took his eyes away for a brief moment only to hear the girl scream. When he looked back the dog was upon her.

She was thrown to the ground and bitten on her head and other parts of the body. Her brother threw a bicycle on the dog, but this did not deter it from continuing its attack.

Neighbors quickly rushed to the scene. However their use of sticks and other materials were not enough to free the girl from the jaws of the dog.

One resident stated that he kicked the animal which growled at him. He was forced to chop the animal which still held the girl in its jaws. 

Another resident using cutlass also chopped the animal across its back thus ending the girl’s horrifying ordeal. The entire torment lasted for about 15 minutes.

A resident stated that the girl was picked up, wrapped in a sheet and rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital where she was admitted and taken for emergency treatment.

During the operation doctors had to shave off some of the hair from the girl’s head which exposed some deep wounds.

During the time of the attack the doctor was not at home.

The matter was reported, and the police subsequently arrived on the scene. The doctor was arrested, but he was released soon after on station bail.

Speaking with the media the child’s parents, Teresa Persaud and Clinton Andrew Phillips, stated that they want justice for their child. They stated that the child would usually go to the back shop through the other street, but at the time the shop was closed. So she decided to use the one through Sookhu Street.

They are worried about what will become of their child and if she will be able to take her exams due within days.

The parents stated that according to the doctor. The flesh on her head was ripped away badly in more than one place. She will have to remain in hospital for some time to be monitored.
Investigations are continuing.

(kaieteurnewsonline.com - March 19, 2013)