The dogs that fatally mauled a man in Zielona Góra will not be euthanised – prosecutors have chosen a different course. Instead of a death sentence, the dogs have been placed in the care of specialists.
Prosecutors: No Dogs Will Be Euthanised
The Belgian Shepherds that attacked a 46-year-old man near Zielona Góra will not be euthanised. Prosecutors have ordered a three-month observation period in a special temporary home for animals showing aggression. The dogs will remain under the constant supervision of experienced behaviourists, who will assess their mental state and their actual level of danger.
Prosecutors do not intend to put down the dogs that fatally attacked a man in Zielona Góra. A three-month observation period has been ordered for them in a special temporary home ‘for aggressive dogs’, where they will be under constant supervision by behaviourists. It is possible that this stay will be funded from public money, unless the court decides otherwise and the owner covers the costs. Although the Belgian Shepherds had previously been reported for attacks, the prosecutor stresses that it is people who are responsible for raising and controlling animals, not the dogs themselves. – BOOP.PL on the X platform
Ongoing Care and Testing
Oversight concerns not only the animals’ behaviour but also the conditions in which they were kept until now. The assessment will cover both current veterinary examinations and a detailed analysis of their earlier incidents.
Who Will Cover the Cost of Observing the Dogs?
The dogs’ stay in the temporary home may be funded from public money, unless the court decides otherwise and charges the owner for the cost of specialist care. This is an important precedent – similar cases in the past usually ended in euthanasia or immediate transfer to a shelter.
Possible funding scenarios:
- the owner covers the costs (if the court so decides)
- the fee falls on the public budget (if the owner is not ordered to pay)
- possible partial coverage by non-governmental organisations, if they become involved in the case
The Dogs Were Already Aggressive Before
The animals – as the investigation showed – had previously been reported for aggressive behaviour. Shelter staff say the Shepherds had attacked people before and that the owner was repeatedly informed of this. The dogs were also able to escape from the shooting range grounds.
Warning Signs Ignored
- the owner was fined for failing to properly supervise the dogs
- despite earlier incidents, the dogs kept returning to his care
- no additional safeguards or appropriate training were used
Responsibility Lies with People
The prosecutor stresses that the key issue is upbringing and control over the animals, not their supposed guilt. Dogs are not born killers – the keeper is responsible for their behaviour and for securing them. Just as with a car or a firearm, the driver or owner bears responsibility for the consequences of using their tool.
Prosecutor's Quote
“We cannot punish animals for people’s mistakes. The law and common sense require that responsibility lie with the person who brought about the tragedy through improper upbringing and supervision.”
What Happens Next with the Attacking Dogs?
Once the three-month observation ends, experts will decide the dogs’ future. Possible scenarios include transfer to a specialist centre, handover to new care under the strictest precautions or – if no other solution is found – a court-ordered euthanasia. The Zielona Góra case will likely become an important precedent for similar cases across the country.
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