Italy: 82-year-old woman dies after fatal dog attack

An 82-year-old woman, Giuliana Merlini, has died following a severe dog attack that occurred on July 19 in the Castelli Romani area, near the borders of Velletri and Nemi. The victim was attacked by a neighbor's large dog, described as a cross between a Cane Corso and a Rottweiler, which bit her repeatedly in the head.

After 65 days in a medically induced coma at San Camillo Hospital in Rome and subsequent treatment at a private facility, Merlini passed away on September 22.

The Rome Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the incident. The 79-year-old owner of the dog is under investigation for manslaughter and failure to secure an animal. The tragedy has sparked local debate regarding the safety of vulnerable elderly citizens and the adequacy of current regulations concerning the ownership of potentially dangerous animals.