12 People Bitten by Shikoku Dog in Japan’s Gunma Pref.; 5 People Taken to Hospital

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:53 JST, February 8, 2024

ISESAKI, Gunma — Twelve people were bitten by a dog in and around a park in Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, according to local police.

Police received an emergency call at about 4:10 p.m. Wednesday from a witness. The people attacked ranged in age from 7 to 63, and were bitten on their legs and other body parts by a 2-year-old male Shikoku dog.

Five of the victims, including four elementary school students, were taken to a hospital. None were reported to be in life-threatening condition.

The dog, about 130 centimeters in length, was captured later, police said. They will investigate the dog’s owner, a 62-year-old company executive in Isesaki, on suspicion of violating the animal protection law.