Latest news with #dogbite
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Aussie travellers warned to be vigilant as deadly disease causes alarm in Bali
Tourists heading to Bali are being warned to be vigilant after a rise in rabies cases has sparked panic at popular holiday hotspots. Authorities believe the disease has been spread by several rabid dogs in tourist-heavy areas, such as South Kuta and parts of the Mengwi District, including tourist favourites like Canggu's Pererenan Beach and Seseh, and red zones have been declared following a number of dog bite incidents. Australian vet Will Maginness works closely with Bali-based rescue organisation Mission Paws'ible. He told Yahoo News tourists should "definitely be vigilant around stray animals" since the hotspots are "where many Australians travel". However, the ongoing situation doesn't mean Aussies should avoid travelling to Bali completely. "Just keep your distance from all street dogs, and be aware that it currently is there, at the hotspots, and to be safe. But I wouldn't avoid travelling to Bali," he told Yahoo. Balinese authorities believe up to five dogs have caused spread Anak Agung Brahmi Witari, Acting Head of Animal Health, told local reporters the location of the cases has likely exacerbated the issue as South Kuta has many bushes used "as a nest by wild dogs". "The case is at least one or two dogs, no more than five," he said. Mass vaccination efforts launched immediately, and authorities are reportedly working with local animal welfare organisations to sterilise and vaccinate dogs in tourist hotspots.. "Vaccination is protection for us and pets," Witari said. From January to March alone, there's reportedly been 13,000 rabies cases and 25 people have died in Bali after being bitten by the infected animals, 7News reported this week. While dogs are usually the main threat of rabies in Bali, other animals, such as monkeys, also pose a risk. This was the case for Aussie traveller Jami Groves, who forked out $6,000 for rabies shots after a monkey bit her last year at Monkey Forest in Ubud. Advice for travellers to protect against rabies virus Maginness allayed concerns that the recent spike in rabid dogs in Bali could be a threat to canines here in Australia. He urged travellers to worry about their own health first and foremost, and said there was no risk for pets. "The rabies virus is spread through saliva, and it needs an open wound to be able to transmit to humans or dogs. We're very fortunate here in Australia that, to this point, rabies does not exist, so our dogs are safe. We are very blessed," he said. 🤫 Aussies forced to remain indoors as Bali comes to 'standstill' 👀 1.5 million travellers warned of hidden health risk in Bali 🦇 Australian man dies from 'extremely rare' bat bite virus The best way for travellers to safeguard themselves against rabies is to get the vaccination prior to travel, and to seek medical attention immediately after being bitten by a potentially rabid dog. Those heading to the country are advised to familiarise themselves with post-exposure protocols, which can be found here. The virus is 100 per cent fatal once symptoms are present, however death is preventable with prompt post-exposure prophylaxis, which stops it from reaching the central nervous system. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders and The Bill actor at war with neighbours over fight for compensation after his wife's wrist was bitten by their dog at luxury holiday lodge
With tough guy roles in films such as Quadrophenia and Scum, John Blundell seems like he could handle anything. But the actor has revealed he and his wife Mercina are struggling to enjoy breaks at their luxury lodge in an upmarket resort over a bitter four-year legal dispute with neighbours. Relations with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after their tiny Chinese crested dog, Ziggy, bit Mrs Blundell, leaving her with a scar on her wrist. The dispute that spiralled out of the incident has resulted in the Blundells contacting police to claim they had been verbally abused, filmed, barked at and even had 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' sung at them. But the Girdiefski's firmly deny the claims, point out all criminal investigations have been dropped and say the Blundells remained friends with them – even inviting them to dinner – until an insurance claim over the dog bite incident faltered. The drama has played out at Fritton Lake, near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, which is owned by Lord Somerleyton who tried – unsuccessfully – to mediate between the warring couples. The resort, set in 5,000 acres of countryside, has 115 lodges that sell for up to £350,000, while owners pay an £8,000 ground rent that includes access to a clubhouse with a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool, gym, tennis and volleyball courts, a shop – and a floating sauna. Mr Blundell, 66, who has also appeared in EastEnders, The Bill, Just Good Friends and Juliet Bravo, complained: 'We now go back to our home in Camden in London for a rest. 'This was supposed to be an idyllic holiday retreat and it has turned into a living nightmare.' Mrs Girdiefski, a 61-year-old project manager – who has so far spent £19,000 on solicitor's fees and expects a damages bill of up to £11,000 after admitting liability, countered: 'We were still all happy when they were going through the pet insurance stage and there was no animosity at all at this point. 'But when they learned that the pet insurance wouldn't pay out to them because the incident took place inside the holiday lodge, things changed.' She and her husband suspect their neighbours are 'doing this for the money' – an allegation flatly denied by the Blundells. Ziggy nipped at Mrs Blundell on June 21, 2021, two months after she and her husband bought their lodge. They had walked around 600ft through woodland to visit the Girdiefskis for the first time and were inside their property admiring their skylights. The bite broke the skin on Mrs Blundell's wrist and left her with a half-inch scar after she went to James Paget Hospital in Gorleston for treatment. The couple subsequently made a claim on the Girdiefskis' pet insurance but were turned down as it didn't happen in a public place. Mrs Blundell claims bad blood developed between the couples, saying: 'They would sneakily film us, hurl abuse at us. 'Alison would drive past really slowly… call us all the names under the sun, trying to irk a reaction. 'When they would go past, they would bark at us and growl, pretending to be dogs. 'They have shown no guilt or remorse and would even sing 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' as they passed. The couple contacted Norfolk Police in April 2023 to report the dog bite and harassment, as they said the Girdiefskis were filming them at the clubhouse to contradict Mrs Blundell's claim she had been left fearful of dogs since the attack. Officers gave words of advice to Mrs Girdiefski and put Ziggy on the force's register of dangerous dogs but took no further action due to the lack of evidence available after so much time had passed. They also decided no offence had been committed in relation to filming. A few weeks later Mrs Girdiefski was spoken to under caution by officers and issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract after the Blundells made a further complaint about harassment and threats to cause criminal damage. Police concluded no crime had been committed after receiving a further complaint earlier this year – following which the Blundells to launched the civil case as they were frustrated at the lack of progress. Mrs Blundell, who says a plastic surgeon quoted £1,500 to fix the scar on her wrist, said: 'All we wanted was an apology. Alison has abused us so many times and even threatened to burn our lodge down. 'At some points, I have literally broken down. We do not want animosity with anyone and this is not the retirement we want.' The Girdiefski's deny every claim made against them and said relations with their neighbours remained amicable for more than a year after the dog bite. Mr Girdiefski, who works in forensic litigation, said: 'We saw them multiple times after the incident. They were very friendly still. We even went for dinner at their lodge… 'Suddenly, out of the blue, they were asking for our pet insurance details and told us they would be making a claim.' Referring to the claim being turned down, his wife added: 'From this point on things changed. We thought they were doing this for money. Why else would they be doing it? 'We, from day one, have accepted responsibility. Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this. 'We wanted it settled [out of court] and have made multiple attempts to settle the matter with them.' Mr Blundell, who played 'Daddy' Pongo Banks in the brutal 1970s prison drama Scum and Leader of the Rockers in Quadrophenia – appearing opposite Ray Winstone in both films - added: 'This is absolutely nothing to do with financial gain at all. It is simply about accountability.' Lord Somerleyton, whose resort is frequented by celebrities including EastEnders stars Charlie Brooks and James Farrar and was used to film E4 reality show The Real Dirty Dancing with Anthea Turner and singer Lee Ryan - confirmed he had tried to orchestrate peace between the couples. 'We offered to sit down and try and talk things through and settle the feud in our own family business style kind of way,' he said. 'But the disagreement escalated well beyond our control and, once it ended up in court, there was not much more we could have done.' There have been several civil hearings, resulting in a judgement against the Girdiefskis. At the latest hearing, in Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court late last month, the Girdiefskis were told a settlement figure would be decided during a hearing at Norwich County County Court later this year. Mrs Girdiefski, whose principle property is in Norwich, said: 'These sums of money are just ridiculous – the sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut.' Norfolk Police confirmed they had been contacted about a number of alleged incidents including a dog allegedly being dangerously out of control and a hate crime but had not taken action. A spokeswoman said of alleged harassment and threats to cause criminal damage between May 9, 2023, and July 7, 2023: 'A woman was questioned under caution (voluntary police interview). 'She was issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract in connection with anti-social behaviour which outlined she should not contact the victim/s.'
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Health unit tracking down owners of dog that bit toddler along Thornbury beach
The local health unit is requesting assistance from the public in identifying the owners of a dog that bit a toddler on a Thornbury beach. On Saturday, just before 9 p.m., a three-year-old was out on the beach in the Town of Blue Mountains when a large, black dog reportedly bit them. Health officials say the dog was walking with a man and a woman on a leash. Staff at Grey Bruce Public Health would like to confirm that the dog is not infected with rabies. By verifying the health of the dog, the victim can avoid receiving the post-exposure rabies treatment. If you have any information related to this incident, officials ask that you contact Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420 ext 1330.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders & The Bill actor at war with neighbours after wife had hand bitten by tiny dog Ziggy
EASTENDERS star John Blundell is locked in a four-year legal battle with his neighbours after his wife was bitten by their dog. The bitter dispute started when John's wife, Mercina, was nipped by a Chinese crested dog, called Ziggy, while the couple were staying at their holiday home near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. 7 7 The actor's relationship with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after the incident in June 2021 - which left Mercina with a scar on her wrist. Since the bite, the Blundells claim that they have been harassed by their neighbours. Mercina accused the pair of targeting her and her husband by singing "who let the dogs out" and filming them when nearby. But the Girdiefski's have denied these claims, explaining that relations between the two couples had been fine before issues with insurance cropped up. Mr Girdiefski said: 'We saw them multiple times after the incident. "They were very friendly still. We even went for dinner at their lodge. "Suddenly - out of the blue - they were asking for our pet insurance details and told us they would be making a claim." Alison added: "We were still all happy when they were going through the pet insurance stage and there was no animosity at all at this point. "But when they learned that the pet insurance wouldn't pay out to them because the incident took place inside the holiday lodge, things changed." The bite occurred two months after the Blundells purchased their lodge at Fritton Lake resort, which has more than 100 lodges for sale - ranging up to £350,000. The resort is owned by Lord Somerleyton and features 5,000 acres of countryside, a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool, gym, tennis courts and a floating sauna. The Bill star John and his wife had been in their neighbour's lodge when she was bitten. Kate Lawler locked in bitter row with neighbour after controversial move - whose side are YOU on- Her wound was later treated at the nearby James Paget Hospital. They made a claim on their neighbour's pet insurance, but were denied because it didn't occur in a public space. It was from this point that Mercina claims the couple started verbally abusing her and her husband. She said: "They would sneakily film us and hurl abuse at us. "Alison would drive past really slowly. She would call us all the names under the sun and try to irk a reaction. "When they would go past, they would bark at us and growl, pretending to be dogs. "They have shown no guilt or remorse and would even sing 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' as they passed. "All we wanted was an apology. Alison has abused us so many times and even threatened to burn our lodge down. "At some points, I have literally broken down. "We do not want animosity with anyone and this is not the retirement we want." John added: "We now go back to our home in Camden in London for a rest. "This was supposed to be an idyllic holiday retreat and it has turned into a living nightmare." 7 7 They contacted Norfolk Police in April 2023, reporting the dog bite and harassment. Ziggy was placed on the register of dangerous dogs and the couple were given a talking to by cops. John and Mercina then launched a civil case after police confirmed no further action was to be taken in relation to harassment. The Girdiefskis have already spent tens of thousand of pounds on legal fees, with final costs yet to be ruled in court. Mrs Girdiefski fumed: "These sums of money are just ridiculous. "This is the sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut. "We thought they were doing this for money. Why else would they be doing it? "From day one, we have accepted responsibility. Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this. "We wanted it settled and have made multiple attempts to settle the matter with them." John responded: "This is absolutely nothing to do with financial gain at all. "It is simply about accountability." A final settlement figure will be decided at Norwich County Court later this year. 7
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders and The Bill actor at war with neighbours over fight for compensation after his wife's finger was bitten by their dog at luxury holiday lodge
With tough guy roles in films such as Quadrophenia and Scum, John Blundell seems like he could handle anything. But the actor has revealed he and his wife Mercina are struggling to enjoy breaks at their luxury lodge in an upmarket resort over a bitter four-year legal dispute with neighbours. Relations with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after their tiny Chinese crested dog, Ziggy, bit Mrs Blundell, leaving her with a scar on her wrist. The dispute that spiralled out of the incident has resulted in the Blundells contacting police to claim they had been verbally abused, filmed, barked at and even had 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' sung at them. But the Girdiefski's firmly deny the claims, point out all criminal investigations have been dropped and say the Blundells remained friends with them – even inviting them to dinner – until an insurance claim over the dog bite incident faltered. The drama has played out at Fritton Lake, near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, which is owned by Lord Somerleyton who tried – unsuccessfully – to mediate between the warring couples. The resort, set in 5,000 acres of countryside, has 115 lodges that sell for up to £350,000, while owners pay an £8,000 ground rent that includes access to a clubhouse with a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool, gym, tennis and volleyball courts, a shop – and a floating sauna. Mr Blundell, 66, who has also appeared in EastEnders, The Bill, Just Good Friends and Juliet Bravo, complained: 'We now go back to our home in Camden in London for a rest. 'This was supposed to be an idyllic holiday retreat and it has turned into a living nightmare.' Mrs Girdiefski, a 61-year-old project manager – who has so far spent £19,000 on solicitor's fees and expects a damages bill of up to £11,000 after admitting liability, countered: 'We were still all happy when they were going through the pet insurance stage and there was no animosity at all at this point. 'But when they learned that the pet insurance wouldn't pay out to them because the incident took place inside the holiday lodge, things changed.' She and her husband suspect their neighbours are 'doing this for the money' – an allegation flatly denied by the Blundells. Ziggy nipped at Mrs Blundell on June 21, 2021, two months after she and her husband bought their lodge. They had walked around 600ft through woodland to visit the Girdiefskis for the first time and were inside their property admiring their skylights. The bite broke the skin on Mrs Blundell's wrist and left her with a half-inch scar after she went to James Paget Hospital in Gorleston for treatment. The couple subsequently made a claim on the Girdiefskis' pet insurance but were turned down as it didn't happen in a public place. Mrs Blundell claims bad blood developed between the couples, saying: 'They would sneakily film us, hurl abuse at us. 'Alison would drive past really slowly… call us all the names under the sun, trying to irk a reaction. 'When they would go past, they would bark at us and growl, pretending to be dogs. 'They have shown no guilt or remorse and would even sing 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' as they passed. The couple contacted Norfolk Police in April 2023 to report the dog bite and harassment, as they said the Girdiefskis were filming them at the clubhouse to contradict Mrs Blundell's claim she had been left fearful of dogs since the attack. Officers gave words of advice to Mrs Girdiefski and put Ziggy on the force's register of dangerous dogs but took no further action due to the lack of evidence available after so much time had passed. They also decided no offence had been committed in relation to filming. A few weeks later Mrs Girdiefski was spoken to under caution by officers and issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract after the Blundells made a further complaint about harassment and threats to cause criminal damage. Police concluded no crime had been committed after receiving a further complaint earlier this year – following which the Blundells to launched the civil case as they were frustrated at the lack of progress. Mrs Blundell, who says a plastic surgeon quoted £1,500 to fix the scar on her wrist, said: 'All we wanted was an apology. Alison has abused us so many times and even threatened to burn our lodge down. 'At some points, I have literally broken down. We do not want animosity with anyone and this is not the retirement we want.' The Girdiefski's deny every claim made against them and said relations with their neighbours remained amicable for more than a year after the dog bite. Mr Girdiefski, who works in forensic litigation, said: 'We saw them multiple times after the incident. They were very friendly still. We even went for dinner at their lodge… 'Suddenly, out of the blue, they were asking for our pet insurance details and told us they would be making a claim.' Referring to the claim being turned down, his wife added: 'From this point on things changed. We thought they were doing this for money. Why else would they be doing it? 'We, from day one, have accepted responsibility. Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this. 'We wanted it settled [out of court] and have made multiple attempts to settle the matter with them.' Mr Blundell, who played 'Daddy' Pongo Banks in the brutal 1970s prison drama Scum and Leader of the Rockers in Quadrophenia – appearing opposite Ray Winstone in both films - added: 'This is absolutely nothing to do with financial gain at all. It is simply about accountability.' Lord Somerleyton, whose resort is frequented by celebrities including EastEnders stars Charlie Brooks and James Farrar and was used to film E4 reality show The Real Dirty Dancing with Anthea Turner and singer Lee Ryan - confirmed he had tried to orchestrate peace between the couples. 'We offered to sit down and try and talk things through and settle the feud in our own family business style kind of way,' he said. 'But the disagreement escalated well beyond our control and, once it ended up in court, there was not much more we could have done.' There have been several civil hearings, resulting in a judgement against the Girdiefskis. At the latest hearing, in Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court late last month, the Girdiefskis were told a settlement figure would be decided during a hearing at Norwich County County Court later this year. Mrs Girdiefski, whose principle property is in Norwich, said: 'These sums of money are just ridiculous – the sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut.' Norfolk Police confirmed they had been contacted about a number of alleged incidents including a dog allegedly being dangerously out of control and a hate crime but had not taken action. A spokeswoman said of alleged harassment and threats to cause criminal damage between May 9, 2023, and July 7, 2023: 'A woman was questioned under caution (voluntary police interview). 'She was issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract in connection with anti-social behaviour which outlined she should not contact the victim/s.'
