A seven year old boy was killed after a dog attacked him at the family's kennel. The kennel, located in Zahle, shows a number of dogs that were being bred and trained. One of the dogs got loose, grabbed the boy by his head and killed him instantly.
This is an absolutely terrible occurrence and we sympathize with everyone affected.
Media reports went on to state 'there is no clear reason why the dog attacked the boy.' We disagree.
Anyone keeping an animal has a great responsibility for the health and welfare of the animal, and making sure the animal does not negatively affect other animals or people. The pictures and video footage of the kennel show dogs kept in very poor conditions, and the dogs were being trained to be aggressive. How animals are treated and cared for directly affects their temperament and behavior. Treat an animal (or person) with kindness and they are more likely to be kind, provide them with a suitable environment and they are more likely to be in a good state of health.
What were the dogs being trained for? This breed of dog is not used for any sort of security and safety purposes. These are not the dogs being used at parking structures, malls and other areas.
In Lebanon the primary purpose of breeding these dogs is for fighting. This has been well documented in recent years in the media, and we first helped document this back in 2011.
Trainers and fighters sell custom made treadmills for dogs, weight belts, and even give recommendations for steroid us and many other cruel methods. They brag about the amount of money they earn and all of the betting that goes on.
It does not need to be like this - there are solutions. Responsible guardianship of animals is the primary way to improve their welfare, and the use of animals for fighting should be banned completely nationwide.
The animal protection and welfare law, recently approved by the Council of Ministers, addresses both of these issues. Article 4.3 of the law states that 'Animal fights or fights between animals and humans are prohibited.' Other articles require that the basic needs of the animals must be met, and that it is prohibited to perform any act that may inflict distress, pain or suffering to animals or subject them to danger or torture.
Until the animal protection and welfare law is enacted, and as long as people are able to continue to keep dogs in such conditions or train them for fighting, it is only a matter of time before another tragedy occurs.