Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin has confirmed that Antigua and Barbuda’s laws already govern the keeping of dogs, including breeds classified as dangerous or ferocious.
Under existing legislation, owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals, and victims are entitled to compensation for damages.
However, in light of the recent pit bull attack in Skerritt’s Pasture, which left 27-year-old Shabo Nedwell seriously injured and hospitalized, the government is now reviewing whether criminal charges should apply in such cases.
The Attorney General said studies are underway to assess the legal framework and determine whether stronger penalties or new regulations are needed.
Nedwell, who was preparing to celebrate her graduation from the UWI Five Islands Campus, suffered multiple bite wounds after being mauled by two pit bulls belonging to a relative.
The incident has sparked national outrage and reignited debate about responsible dog ownership, public safety, and the accountability of pet owners.
Benjamin noted that findings from the government’s review will be made public once the ongoing studies are complete, as officials work to ensure that the law adequately protects citizens while balancing the rights and responsibilities of dog owners.
It is time for Antigua to start implementing its existing laws.
When was the last time ( if ever)
Police have prosecuted anybody for fighting their dogs on the island?
Not all pitbulls are dangerous, but those trained to fight are the problem!
When was the last time the police prosecuted anyone for dogfighting? These dogs were trained to fight, not all pitbulls are like them!
Something always have to happen for something to happen in this place
It’s about time! Too many people keeping dangerous dogs without proper training or control. That poor woman could’ve died
People vex bad. The young lady nearly lost her life and still have to deal with scars and trauma because somebody couldn’t keep dem dangerous dogs under control. Antigua too small for this kinda negligence. We need stricter laws and people must face jail if their animals maul somebody so bad
Such a beautiful girl. Hope she is healed
How many more people must get tear up before we wake up? Antigua too civilized for this kind of backwardness. If you want to keep pit bulls, treat them like the deadly weapons they are, license, enclosure, and liability insurance. You can’t just have them running round like mongrels. That poor young woman coulda dead! The law need teeth, not talk, because right now, it’s the victims who paying the price while careless owners walking
Antigua can’t be a place where people get mauled like that and no accountability. If government serious, start prosecuting owners, impound unregistered dogs, and fine people heavy. Maybe then folks will take responsibility.
It’s not the breed, it’s the owner but still, stricter rules can save lives. It’s jus sad this had to happen for proper rules and regulations to be enforced.
That’s how people feeling………. pure outrage and fear. You can’t even visit family yard in peace. This not about hating dogs; it’s about protecting human life.
Antigua people hurting for that girl. She was preparing to graduate, excited for her future and now she dealing with nightmares and hospital bills. That family should pay every cent, plus compensation from government side if law allow it.
Every few months, same story. Somebody get bite, somebody end up in hospital, then nothing come outta it. The government talk about reviews and studies, but people need action. Ban or regulate these dogs properly before a child dead next.
“Shabo deserve justice!”
We done got dog laws already, as the AG say, but who enforcing them? Half the people in Antigua have dangerous dogs roaming free. The system only act after tragedy strike. This time, let’s see if they serious or just blowing hot air again.