Dog bites two-year-old child in Zagreb cafe; owner's reaction surprises father

A two-year-old child suffered minor injuries after being bitten by a dog on the terrace of a cafe in Zagreb. The incident occurred last Wednesday when the child, who was with his grandmother, approached a dog belonging to a patron at a nearby table. The dog bit the child on the leg, causing two wounds.

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My two-year-old child was being looked after by his grandmother, who took him to the city center. They sat down for ice cream at a cafe below the Cathedral. A woman with a dog was sitting at the next table. My mother-in-law had her back to the neighboring table and wasn't even aware a dog was there.

The child's father expressed surprise at the dog owner's reaction, stating she left the scene without inquiring about the child's well-being or offering assistance. "I understand that the owner might have been in shock, and animal reactions can be unpredictable. But since the dog bit a two-year-old child, I would expect the owner to at least stay, check on the child, and offer help," the father said.

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The dog, unprovoked, bit him on the leg and caused bodily harm.

Zagreb police confirmed they are investigating the incident. "Based on the information gathered so far, a dog lightly injured a child in a catering establishment in the city center, and a criminal investigation is underway," police stated. They added that in such cases, they interview the complainant and witnesses, gather information about the animal's owner, and may involve veterinary inspection to verify vaccination status and keeping conditions.

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Everyone was, of course, in shock. But what surprised me was the reaction of the dog's owner. She didn't ask how the child was, if he needed help, she just walked away. I understand that the owner might have been in shock, and animal reactions can be unpredictable. But since the dog bit a two-year-old child, I would expect the owner to at least stay, check on the child, and offer help.

Financial penalties are foreseen for the animal's owner. "According to the Animal Protection Act, fines are prescribed in misdemeanor proceedings for the keeper of an animal that endangers public safety, and the competent inspection authority may impose additional measures depending on the established circumstances," explained the Zagreb Police Department.

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Based on the information gathered so far, a dog lightly injured a child in a catering establishment in the city center, and a criminal investigation is underway.