Irony of fate in fatal dog mauling in Slavonia 

     A physician who fiercely battled governmental authorities to have his beloved three bull mastiffs returned to him was killed in Slavonia in February 2010 by these very same dogs he saved from destruction. Previously these dogs were declared dangerous.

     Within two weeks after the dogs were returned to the physician, the dogs attacked and killed him, which in turn sparked national controversy in Slavonia. The 52-year-old victim was mauled to death in his backyard. It was not clear how many dogs were involved in the attack. When police officers arrived on the scene, they shot and killed one of the dogs, and the other two were euthanized. News of this fatality prompted calls for the resignation of the agricultural Minister for allowing the dogs to be returned to the victim. The controversy continues in this country, as of this posting.

     Bull mastiffs are extremely large dogs, averaging approximately 150 pounds, and are known for their territorial protective tendencies.