The injuries on the arm of the British tourist in Nha Trang City after attack. — Photo from the Khánh Hoà General Hospital

KHÁNH HOÀ — The large Alabai dog who seriously injured a British tourist in the south-central coastal city of Nha Trang has been put down, local authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Veterinarian officials put the dog down after the attack that hospitalised 18-year-old Staker Zachary Paul last Sunday, Nguyễn Chí Dũng, Chairman of Vĩnh Hiệp Commune People’s Committee, confirmed. 

The dog belonged to Đỗ Xuân Tùng, residing on 23/10 Street, Vĩnh Hiệp Commune, and was fully vaccinated.

Dũng noted that the killing of the dog, with the full consent of the owner, was done to keep residents and visitors safe. According to local media, this was not the first time the dog has attacked people.

The dog's owner, Tùng, said his family is also taking part in caring for the injured tourist.

Trần Ngọc Khanh, department of burns and orthopaedic surgery at Khánh Hoà General Hospital, said that after the surgery on his arm, the patient is recovering well and has been vaccinated against rabies.

Zachary will be discharged from the hospital in about three days, and he wishes to return home soon.

Nha Trang City’s police will determine criminal responsibilities in the case, and if they decide not to move forward with legal proceedings, the local administration will just issue administrative penalties as per regulations.

Following the bloody incident, local authorities have been implementing stronger measures to control stray dogs, to maintain the image of a friendly, civilised, and safe tourist city. — VNS