WILLEMSTAD – A 38-year-old Venezuelan woman living in Curaçao faces financial devastation after her three pit bulls attacked a passerby last year, leaving the victim with life-altering injuries. The incident, which took place on August 11, 2023, has led to both criminal and civil proceedings that could cost the dog owner, Elena Carolina C., more than 200,000 guilders. 

The Court of First Instance sentenced C. to a conditional fine of 5,000 guilders and ordered her to pay 22,600 guilders in damages. The victim, who can no longer work due to the severity of her injuries, is also demanding an additional 194,000 guilders in a civil lawsuit. 

The attack occurred after the dogs—named Darla, Max, and Ginger—escaped through a hole in a shared fence. C. told the court that she had repeatedly asked the neighbor to repair the hole, but no action was taken. “I tried to stop the dogs, but I couldn’t prevent the attack,” she testified. C. eventually pulled the dogs away but sustained injuries herself in the process. 

Judge Mr. Bracht described the attack as “horrific” after reviewing video footage presented in court. The court found that C. failed to take adequate safety measures to prevent the escape of dogs known to be dangerous. As part of her sentence, she will also serve a three-year probation period. 

The case has not only cost C. her job but also placed her at the center of a costly legal battle, potentially leaving her responsible for over 200,000 guilders in total damages. 

Authorities have reminded pet owners of their responsibility to ensure animals are securely contained, especially if they are known to pose a risk to public safety.