Costa Rica reports rise in critical dog attacks in 2026

Costa Rica has seen a significant rise in severe dog attacks during 2026, with the Cruz Roja Costarricense reporting 14 individuals treated in critical condition so far this year. This figure exceeds the totals from previous years, including 2024, which saw nine critical cases, and 2025, which saw five.

The most recent incident involved a 9-year-old girl in Sardinal de Carrillo, Guanacaste, who was transported in critical condition to the Hospital de Liberia following an attack.

In addition to the hospitalizations, two deaths have been recorded in 2026: a 23-year-old man in Cutris de San Carlos in February, and a 65-year-old man in Moravia in April. The Cruz Roja has issued a call for responsible pet ownership and increased supervision to prevent further incidents.