Dogs that bite children on the street must be put down, prime minister says after Carnikava attack

Two large dogs attacked six children and a kindergarten employee during a walk by a group from the Riekstiņš kindergarten in Carnikava. Two of the children were taken to hospital and needed surgery, although their condition was described as stable.

The attack has opened a debate over what should happen to the dogs. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs wrote on Facebook that dogs which injure people should be euthanized according to the law, but only after the required procedures. He said the police must first issue their findings and stressed that the owner bears the main responsibility.

Kulbergs argued that anyone who takes in a dog must be responsible for its socialization and training. “If you cannot ensure that your dog is not dangerous to those around it, you do not need that animal,” he wrote. He said the fate of the dogs should be decided and that they should be put down.

State Police have opened criminal proceedings over crimes against public safety and order, while municipal police have begun administrative proceedings. After the initial procedural actions, the dogs were returned to their owner.

A new legal framework for dogs that attack people took effect on July 1, 2026. It sets special rules for keeping such animals and requires euthanasia when a dog causes serious bodily harm or death and the owner faces criminal liability confirmed by a final court ruling. Euthanasia therefore does not happen automatically immediately after an attack.

The Agriculture Ministry was supposed to prepare government regulations setting out restrictions such as muzzles, short leashes and adult handlers. Those rules have not yet been adopted. Kulbergs said the delay does not explain why the Carnikava dogs were returned, but means the safety regime under the new framework is not fully in place.

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If you cannot ensure that your dog is not dangerous to those around it, you do not need that animal.