Guyana bans pit bulls after spate of maulings

updated 3:39 p.m. ET June 16, 2008

GEORGETOWN, Guyana - A spate of maulings by pit bulls prompted Guyanese authorities on Monday to ban imports of the breed into the South American nation.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud told reporters the import ban would last until Guyana's lawmakers review the matter in coming weeks.

"I am not sure that we want these dogs," Persaud said. "We have to see whether these types of animals are suited for this country."

Public debate about the breed erupted when a pit bull escaped from a yard and severely mauled a jogger in the capital. The victim had to be flown to the U.S. for reconstructive surgery to his hands, legs and upper body.

In May, a 58-year-old security guard died after he was attacked by a pack of pit bulls.

Pit bulls are often kept as pets in Guyana's residential areas or for commercial breeding purposes.

Current owners of pit bulls will be allowed to keep their dogs only if the animals are registered. Those who don't comply could have their dogs seized and can be fined.

More from msnbc.com   Power struggle threatens Pakistan’s leader   From Levi to Letterman: Palin's rough year U.S. widening definition for disability at work  Elkhart Project: Home, 'primed' for 2010 Ice addict heads for poles, Everest | Trek posts Stimulus tracker: See where millions of dollars went On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM AMERICAS

Americas Section Front

Pro-Cuba embargo money flows to lawmakers Peru quits summit over alleged espionage Venezuela's Chavez: Do sit-ups, eat well Can baseball bring U.S. and Cuba together? Drug lord makes Forbes list of ‘most powerful’ Huge Andes lake is drying up Mexican business groups call for U.N. troops Brazil: Big drop in Amazon deforestation Americas Section Front   Add Americas headlines to your news reader: