The owner of an attack dog that killed a six-year-old boy went on trial here Friday in a case that prompted Germany to introduce tougher laws to control aggressive canines.
The 24-year-old owner of the American Staffordshire terrier is charged with causing fatal bodily injury in the incident in June.
He is accused of allowing the dog called Zeus to run wild on the grounds of the boy's school without a leash or a muzzle, together with the attack dog of his girlfriend.
The attack lasted only several seconds, as the boy's body was ripped apart by limb by limb in front of his schoolmates.
The prosecution said the dog's owner must have known that it was possible that Zeus would go after the child, because both dogs had bitten people before. A verdict is expected in January.
The case followed a string of similar attacks and prompted nationwide outrage.
After the attack, several regional states introduced laws requiring owners of attack dogs only to take them out in public on a leash and wearing a muzzle.
They also banned the breeding of several dangerous species -- HAMBURG (AFP)
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