Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin says Antigua and Barbuda’s current laws already regulate the ownership of dogs, including breeds considered dangerous or ferocious, and hold owners strictly liable for any injuries their animals cause.
Benjamin said victims are entitled to compensation for damages, but following last week’s pit bull attack in Skerritt’s Pasture that left 27-year-old Shabo Nedwell seriously injured, the government is examining whether criminal charges should also apply in similar cases.
He said studies are underway to assess the existing legal framework and determine if tougher penalties or new regulations are needed.
Nedwell, who had been preparing to celebrate her graduation from the UWI Five Islands Campus, suffered multiple bite wounds after being mauled by two pit bulls owned by a relative. The attack has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed debate about responsible pet ownership and public safety.
Benjamin said the findings of the government’s review will be made public once the assessment is complete, as officials work to strengthen legal protections for citizens while maintaining fairness for dog owners.
