Dog

By Maryam Ahmad

Dog owners in the coastal Tuscan city of Livorno will need to start carrying more than just plastic waste bags on their daily walks. Under a strict municipal ordinance, failing to wash away pet urine from public spaces can now land owners with a fine of up to €500.

The local council introduced the aggressive measure after a surge in complaints from local residents regarding foul odours and mounting hygiene issues, particularly in areas where adults and children congregate. Officials pointed to a booming pet population in the city as a major driver behind the deteriorating conditions.

According to the new rules, anyone walking a dog must carry a bottle of water to immediately rinse away any piddle left on pavements, benches, or the wheels of parked vehicles.

The ordinance carves out exemptions for on-duty police dogs and guide dogs assisting visually impaired individuals. Handlers are also exempt from the rinsing requirement during periods of icy weather, when adding water to the streets would create a safety hazard for pedestrians.

The story, which highlights the growing tension between expanding pet ownership and urban sanitation, was originally reported by The Guardian (UK).

Livorno joins a growing list of Italian municipalities that have turned to strict penalties to enforce public cleanliness among pet owners.

[2] https://www.theguardian.com

By Ahmed Deedat Zakari

A Cameroonian, Simon Ngonja, has been killed by his pet dog in Yaounde, Cameroon.

According to reports, the German shepherd fiercely attacked and mauled his owner, a senior staff at the Cameroonian Prime Minister’s office.

The incident was reported to have happened on June 11, immediately after the deceased returned from a journey.

A soldier had shot the dog dead in a futile attempt to save the deceased. However, before the intervention of the soldier, the deceased had already sustained aggravated bodily injuries and had lost a lot of blood to bleeding.

Mr Ngonja was rushed to the hospital and was stabilised before his inevitable passing on the Morning of June 15, 2023.

A Facebook user, Bella Powers, gave details as to the cause of his death in a post, he wrote :

“Killed by his dog in Yaoundé… Simon NGONJA died this morning after being fatally attacked by his own ‘German Shepherd’ breed dog.

“Returning from a trip last Sunday night, he was attacked by his dog after opening the gate of his house. He fought fiercely with the animal to the point where it was a soldier who decided to kill the dog with a rifle bullet. Taken to the hospital with a lot of bleeding, the wounds were finally fatal to him.

“He was an executive in the services of the Prime Minister in Yaoundé.
May his soul rest in peace, and our condolence to his family.”