Owner Of Plott Hound Which Bit Off Newborn's Hand Has No Licence For The Canine

The Plott Hound is a German breed that is classified as a restricted dog breed in Malaysia.

Cover image via Reuters & Petfinder

A newborn baby in Melaka was recently attacked by a dog, causing her to lose her right hand.
Authorities have since discovered that the dog's owner does not have a licence for the animal.

Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) mayor Datuk Zainal Abu told New Straits Times that the Plott Hound is a German breed that is classified as a restricted dog breed in Malaysia.

He said, "The pet dog is currently under a two-week quarantine at the Melaka Veterinary Services Department to ensure it does not have rabies."

Besides that, he also assured that action will be taken against the owner under the Licensing of Dogs By-Laws (MPMT) 1984.

The male canine has been taken into custody under Section 41 (1) of the Animals Act 1953.
The state Veterinary Department will monitor the dog and dispose of it, if it shows any signs of rabies.

"If the dog does not show any sign of illness during the 14 days of quarantine, it will be handed back to MBMB for further action," said state Veterinary Department director Dr Aidi Mohamad, as reported by Bernama.

Section 41 (1) of the Animals Act 1953 states that a veterinary authority or a police officer not below the rank of Inspector may order the owner or person in charge of any dog that has or is reasonably believed to have bitten any person to produce the dog to him for examination.

After being attacked by the hound, the newborn was reported to be in critical condition

According to The Star, the incident took place at a family home in Bachang around 10am on Tuesday, 8 September.

The baby was left unsupervised for a brief moment before her aunt discovered that the family dog had bitten the child's hand off from outside of the grille.

The baby girl was rushed to a private hospital before being referred to Melaka Hospital and then transferred to Kuala Lumpur Hospital.