TIRANA, June 6 – A sickening video of a pitbull savaging a stray dog gone viral on social media has prompted calls for stronger laws for vicious dogs.
The video containing graphic images was published on Instagram about a month ago by an eighteen year old, who is believed to be the owner of the dog.
It showed a pet pit bull maul and ultimately kill a helpless stray dog.
Although the owner does not appear in the footage, it is evident he is participating in the ordeal and is heard inciting the pit bull to attack its ill-fated victim.
The Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement condemning the vicious attack and urging law enforcement to identify those responsible for this horrible act of animal cruelty.
The Ministry also said it was mulling the passage of laws concerning certain dog breeds as well as owner responsibilities in the face of increasing incidents involving aggressive pet dogs.
Pet dogs of particular breeds have also been responsible for biting incidents involving people as irresponsible owners choose to walk them without muzzle masks.
Nearly two months ago, a 30-year old in Tirana fired an AK-47 assault rifle to kill a pit bull biting his 8-year old son. A bystander also sustained injuries as a result of gunfire.
Pit bull attacks have not spared livestock either.
A similar episode was recently caught on camera in Durres, 32 km from the capital Tirana, showing a pit bull mauling a young goat as bystanders watched in horror.
The circulation of pet dogs in public without wearing muzzles is banned, but the latest incidents demonstrate that current legislation is not strictly enforced.
