Attacked by a vicious dog in Qawra

I wish to bring to the attention of all the people who like to walk or jog along the Qawra promenade to beware a Rottweiler, which on Christmas Day at about 9.30 a.m. attacked me viciously and without provocation. The attack took place in a public place much frequented by locals and tourists.

In fact, I was walking along the promenade just past the Qawra Palace Hotel when I came across this dog, which was on leash with its owner. All of a sudden, when I had already passed by, the Rottweiler turned around and made a ferocious attack on me. To add insult to injury the owner just pulled at the leash and left the scene at once even though I and other passers-by told him that the dog had hurt me. I had to receive medical treatment, which included a tetanus jab and cleaning of the wound at the polyclinic in Mosta for the deep scratches which I suffered.

Later I filed a report with the Qawra police who although showing concern could not do much as I do not have any idea who the dog's owner is.

Now, my concern is not about the medical expenses (antibiotics and antiseptic sprays and swabs) incurred and the discomfort from the scratches and bruises. My main concern is that this might happen again to some other people who happen to be walking along the promenade as I was. What if the dog had not been controlled immediately and had managed to bite? The wound was at the lower back so the consequences could have been severe. And what if it were a child who had been the victim?

I, for one, will stop my daily walk along the promenade. With dogs and their irresponsible owners like those encountered that morning, it is no longer safe.