Germany: Dog involved in fatal child attack will not be euthanized

A veterinary expert report has concluded that an American Staffordshire Terrier involved in a fatal attack on a four-year-old girl in Drosa, Saxony-Anhalt, did not intend to kill the child. According to the Salzlandkreis district administration, the incident in July was the result of learned behaviors rather than intent to kill.

As a result of the findings, the dog will not be euthanized. The animal is currently being held in a pet pension in Staßfurt, though its future living arrangements remain undecided.

Authorities in Dessau-Roßlau are continuing investigations into the incident. The child died from severe bite wounds sustained while playing with the dog in a residence. The mother of the child and an acquaintance are currently facing charges of negligent homicide.