LOPBURI — An 18-year-old man was tragically killed by two American Bully dogs at his home in Lopburi Province, marking the second fatal attack involving this breed in the past month. The victim, who was alone at the time, was the younger brother of a 23-year-old police officer named Apisit, who had left the dogs in the care of his family while working a night shift in Bangkok.
The attack occurred on Friday night, and CCTV footage shows the victim attempting to escape to a bedroom, but he was unable to close the door in time. His father later discovered his son’s body in the room, with severe injuries, including the loss of both ears. The two dogs, typically described as gentle by their owner, were immediately secured following the incident.
The owner, Apisit, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his brother and is grappling with the wave of criticism directed at him on social media, where he has been accused of indirectly causing his brother’s death. He has pleaded for public understanding, emphasizing the immense grief his family is enduring. His mother, overwhelmed by the tragedy, fainted during the funeral proceedings at Wat Luang Thai Talat in Mueang Lopburi District on September 1. The cremation is scheduled for September 5.
Apisit explained that the dogs, named Fino and Tesla, might have become stressed due to his absence, which was out of the ordinary. He speculates that this stress, combined with possible rough play by his brother, may have triggered the fatal aggression. The two dogs were uncontrollable once they began to attack, driven by the scent of blood. A third dog, the mother of the two, was also injured in the incident, likely in an attempt to intervene.
The tragedy has left Apisit and his family unable to keep the dogs, who now serve as a painful reminder of the incident. He plans to rehome the animals with individuals experienced in handling the American Bully breed. Apisit has also urged the media to refrain from further coverage of the story, citing the severe emotional toll on his family.
This incident follows another fatal attack involving American Bullies in Khon Kaen Province on July 24, 2024, where three dogs killed a 70-year-old man. In both cases, the dogs were rehomed following the attacks.
The American Bully, a breed developed in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, is known for its muscular build and potential for aggression if not properly trained and cared for. While often praised as a family dog, the breed has faced bans or restrictions in several countries due to concerns over safety, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, according to Caroline Coile, author of the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.