Carnikava dog attack triggers criminal investigation

A criminal process has been initiated in Latvia following a dog attack at the ‘Riekstiņš’ kindergarten in Carnikava. During a scheduled walk, two unrestrained dogs attacked a group of 19 children and their teachers. Six children were injured, two of whom required surgery; their conditions are currently reported as stable by the Children's Clinical University Hospital.

Latvian State Police have launched an investigation under the section of the Criminal Law regarding ‘offenses against public safety and order’. The owner of the dogs has been identified. Meanwhile, the Food and Veterinary Service is conducting an evaluation of the animals.

In response to the incident, Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa has called for clearer criteria allowing municipal police to immediately remove aggressive animals to prevent further risk. She emphasized that dog owners must face explicit responsibility and suggested mandatory training for owners of animals that have attacked humans. Veterinarians have expressed concern that the dogs remained near the kindergarten after the attack, noting that the incident reflects a long-standing issue with irresponsible pet ownership and the need for better municipal animal control contracts.