Dog Attack: How a German Shepherd Killed its Owner in Cameroon

Newsflash Nigeria StaffJune 16, 2023

2 minutes read

A tragic incident occurred in Yaoundé, Cameroon, when a German Shepherd dog attacked and killed its owner, Simon Ngonja, a senior staff at the Prime Minister’s office.

The dog, which was known for its loyalty and intelligence, turned violent and pounced on Ngonja when he returned from a trip on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

According to eyewitnesses, Ngonja opened the gate of his house and was greeted by the ferocious dog, which bit him on his face, neck and limbs. He tried to fight off the dog but was overpowered by its strength and aggression. A soldier who was nearby heard his screams and rushed to his rescue. He shot and killed the dog with a rifle bullet.

Ngonja was taken to the hospital with severe injuries and heavy bleeding. He underwent several surgeries but could not survive. He died on Thursday morning, June 15, 2023.

A Facebook user, Bella Powers, who shared his photos and the news of his death, wrote: “Killed by his dog in Yaoundé… Simon NGONJA, died this morning after being fatally attacked by his own ‘German Shepherd’ breed dog.

“Returning from a trip last Sunday night, he was attacked by his dog after opening the gate of his house. He fought fiercely with the animal to the point where it was a soldier who decided to kill the dog with a rifle bullet. Taken to the hospital with a lot of bleeding, the wounds were finally fatal to him. He was an executive in the services of the Prime Minister in Yaoundé. May his soul rest in peace and our condolence to his family.”

The reason why the dog attacked its owner is still unknown. Some experts suggest that it could be due to resource guarding, which is a behavior that causes dogs to attack anyone who tries to take their food or toy or remove them from their resting spot. Other possible factors include lack of socialization, fear, pain or illness.

German Shepherd dogs are one of the most popular breeds in the world. They are known for their courage, intelligence and loyalty. They are often used as police dogs, military dogs and service dogs.

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However, they can also be aggressive if they are not trained properly or if they feel threatened.

Dog attacks are not uncommon and can result in serious injuries or death. According to a report by USA Today, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States alone. Some of the most common breeds involved in fatal attacks include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds and mastiffs.

To prevent dog attacks, owners should train their dogs from an early age and socialize them with other people and animals. They should also provide them with adequate exercise, nutrition and veterinary care. They should also avoid provoking or teasing their dogs or approaching unfamiliar dogs without permission.

Dog owners should also be aware of the signs that indicate that a dog may be about to attack, such as raised hackles, bared teeth, a tense body posture, snarling sounds and direct eye contact1. If they notice any of these signs, they should try to calm down the dog or move away slowly without making sudden movements or eye contact.

Dog attacks are tragic and can be avoided with proper care and education. Dogs are man’s best friend but they can also be man’s worst enemy if they are not treated well or respected.