"A piece of finger remained in the mitten." The story of a Minsk resident bitten by a stranger's dog in a public park
## Introduction to a Shocking Incident
A Piece of a Finger Remained in the Mitten – this horrific incident occurred on February 3, when Iryna, a widow, was walking her dog Aika in Kotovka Square. The event that unfolded would change her life forever, leaving her with a missing finger and a long, arduous journey to seek justice.
## The Incident Unfolds
Iryna recounts how her encounter with Siarhei, another dog owner, turned into a nightmare. Siarhei was feeding his dog on a bench when Aika, Iryna’s dog, instinctively lunged towards the food. In the ensuing chaos, Siarhei’s dog bit Iryna’s hand, taking off a part of her finger. Iryna immediately pulled her hand out of the mitten and was left with a severe injury.
## The Aftermath
Iryna was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment. Unfortunately, the medics were unable to reattach the bitten-off phalanx due to the high risk of infection. Iryna’s hopes of restoring her finger were dashed as tissue necrosis set in, ultimately leading to an amputation stump. Two months after the operation, Iryna still struggled with blood supply to the finger, making everyday household chores extremely inconvenient.
## Seeking Justice
Iryna initially chose not to involve the police, hoping for an amicable resolution with Siarhei. However, when Siarhei showed no initiative to apologize or offer compensation, Iryna decided to take matters into her own hands. She sent Siarhei a letter proposing compensation for her treatment and prosthetic costs but received no response. With time running out, Iryna filed a police report, which led to a court case against Siarhei.
## The Court Decision
The court found Siarhei guilty of violating animal keeping rules, which resulted in harm to human health. He was fined 12 base amounts, approximately 540 rubles. Iryna expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing that the forensic medical examination, crucial in assessing the severity of her injuries, was not considered in the court’s decision.
## A Warning to Others
Iryna’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate help and reporting incidents to the authorities. According to Aksana Davydzenka, chairwoman of the Association of Animal Protection Organizations, it is essential to act swiftly and follow a step-by-step algorithm when dealing with dog attacks.
### Step-by-Step Guide to Handling Dog Attacks
1. **Seek Immediate Help**: Call an ambulance and the police to record the incident.
2. **Gather Evidence**: Document the scene, find witnesses, and take photos and videos.
3. **Provide Complete Information**: Inform medical personnel about the circumstances and ask the animal’s owner about rabies vaccination.
4. **Collect Receipts and Documents**: Keep evidence of medical expenses and prescriptions.
5. **Do Not Delay with a Report**: Submit a written statement to the internal affairs bodies without waiting for the completion of treatment.
## Conclusion
Iryna’s story is a stark reminder of the importance of taking prompt action in the face of adversity. By sharing her experience, she hopes to prevent others from making the same mistakes and to raise awareness about the need for responsible dog ownership and swift action in the event of a dog attack.
Source: WorldNewsAPI | Read original