Owner of Dangerous Dog That Bit Small Dog to Death Says "No Intent... Not Subject to Punishment"

Rottweiler stock photo. The photo is not directly related to the article. Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The owner, Mr. Lee (76), accused of leaving a dangerous Rottweiler unleashed without a muzzle, resulting in the death of a small Spitz dog, claimed in court that there was no intent.

At the first trial held on the 24th under Judge Jeong Geum-young of the Criminal Division 3 at the Seoul Western District Court, he admitted most of the charges including violation of the Animal Protection Act but stated, "There was no intent. It was due to negligence."

Mr. Lee was brought to trial on charges of leaving a Rottweiler unleashed without a muzzle in a residential area in Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul on July 25 last year, which led to the Rottweiler biting and killing a Spitz and injuring its owner. The victim owner also suffered injuries requiring two weeks of medical treatment after being bitten by the Rottweiler.

Mr. Lee’s lawyer argued, "The Rottweiler did not bite the victim directly; the victim was injured while trying to stop the dog from biting the Spitz." Regarding the charge of property damage for killing the Spitz, the lawyer contended that "there was no intent, so it should not be subject to punishment." Under current law, animals are classified as property.

After the trial, Mr. Lee explained, "I was at home at the time, and our dog saw the Spitz and ran out before I could stop it," adding, "It does not bite people."

It was reported that this Rottweiler had previously attacked and killed other small dogs.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.