Sicily Wild Dogs

A pack of wild dogs are running loose in the Ragusa area of southern Sicily. On March 15, 2009, they dragged a 10-year-old boy off his bicycle and killed him; on March 17, they attacked and mauled a German tourist.BBC: Killer dogs sow terror in Sicily (March 17, 2009) BBC: Killer dogs sow terror in Sicily (March 17, 2009)

Authorities believe that the pack are a group that were neglected and starved by a man who was taking care of them and a suspect has been arrested.BBC: Killer dogs sow terror in Sicily (March 17, 2009)

In October 2008, a 9-year-old boy bled to death after a pack attacked him near Circello, Benevento. On January 2009, a 68-year-old woman was attacked and killed near Benevento, by dogs that she had been feeding.Adnkronos: Italy: Stray dogs a growing danger in south (March 17, 2009)

Ten year old Guiseppe Brafa was dragged off his bicycle and killed by about 50 dogs on March 15, 2009. Earlier that same day, a nine-year-old boy and 40-year-old man were bitten. Authorities were able to catch approximately 30 of the pack on March 16, 2009.News 24: Strays kill boy, maim tourist (March 17, 2009) ANSA: Tourist critical after dog attack (March 17, 2009)

Two days later, a 24-year-old German tourist was walking on the beach near Ragusa when she was attacked and mauled by the pack, disfiguring her face.BBC: Killer dogs sow terror in Sicily (March 17, 2009) News 24: Strays kill boy, maim tourist (March 17, 2009)

Because it is illegal to kill dogs in Italy, the police have been ordered to attempt to capture the dogs using anesthetic. Animal rights groups are calling for an emergency decree to make the sterilization of all dogs compulsory, and ban the sale of dogs.ANSA: Tourist critical after dog attack (March 17, 2009)