Scouts Pay N$2 Million for Dog Attack on Child

Windhoek, Namibia – The Boy Scouts of Namibia have been ordered to pay N$2 million (approximately US$130,000) to the family of a child who was attacked by a dog owned by the organization. The incident occurred in June 2020 at a Scout camp in the central region of the country. An eight-year-old boy was playing with the dog when it bit him on the head, causing serious injuries that required multiple surgeries. The family filed a lawsuit against the Boy Scouts, alleging negligence and a lack of proper supervision. They argued that the organization failed to ensure the safety of its members and visitors. During the trial, the Scouts admitted liability but claimed that the child had provoked the attack by teasing the dog. They also argued that the boy’s injuries were not as severe as alleged by the family. However, the High Court of Namibia ruled in favor of the family, finding that the Boy Scouts were responsible for the dog’s actions. The court held that the organization failed to adequately restrain the dog and failed to provide proper supervision for the children at the camp. The court awarded the family N$1 million for damages and N$1 million for medical expenses. The Boy Scouts have been ordered to pay the full amount within 30 days. The family’s lawyer welcomed the judgment, stating that it sends a strong message to organizations to take responsibility for the safety of those under their care. He also praised the court for recognizing the severity of the boy’s injuries. The Boy Scouts of Namibia expressed regret for the incident and stated that they are committed to improving their safety protocols. The organization said it will review its policies and procedures to ensure that such an incident does not happen again.Boy Attacked by Dog at Scout Premises Awarded $2.2 Million

Boy Attacked by Dog at Scout Premises Awarded $2.2 Million

Following a vicious dog attack four years ago, the Namibian Scouts youth movement has been ordered to pay $2.2 million to the mother of the injured boy. The Windhoek High Court deemed that the Scouts were aware of the presence of the pit bull terrier on their premises in Tsumeb and failed to ensure its safe confinement. The organization was found to have a duty of care to the eight-year-old boy who suffered permanent and severe injuries. The dog attacked the boy on February 7, 2020, scalping him and causing extensive facial injuries. He underwent significant surgeries and spent over two months in the hospital. The boy’s mother filed a lawsuit against the Scouts and Desmond Mandjalo, the scout trainer who controlled the dog. The Scouts denied responsibility but did not dispute the amount claimed. Mandjalo has been ordered to pay an additional $70,000. Judge Orben Sibeya found that the Scouts had knowledge of the dog’s presence but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. Mandjalo, who had been entrusted with the dog’s care, also failed to secure it properly on the day of the incident. The verdict serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and supervision, especially in youth organizations.