Owner bailed, dogs still in custody
Magistrate Yohhahnseh Cave on Wednesday granted $100,000 bail to the owner of the pack of dogs that mauled a security guard to death when he appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.
Ronny Totaram, a pilot of Ogle Airstrip Road, East Coast Demerara was not required to plead to the indictable charge of manslaughter. He was not charged in relation to the attack on Desire London, who was injured after two of the dogs attacked her, on the same day, after they had killed Charles Roopchand. Khemraj Ramjatan represented Totaram.
Last Wednesday around 6 am, a pack of dogs attacked Roopchand as he made his way to his work at a Cell Link site in the area. After dragging him across a roadside trench and ripping his throat and face apart, two of the animals turned on London, who was on one of her regular morning walks. The woman was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital and discharged. A post-mortem examination revealed that Roopchand died from asphyxiation and multiple wounds due to dog bites.
The police canine division captured the nine dogs who along with Totaram were taken to the Sparendaam Police Station. Three days later, Totaram was released on $100,000 station bail after police were advised by the Director of Public Prosecution that more statements were needed to complete the file before charges were laid.
Stabroek News understands that the animals are still in police custody, though it is unclear what will become of them.
The matter will continue on June 4.