Shocking bite incident in St Gallen: Man kills dog with axe

A bite incident shocked St Gallen on Monday evening, 24 June 2024. On Schönaustrasse, a leashed Pitbull and a free-running Malttese came into conflict. The Pitbull was attacked by a resident with an axe and did not survive the attack.

The incident

At around 7:30 pm, eyewitnesses reported a dog fight to the control centre of the St Gallen city police. A leashed Pitbull had bitten a free-running Maltese on the neck and would not let go. Neither the two dog owners nor passing pedestrians could separate the dogs.

Two residents, who observed the bite incident from their balcony, intervened. Armed with a combat axe and a kitchen knife, they went to the dogs. The 43-year-old German resident struck the Pitbull with the axe. The severely injured Pitbull then released the Maltese but died on the way to the vet.

Here is the official report from the police ticker Switzerland/St Gallen.

Reactions and legal consequences

The St Gallen Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the incident. As it is an official offence, the case will be pursued independently of a complaint. Dionys Widmer, media spokesperson for the city police, confirmed that such extreme incidents are rare. Usually, minor altercations between dogs can be resolved on site.

Dog trainer Jasmin Uebigau and animal rights expert Peter V. Kunz commented on the incident for broadcaster TVO. They referred to alternative methods for separating fighting dogs.

What to do in a dog fight – recommendations for action

If two dogs get into a fight and bite each other, the following steps help:

1. Stay calm: Loud screams or hectic movements can make the dogs even more aggressive.
2. Protect hands and face: Approach the dogs carefully and protect yourself from possible bites.
3. Distract with noise: Make a loud noise by clapping, whistling or hitting an object. This can distract the dogs and interrupt the fight.
4. Use water: If possible, throw water on the fighting dogs. The sudden shock can help separate the animals.
5. Use objects as a barrier: Use objects such as a jacket, blanket or bag to separate the dogs without putting yourself in danger.
6. Lift hind legs: If safe to do so, approach one of the dogs from behind and lift its hind legs simultaneously, as with a wheelbarrow. This can unbalance the dog. Caution: This method carries a risk of injury, as the dog could turn around and bite.
7. Do not use violence: Avoid hitting or kicking the dogs. This can increase aggression.
8. Get help: Call other people for support or contact the police or animal rescue service.
9. After the fight: Control and safety: After separating them, both dogs should be secured to prevent the fight from flaring up again. Check the animals for injuries and seek veterinary attention immediately if necessary.
10. Behaviour after the incident: Calm the dogs and observe them closely. Even without visible injuries, dogs may be in shock or have internal injuries.

Responsibility of dog owners

Every dog owner is responsible for their animal, regardless of size or breed. The assumption that small dogs “can’t cause any trouble” often leads to negligent behaviour.

In the current case, the off-leash Maltese should never have been allowed near the leashed Pitbull. At the same time, it is the responsibility of a Pitbull’s owner to intervene early and ensure solid training and socialisation of their dog. The public prosecutor’s office will determine whether the reaction of those involved was legally justifiable. Dog owners would do well to know non-violent methods for separating fighting dogs.