Earlier in February, 12 people ranging from the age of 7 to 63, including nine elementary school students were attacked and injured by a 2-year-old male Shikoku dog in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture. The 62-year-old man and his 57-year-old wife were prosecuted on charges of negligence and violation of the Rabies Prevention Act for not getting the dog vaccinated against rabies.
On 7 February, the man released the Shikoku dog, which was about 130 centimeters in length, into his garden. The dog then escaped and went on to bite 7 people, causing minor injuries to their legs and other places. The two had admitted to the charges.
Five people were taken to the hospital as a result of the incident, in which an elementary school boy received a total of 50 stitches for his injuries and had to be temporarily confined to a wheelchair. A toy poodle that was being taken for a walk at the time of the incident also died due to being bitten.
The dog was later tested negative for rabies.
Source: Yomiuri Shimbun
