This time, they have mauled a 45-year-old man at the corner of High and Leopold Streets, Charlestown, in the city.

Reports are that the victim, Mark Greenidge, also called Markie, (no address given) was walking along the road when two pit bulls dogs from that area pounced on him, threw him to the ground and began tearing away at him.

He was rescued by a passing police patrol who took him to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

He was given emergency treatment then admitted to the male medical ward.

The Chronicle was unable to ascertain who is the owner of the dogs.

During last year, at least five persons, one of whom was killed in the process, came under attack by vicious pit bulls. Most of the dogs had been left unattended and unchained.

Those who came under attack were a 54-year-old miner, Lennox Wade of North Ruimveldt, who was jogging early one morning; a security guard of Ogle who was attacked and killed by the dogs while on his way to work; a head teacher, and at least two destitute men, one of whom was picking fruits in an open yard when he was attacked and badly disfigured by the pit bulls.

These attacks were fiercely criticised by concerned members of the public who felt that it was irresponsible for owners of such vicious dogs to allow them to get out onto the roadways where they pose a serious threat to people’s lives, and can attack helpless children as well. They expressed the view that the dogs should be ‘put to sleep’ if their owners do not keep them chained. (Shirley Thomas)