Mesara: 7-year-old hospitalized from dog bite

A seven-year-old girl is hospitalized at Venizeleio Hospital in Heraklion following a dog attack that occurred on the evening of Sunday, August 16, 2026 in Gagales Mesara. According to local media, the child was with her 43-year-old father in a private home when she was attacked by the owner’s pet dog. The girl was bitten on the face and had serious injuries. She received first aid at the Moiron Health Center and was subsequently transferred to Heraklion. Ekriti reports that she is hospitalized in the ENT Clinic and that her life is not in danger. Facial bites in children are usually treated in collaboration between plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists, as beyond infection there is also the issue of restoration.

Two people were arrested for the incident. The 34-year-old dog owner, who is held responsible for protecting the animal, and the 43-year-old child’s father, for negligent supervision of a minor. Both are presumed innocent until proven otherwise by a competent court. The exact circumstances are being investigated by police authorities; according to Cretalive, the dog “escaped the attention” of the owner. It has not been disclosed whether the animal was leashed or in a fenced area at the time of the incident. The arrest of a parent for negligent supervision is unusual and requires, according to police assessment, evidence that will subsequently be evaluated by the prosecutor.

The child’s mother spoke publicly through a local social media page, reporting that she was informed by phone at 23:10 on Sunday. As she stated, the dog belonged to a “close relative.” The child’s and family’s identity are not disclosed, as prescribed for minors. The mother’s public statement reopened discussion in Mesara about the care of pets, an issue that resurfaces each time a serious incident is recorded. Local media avoided disclosing identifying information, while the mother’s public posting was made on her own initiative and not following a journalist’s question.

The current law on companion animals provides clear obligations for owners, including safe confinement within the property and liability for any damage or injury caused by the animal. In cases of attack, a veterinary examination of the animal usually follows, while health services examine the history of vaccinations. The case will be submitted to the competent prosecutor. No action has been announced by the Municipality of Gortyna regarding the animal. In similar cases, civil claims for hospitalization expenses and moral damages are also examined, regardless of the outcome of the criminal proceedings.