File sent to DPP – Police

Police say investigations into the Forshaw Street pit bull mauling are complete and the matter has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

The owner of the dogs Joseph Satrohan said that he compensated the victim, Raul Ramsaywack about one week ago. Though he did not divulge the sum he gave to the man, Satrohan said they signed an agreement which was witnessed by a Justice of the Peace and a police officer. He also said he wished that he could have done something more for Ramsaywack as from all appearances the man is on the streets once again.

Meanwhile, Commander of ‘A’ Division Welton Trotz told Stabroek News that the police have taken statements from all the parties involved and have concluded their investigations. They are currently awaiting the DPP’s advice before proceeding with the matter. Trotz said too that he is not aware of any compensation paid to the victim and that he preferred not to get involved.

Satrohan had told this newspaper that after Ramsaywack’s June 10 discharge from hospital the man would visit his residence frequently and ask him for money. He said on several occasions he offered to enrol Ramsaywack in a rehabilitation programme but the man refused. Satrohan said that he had given the man small sums of money and sometimes he would give him food while advising him to accept his offer of help.

He said at one time Ramsaywack had told him that he would accept the offer; however it appears that he changed his mind.

Satrohan told Stabroek News yesterday that the agreement he and Ramsaywack signed covers his civic duty but he could not say what would happen with the criminal aspect of the matter. Ramsaywack had told this newspaper that he planned to use any compensation to start a fruit business.

Three pit bulls had mauled Ramsaywack in an empty lot where he had gone to pick mangoes. Weeks later two dogs of the same breed attacked their 25-year-old caretaker Ramdat Singh at Oleander Gardens. Singh had been preparing to feed the animals on the afternoon of June 5 when they mauled him. The man suffered deep wounds to his thighs and countless punctures and lacerations to both hands.  He is currently a warded patient at the Georgetown hospital.

Singh’s employer, businessman Carl Thomas said he owns a pack of six dogs comprising parents and their offspring. He had said that a pregnant dog attacked Singh and usually when the dogs are gestating they are “cross.” When asked about compensating Singh for his injuries, Thomas said that he is receiving free medical care at the Georgetown hospital and when he is discharged he can return to his job.

Several recent pit bull attacks have spurred citizens to call for a review of legislation that governs the ownership of this and other vicious breeds. There has also been a call for the review of laws that govern the treatment of animals that kill and compensation for victims.

On Wednesday last Magistrate Oneidge Walrond-Allicock ordered that the pit bull that attacked North Ruimveldt jogger Lennox Wade last October be put down, failing which the owner would face a fine for each day the dog is kept alive. Additionally, the owner of the dog Vilton Bourne was fined $15,000 or the alternative of six months imprisonment for suffering a ferocious dog to be at large and not muzzled.

Several dog owners and lovers have called for a review of the decision to destroy the animal saying it was too harsh. Many have also labelled the ruling “unfair” saying the owner should be punished and not the dog.

Wade, a miner and furniture manufacturer, suffered injuries that have left him without the use of his right hand. Also, the man’s hand and other parts of his body bear gruesome evidence of his injuries. (Melissa Charles)