Pit bulls that mauled woman to death had scars 'linked to dog fights'

Two pit bulls that mauled to death a 95-year-old woman at her Msida home last year had scars that vets believe could be the remains of wounds suffered in dog fights. Both dogs were certified as healthy by the vets following the fatal attack, the court heard on Thursday when criminal proceedings resumed against Andre Galea, the dog owner who stands accused of the involuntary homicide of his grandmother, Inez Galea. Galea had been found lying motionless in a pool of blood on September 7, 2020. Forensic pathologist Ali Salfraz, who had conducted the post-mortem examination along with a colleague, testified that the victim died of hypovolemic shock due to severe blood loss after being bitten by the dogs. Nurse Maria Deguara was one of the emergency ambulance responders who rushed to the scene of the attack that afternoon. She told the court how all those who went to the Msida premises, including the inquiring magistrate, Civil Protection and Animal Welfare officers as well as the medical team, had to wait outside until the animals were led outside by their owner. Inez, pictured on her 95th birthday in February 2020, and with her pet chihuahua, which was also killed. Photo with...