On Sunday, October 12, a 46‑year‑old man was fatally bitten by three dogs while foraging for mushrooms in the forest near Zielona Góra, Poland.
Tragedy in Zielona Góra
On Sunday, October 12, a 46‑year‑old man parked his vehicle near a petrol station and entered the Zielona Góra forest to pick mushrooms. During the excursion, three dogs attacked him. He managed to summon assistance, but succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Post‑mortem examinations revealed at least 53 wounds inflicted by tear and bite marks.
The initial investigation was conducted by the District Prosecutor’s Office, then taken over by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office. According to the prosecutor’s brief, the dogs—believed to be a mix of Belgian Shepherd and German breeds—were on the premises of a shooting range. The owner apparently failed to take necessary precautions, allowing the animals to escape the enclosure and attack the passerby. The investigation also uncovered additional instances of inadequate animal confinement involving another 53‑year‑old man.
New Information
The victim’s body was secured for forensic examination to determine the causes of wounds and death. Prosecutor Ewa Antonowicz announced that an exhaustive inspection of the accident site and the owners’ property was carried out by animal welfare and canine specialists.
Decisions were made to detain the dogs pending the ongoing proceedings. They are currently held in a temporary facility and will undergo veterinary assessment. Expert testimony will be crucial to the case. The prosecutor reiterated that the dogs are secured and residents need not worry.
Owner of Dogs is Former Policeman
The proprietor, a former police officer, was already subject to a prior prosecutor’s case, and civil claims have also been lodged. These matters will be considered in the present investigation. The prosecutor emphasized that the dogs had always been present on the shooting range, a location deemed unsuitable for such animals.
The office is also reviewing the operating conditions of the shooting range, including compliance with safety regulations and conformity with applicable rules.
