Chiba man arrested after Dalmatian escapes and bites elderly woman

A 72-year-old man has been arrested in Chiba Prefecture following an incident in which his dog escaped from his home and bit an elderly woman. Masato Hamana was taken into custody on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in injury. The incident, which occurred in Onjuku in July 2026, left an 84-year-old woman with serious injuries that required five months to fully recover, according to reports.

Details of the incident

The attack took place while the victim was out for a walk. According to police, the dog, a Dalmatian, escaped through an unlocked entrance while Hamana was attempting to walk it. During questioning, Hamana reportedly admitted to the suspicion, stating that the dog suddenly became violent while he was preparing for the walk and ran out through the unsecured entrance to bite the woman.

The investigation revealed that Hamana owns a total of four Dalmatians. While the specific circumstances of the July attack were investigated, it was noted that the dog involved had previously bitten other local residents in the area. This history of aggression suggests that the animal's behavior had been a recurring concern for the community prior to the serious injury sustained by the 84-year-old woman.

Prior police intervention

The arrest follows a period of previous contact between law enforcement and the dog owner. Officials stated that police had previously provided guidance to Hamana on two separate occasions regarding the behavior of the dog. These warnings were intended to address the animal's conduct before a major incident occurred.

Following the biting incident in July, police took further action by seizing the Dalmatian in August 2026. The arrest of Hamana marks the legal progression of the case as authorities address the negligence that allowed the animal to access the public space and cause harm to a resident. The victim's recovery process, which spanned five months, underscores the severity of the physical impact caused by the escape.

Legal implications

The charge of professional negligence resulting in injury is a serious matter in Japan, particularly when it involves the failure to properly secure animals that have shown a history of aggression. Because the owner had already received official guidance from the police on two prior occasions, the legal scrutiny regarding his responsibility to control the animals is heightened. The case highlights the responsibilities of pet owners to ensure that entrances are secured and that aggressive behavior is managed to prevent harm to the public.

Glossary

• Chiba Prefecture — Chiba Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kantō region of Honshu. It is part of the Greater Tokyo Area and largely consists of the Bōsō Peninsula.