A dog belonging to Moldovan President Maia Sandu bit the hand of visiting Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen, causing what the Austrian leader’s office called a “small wound.” Video posted by local media showed van der Bellen leaning over to pet the dog -- named Codrut -- when the animal jumped and snapped at the Austrian president in Chisinau on November 17. “It was a small wound that was treated with a bandage,” van der Bellen’s office told dpa. “Everyone who knows me knows I’m a big dog lover and can understand his excitement,” van der Bellen, 79, said later. Sandu apologized, saying Codrut had become frightened by the presence of so many people.
Moldova's Presidential Pooch Takes A Bite Out Of International Relations During Austrian Leader's Visit
Moldovan President Maia Sandu (left) and her dog greet Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen (right) and Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar in Chisinau on November 16.