Zemst (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – After two llamas were fatally mauled by stray dogs in Planckendael Zoo, Brabant, the dogs’ owner has been ordered to pay nearly €12,000 in damages to the zoo.
The individual, who was residing in Zemst at the time of the occurrence, had already received a lifelong ban from having animals and an 8,000 euro fine.
Three shepherd dogs broke out of their kennel at the end of 2020 and entered the Planckendael zoo in Mechelen. Two of the five guanacos that were assaulted perished from their wounds.
The dogs were still out and about when the caregivers found them in the morning. They might be captured because they did not act aggressively against the caretakers.
According to the results of the investigation, the animals were not given the proper food or attention and were housed in a greenhouse.
The dogs had already been briefly seized six months before the Planckendael incident after seriously injuring another dog. That dog had to be put to sleep by a veterinarian a month later.
The owner was treated cruelly by the court during the trial.
“The dogs were able to escape several times, which made them a serious danger to other animals,”
According to reports. The owner received a lifelong ban from keeping animals as well as an 8,000 euro fine.
He has now been ordered to pay hefty damages as well. A guanaco is valued at about five thousand euros, according to the Planckendael zoo.
“Veterinary and care costs have also been demonstrated, following the death of the animals,”
The court stated in his decision.
He ordered the owner to compensate Planckendael with 11,738 euros. In addition, he has to pay 1,540 euros for legal fees.
What legal actions can be taken against dog owners in similar cases?
The expense of veterinary care, the worth of the deceased animals, and other associated damages are among the financial obligations that dog owners may face for the harm their pets do. Compensation, such as the approximately 12,000 euros granted in the Planckendael case, might be ordered by courts.
Many jurisdictions hold dog owners fully liable for any harm or damage their pets cause, regardless of their knowledge or intent. This means that even if the dog has never been aggressive in the past, the owner may still be held accountable.
Certain safety precautions, such muzzling and leashing the dog in public, putting the dog in a secure location, or limiting ownership to responsible adults only, may be necessary.
Criminal charges may be brought in situations when the owner was careless or reckless, such as willfully permitting a dangerous dog to wander free.
